Stand Up Against Racism

‘’Humour is the weapon of unarmed people; it helps people who are oppressed to smile at the situation that pains them.’’Simon Wiesenthal (Holocaust survivor)This Thursday a novel initiative to help tackle racism will be launched. The first Stand Up Against Racism gig in Ireland is being hosted by the Irish branch of the Show Racism the Red Card project and will feature comedian David Mc Savage (The Savage Eye), Karl Spain and Ross Browne (RTÉ’s The Fear).We hope as the Stand Up Against Racism in Ireland grows, we will engage more high profile names and that it becomes a platform for performers including those of minority backgrounds. The idea of using comedy to raise awareness and funds for SRTRC was first piloted in the UK in 2010 and has seen big names such as John Bishop, Shappi Khorsandi and Sara Millican perform to audiences in major venues.Press coverage of racist incidents whether in club GAA or the Airtricity League remind us that even though diversity is now a fact of Irish life, negative attitudes and abuse are never far away at any level of sport. The most high profile cases in Irish sport include Irish-born Lee Chin who received abuse from a fellow player during a Wexford County hurling match. The other player was subsequently banned for 8 games in October. In 2011, Eamon Zayed, then a Derry City player and Libyan international, made a complaint to the FAI over racist abuse he received during a match with Shamrock Rovers. Our aim is to educate young people so that they are aware of the dangers of racism in sport and to help them understand each other’s backgrounds in a positive light through workshops and coaching exercises.Show Racism the Red Card Ireland produces anti-racism educational resources which harness the high profile of sports people to combat racism. The educational materials are very accessible and have been successfully used in schools and sports clubs throughout Ireland. It began in Newcastle-upon-Tyne with a £50 donation from Newcastle United’s Shaka Hislop and was launched in Ireland in 2006. In Ireland, we are currently updating our new DVD education pack and have already interviewed players from the Ireland soccer, rugby team and inter county Gaelic players who wanted to show their support for our education message.Thursday’s event is being headlined by comic Karl Spain and supported by Ross Browne from RTÉ’s The Fear and other guests. Bookings can be made through brian@theredcard.ie and tickets available on the night. Doors at 7:45pm. Entry €10.