Lennox Campbell is a man of the people (colludium) wrote in neeps, @ 2017-12-19 15:20:00 |
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Entry tags: | ! media - daily prophet, ! owl, lennox campbell |
Letter: A Time for Change
Sir,
More capable and knowledgeable men and women than I have already spoken about the movement for muggleborn visibility, and why it has more than earned its place in Quidditch. Their moving words speak for themselves.Today, however, I wish to state my personal support for the muggleborn players and supporters within our sport, and to counter the suggestion that sport is - or should be - apolitical.
Those in our society familiar with the muggle sport of Rugby may already be aware of the Haka performed by the New Zealand team before each of its matches. For those unaware, the Haka is, in the most literal sense, a traditional war dance and chant performed by the Maori people before entering into battle. It serves multiple purposes today as players of all backgrounds and cultures perform it together. While it is described in the most popular presses as a manner of intimidation of the opposition, to witness it in person (something I have been fortunate enough to do) is an act of an altogether different intent. It is nothing short of a statement of defiance - a fierce show of unity, pride and determination to succeed for one another. A show of strength and brotherhood, if you will. It is an act that is not only permitted on the pitch, but encouraged as one of the most popular and thrilling sights in international Rugby - and if a cultural act performed in war is not also political, then what is it?
The pink movement, from my perspective, is a show of unity and identity, coming from a time of war and persecution. The shade itself is unforgettable, and nor should it be, because we should not forget the treatment of those who suffer in times of war. Wearing two colours on the pitch does not show that one cannot fully commit to one identity, such as one’s Quidditch team, but is a very visible reminder that as players and supporters we simply do not have one lone identity, and it is both naive and simplistic to suggest otherwise.
We are men and women.
We are many races and religions.
We are from backgrounds of wealth and of poverty.
We are from countries worldwide.
We are of many sexual orientations.
And yes, we are muggleborn, pureblood, and of many variations in between.
It is correct to say that the pink movement is unlike anything we have ever seen before. However, a lack of precedent does not mean that it is a concept lacking merit. Muggleborns have endured years of violence at worst and patronising infantilisation at best - so perhaps something different is what we need in order to encourage the necessary shift in societal belief.
Lennox Campbell
Calgary
Isle of Mull