The Language of Power: How Sport Struggles to Condemn War
The power of language to shape reality is undeniable. As political scientist Martin Greiffenhagen observed, whoever controls the narrative controls the situation. This principle is starkly evident in the world of sports, where the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine has exposed a disturbing trend of euphemisms and calculated silence.
While the world grapples with the brutal reality of war,some sporting organizations have chosen to downplay the conflict,opting for sanitized terms like “special operation” or “situation” instead of directly naming the aggression. This linguistic maneuvering, while seemingly innocuous, has profound consequences. By refusing to acknowledge the war for what it is, these organizations inadvertently contribute to the erasure of the violence and suffering inflicted upon Ukraine.
the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), an organization dedicated to promoting inclusivity through sport, initially exemplified this troubling trend. Their initial response to the invasion was to cite a “gross violation” of the “Olympic armistice,” a vague condemnation that failed to directly address Russia’s role in the conflict. This stance sparked outrage within the Paralympic community, ultimately leading to a successful revolt and a more forceful message of peace from IPC President Andrew Parsons at the Paralympics opening ceremony.
The World volleyball Federation (FIVB) also faced criticism for its initial reluctance to condemn the invasion. Despite the war’s outbreak, the FIVB continued preparations for the men’s world championships scheduled to be held in Russia. Only after intense pressure did they relocate the tournament, finally acknowledging the “military invasion.”
This pattern of delayed condemnation and euphemistic language extends to other sporting bodies as well. The world judo association, led by Putin’s longtime ally Marius Vizer, initially referred to the conflict as merely a “dispute.” The International Boxing Federation, headed by Russian President Umar Kremlev, remained largely silent, offering only perfunctory statements about the “situation” in ukraine.
The international Speed Skating union, with its Russian Vice President Alexander Lakernik, echoed this trend, speaking of “developments” in the “Ukraine crisis” as if Russia were an uninvolved bystander.
This reluctance to directly confront Russia’s aggression is not merely a matter of semantics. It reflects a deeper issue: the pervasive influence of Russian money and power within the world of sports.For years, Putin has used sporting events like the Olympics and World Cup to project an image of strength and legitimacy on the global stage. This strategy has yielded significant financial benefits for Russian oligarchs and officials, who have invested heavily in sporting organizations and infrastructure.
While the era of unchallenged Russian dominance in sports may be waning, the legacy of this influence lingers. The recent events have exposed the vulnerability of sporting institutions to political pressure and the need for greater transparency and accountability.
As German Foreign Minister annalena Baerbock aptly stated in her address to the United Nations, “Neutrality in the face of oppression is tantamount to siding with the oppressor.” The world of sports must heed this warning and recognize that silence is not an option. It is time for sporting organizations to unequivocally condemn the war in Ukraine and stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people. Only then can sport truly live up to its ideals of peace, unity, and fair play.
“Silence is Complicity”: An Athlete’s Plea for Action on War
this week, we’re tackling a complex and necessary conversation: the intersection of sport and war. Joining us today is four-time Olympic swimming medalist and outspoken advocate for human rights, Sarah Bellingham. Sarah, thanks for being here.
SB: It’s an honor to be here. This is a conversation we can’t avoid.
Moderator: I want to start by addressing the elephant in the room. The recent article, “The Language of Power” highlighted how some sporting bodies have struggled to directly condemn Russia’s invasion of ukraine, opting for euphemisms and diluting the gravity of the situation. What are your thoughts on this approach?
SB: Honestly, it’s deeply disappointing. Sport has the power to unite people, to transcend borders, and to promote peace.To see some organizations shy away from calling out blatant aggression feels like a betrayal of those values. Using terms like “special operation” or “situation” minimizes the suffering of Ukrainians and allows for a hazardous normalization of violence.
Moderator: It’s true. The article mentioned the International Paralympic Committee’s initial response, which was criticized for being too vague before ultimately condemning the invasion. Do you feel performative activism is better than silence, even if it comes after initial hesitation?
SB: It’s a complex issue. Ideally,organizations should be proactive and unwavering in their condemnation from the start. But sometimes,public pressure and internal pushback can lead to positive change,even if it’s not immediate. The Paralympics case shows that athletes themselves can be powerful agents for change.
Moderator: Absolutely.
The article also delves into the financial ties between Russia and various sporting associations.
Do you believe this financial leverage has contributed to this reluctance by some organizations to take a strong stance?
SB: I can’t say with certainty, but it’s certainly a factor we can’t ignore. Money talks, and unfortunately, it can sometimes silence voices that need to be heard.
Moderator: This raises a crucial question: how can we ensure sporting bodies remain truly independent and prioritize ethical considerations over financial gain?
SB: It requires greater clarity and accountability. We need stricter regulations regarding financial dealings, independent audits, and diverse leadership that represents athletes and ethical experts, not just financial interests.
moderator:
What message would you like to send to young athletes who might feel powerless in the face of such complex geopolitical issues?
SB: Don’t underestimate the power of your voice. Use your platform to speak out, to educate yourself about current events, and to hold those in power accountable. Remember,sport isn’t just about medals and records; it’s about something bigger. It’s about using our collective influence to promote peace, justice, and human dignity.
Moderator:
Powerful words, Sarah. Thank you for your time and your candor.
readers, we want to hear from you.
do you agree with Sarah’s perspective? How can we ensure sport remains a unifying force for good in the face of global conflict? Join the conversation in the comments below.
