Racism In Racing

Lewis Hamilton is a Brit of of colour who is also a formula one race car driver. A funny thing happened at one of his races.

The McLaren driver, 23, was subjected to racist comments and was faced with a group of spectators wearing wigs, dark make-up and t-shirts with the slogan “Hamilton’s Family” on the front during pre-season testing near Barcelona. And although the Briton insisted he still loves being in Spain, he admitted he was not prepared for what occured at the Circuit de Catalunya, in Montmelo.

“The truth is that I feel somewhat sad, I am in love with this country, and especially the city of Barcelona and this circuit, which is one of my three favourites,” Hamilton said.

The State Of . . . racism. One paper described Hamilton’s response as gracious. Which is how we’ve been taught to respond. But what if he had responded with more ire? When is it acceptable to respond with a “slap in the face” sorta speak?