Vol. 24 No. 252 (2019)

Homophobia is also violence

In Argentine soccer, part of the celebration in the stadium is the singing of an extensive playlist of songs with homophobic and misogynistic content, which seek as their main objective to degrade and humiliate the opponent. This form of symbolic violence is currently not only allowed but is even celebrated.

Eric Dunning, in the mid-80s of the last century, said that sport is one of the main male preserves and therefore it is of potential importance for the functioning of patriarchal structures.

If xenophobic, chauvinistic or discriminatory chants or gestures against a rival are punished, there must also be some sanction that draws attention to these expressions that until now have been naturalized as part of soccer’s rituals.

Sports events, as important places of our daily life, can also contribute to positively transform reality and build an equal and fair society.

Tulio Guterman, Director - May 2019