24.11.2022

Mario Aranha gives a lecture on racism in sports

By Lais Carvalho

In continuity with our actions on racial equity and with the arrival of the World Cup, we hosted a TeenAge Talk on Racism in Sports with Aranha, a former soccer goalkeeper. A symbol in the fight against racism, he was awarded a prize by the Ministry of Human Rights. Author of the books “Brasil Tumbeiro” and “José do Patrocínio”, Mario Aranha talked to the students of the Middle School in person and held an online meeting with the families and the school team.

The structural racism and the way it has impacted Aranha’s life and the lives of so many other people were addressed with the students through examples of his life story. He told how he was beaten by policemen for leaning against a car and also when he was a teenager delivering newspapers. The stories impressed the students, who were surprised to learn that many of the stories are real.

Several stories about racism in soccer and sports were shared, as well as about recreational racism that seems harmless. However, Spider urged the students to think about what attitudes they can take to fight racism. “How do they treat their peers? How do you welcome those who feel diminished? What opportunities do you think you can offer society, and what actions are you already capable of taking?”, asked the former goalkeeper, encouraging reflection.   

These were intense, deep conversations that, with the lightness of soccer and Spider’s stories as a backdrop, gave visibility to racism and brought students and family members to reflect on how we can be positive agents of change.