Boateng about Death of George Floyd: "child in this world is born racist, Everything depends on their parents"

George Floyd's death helped Bundesliga players speak out about racism, including Jerome Boateng. To DW, the Bayern Munich defender said education was also important as a voice for support.

DW: As a German citizen, what do you think about what is happening in the United States (US) now?

Photos of events shocked me. Some that appear on social media now also look brutal. And unfortunately, the demonstration also led to chaos. Even so, the case of George Floyd shows us how widespread racism is towards black citizens in America, as well as the use of racial profiles that also plays. I feel very sad because I myself am often in America and I really like America and its culture. But of course this is not new, it has become something that is everywhere. Racism is found everywhere, but extreme is found in the US.

I read a good quote recently: It's as if racism is a dark room and once in a while someone turns on the light so that everything is revealed.

When you think about how many things African-Americans have done for US image and culture, for me that cannot be explained in words. And I only think about sports, fashion, and music. Barack Obama as president is also a decisive figure.

Do you see any similarities with Germany?

Of course racism is also a hot topic here, it is clearly very present. In recent years we have seen attacks on foreigners and various religious groups in Germany. Overall, this is moving in a certain direction which in my opinion is further than before.

During my childhood in Berlin, I also experienced racism, of course. But I also remember when I was on the soccer field, that where you came from or what your religion was never a problem. We are from Iran, Africa, Turkey, Germany. We don't really think or even talk about it, because everything is about being together.

In your opinion, are Afro-Germans sufficiently recognized in Germany?

In general, people of African blood are under-represented in certain areas. Although, I often get the impression that athletes are people who often get recognition.

But I don't want to talk bad about everything: basically, I feel that Germany is an open country. Personally, I also have many good experiences. There are other countries in Europe that are far worse.

In today's world, do you think athletes and athletes should also be activists?

Our voice is certainly heard, we also have a platform to reach the community. But I think it's important that that should not be limited to social media. Initiatives such as Black Out Tuesday are all well and good, but what we should really do is participate and do something, whether it's working with children or supporting other integration projects. Everyone can help.

I personally will definitely do something in this field in the near future. There are already various suggestions and ideas coming in.

Many black footballers have spoken up about recent events. But what do you think your white counterpart can do?

Not all white athletes who currently decide to remain silent are racists. Of course not. When I watch the demonstration video, I see people of all skin colors. But of course it would be very good if they used their fame to support this goal. Many have already done it, but I think there is still plenty of room to do more.

Is there something I haven't asked that you think is important to say?

It all starts with education for children. That is the most important. No child in this world is born racist. Everything depends on their parents and what they teach their children.

The worst thing that could possibly happen is that my children experience something like this. It is very important for us to teach them that racism is unacceptable and when they see someone being harassed, they must defend and cannot stay silent. It must start in school and must be an integral part of the curriculum in it. Only in that way can we make progress.

Jerome Boateng was born in Berlin in 1988. He is the son of a German mother and father from Ghana. Boateng honed his ability to play football in the city streets before finally entering Hertha Berlin and appearing with his first professional appearance for the club in 2007. He then joined Bayern Munich in 2011. Since then he has performed in 313 matches and won 7 Bundesliga titles, 4 German Cups and the Champions League in 2013. Boateng became a mainstay of the German national team between 2009 and 2019. Besides appearing in 76 senior appearances, he also starred in the team that won the World Cup in Brazil in 2014. He was named the German Footballer of the Year in 2016.

Source: Interview with Jerome Boateng conducted by Jonathan Harding from DW.

http://deklarasi-sancang.org