Protest matters – in Qatar too

B42

15.11.2022 Reading time: 3 min

Protest is always unpleasant. That is in its nature. Because, protest is directed against a status quo. Against an existing social condition, a development or a person. And it demands modification. Demands change. Protest is always against something. This is what distinguishes protest from demonstration. But it also means that the moment we start protesting, we step on the toes of all those who support the status quo, at least accept it and come to terms with it.

When suddenly there is a protest against a social status quo that we have always come to terms with, it is completely human to initially reject this protest. To question its legitimacy. Because it has done exactly the same thing to our subjective lifeworld. It questions what we had come to terms with. And thus this protest always attacks us as a person. At least that is how we perceive it.

Appearance and hypocrisy

There are now numerous examples of protests that make us uncomfortable as a society. Currently, there are climate protests and groups like the "last generation". Less because of the actual matter – a large proportion of Germans would claim that the climate is important to them – much more because of the means taken. And because those means confront us with how much more serious and definitive some of us are about the situation than the silent majority.

In years past, some of us were similarly uncomfortable with a different issue.

For decades we basked in the certainty: racism is not a German problem. Not even a European one. We pointed our fingers at the rest of the world and at the same time were satisfied that our society was so much more liberal and just. Here, no one is discriminated against or attacked because of the color of their skin, their religion, their gender, their sexual orientation or their nationality.        

Last year, at the latest, the ZDF documentary "Black Eagles" showed us that racism in Germany is not an isolated case. It is a pattern. And it showed us that we have to learn to listen. Because from listening comes understanding. And only those who have understood can show solidarity.

Unfortunately, we tend to forget how difficult it was and still is for us to deal with our own social problems and injustices. Especially when we start to sweep up on other people's doorsteps.

The Euros 2021 as an example of (failed) solidarization

The Men's Euros 2021 a year and a half ago showed us how difficult this can be and how much backlash we can expect when we decide to stand united against racism or homophobia. English and Russian fans booed their own and opposing players when they took a knee before kickoff in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. The Allianz Arena in Munich had to remain gray. This resistance and expression of displeasure with social values that most of us take for granted hurt. 

Onward, always onward – all the way to Qatar

And that must be the incentive to go on. To continue to listen, to show solidarity and to protest. As long as a single person takes offense at rainbow flags and kneeling, the finger must continue to be put in the wound. It is in the nature of protest to meet with resistance. Otherwise it would be obsolete. And it is often most effective where the resistance is greatest at the beginning.

Which brings us to the upcoming World Cup in Qatar. For it is precisely there and in connection with this unfortunate World Cup that protest can have its greatest effect.

We will no longer be able to prevent the World Cup from being awarded to and held in Qatar. But we can actively shape what this World Cup will stand for in the end.

How we can deal with this World Cup

To do this, we should not point the finger at other countries and cultures in a lecturing or admonishing manner but enter into a dialogue at eye level. Values are not an export good, and we are not missionaries. Values are adapted above all when their value is understood. And everyone has the right to reflect and learn. The best way to do this is through constructive dialogue.

However, we do not allow ourselves to be deprived of this dialogue. Neither from (inter)national sports federations nor from our host country. Anyone who invites the world community to join them must also put up with this community and its values. We did not ask to look to Qatar for this World Cup.

But neither are we prepared to accept this status quo without contradiction.

That's why it's essential to constantly address the existing grievances. Some issues are not resolved as soon as the ball starts rolling.

A game lasts 90 minutes. Human rights last a lifetime.

This protest is also a demonstration. A demonstration of strength and values. We must not forget that this World Cup is just a tournament. It is not soccer.