One century ago, on April 7th, Vasco da Gama was the main protagonist of a memorable chapter in the history of Brazilian football. The Carioca football team was the trailblazer that embraced anti-racism and welcomed Black people in their football shirts.
In the early 20th century, Brazilian football mirrored the socio-racial divisions of the time. Off the field, football leagues were establishing the first statutes and rules for regional championships. In order to maintain their status in football's elite circles, clubs adhered to norms that excluded workers and illiterates from participation. White players were perceived as more 'civilized,' technically superior, and often deemed more commercially appealing to clubs and fans. Additionally, there was a notable lack of representation and influence from other minority groups in positions of superiority within the sport.
This is why many Black footballers resorted to adopting 'whiteface,' a practice where a person of colour uses makeup to appear fair-skinned. Whiteface in Brazilian football is indicative of deeper societal issues concerning race, identity, and beauty standards.
In Brazil, lighter skin is often associated with higher social status and privilege, perpetuated by media portrayals that prioritize European features. This societal preference exerts pressure on darker-skinned individuals to conform to these standards in order to gain visibility and recognition. Colourism, prevalent within the same racial groups, further reinforces this bias, favouring lighter skin tones in various contexts. Despite Brazil's diverse population stemming from its history of colonization, slavery (the last country in Latin America to abolish slavery in 1889 without historical reparations), and immigration, European beauty standards continue to hold influence, perpetuating colourist attitudes.
In the 1920s, Vasco da Gama achieved its first Rio de Janeiro state titles, notably winning the "black shirt" championships. It was during this time, in 1923, that the team comprised of black players and workers initiated a fight against the discrimination prevalent in the country. The emblematic moment occurred a year later when Vasco was admitted into the Rio de Janeiro championship, but with a stipulation: twelve players from the team were barred from participating due to being illiterate workers. In response, the then-president, José Augusto Prestes, issued the so-called "Historical Response," in which the club staunchly refused to dismiss its players.
Over the years, the legacy of the Historical Response continues to inspire. Vasco da Gama has emerged as a symbol of the fight against prejudice and defender of equality, leaving an indelible mark on the history of Brazilian sports. It stands as a beacon of diversity and inclusion, setting an example for other teams to follow.
Thanks to this policy, Vasco da Gama's discovery in the 1940s was none other than Pelé, also known as 'The King' in Brazil. Pelé was not only a pioneer but transcended beyond the title of the greatest of all time (G.O.A.T). Over the course of his 21-year football career, Pelé scored an astounding 1283 goals in 1367 matches and remains the only footballer to have won three World Cups. However, his legacy extends far beyond the football field; he played a pivotal role in shaping the identity of a nation and its people. Pelé paved the way for a generation of Black Brazilians who sought direction and provided them with a sense of pride and identity, as well as inspiring people across African continent. His impact transcends his dribbles on the field, leaving an enduring legacy of empowerment and inspiration in Brazil, the country with the largest black population outside the African continent.
Despite advancements in anti-discrimination policies, incidents of racism still plague Brazilian stadiums. Black players frequently endure racist insults from opposing fans, including verbal abuse, gestures, and even the hurling of racist objects. In response, players, coaches, officials, and activists have united to raise their voices against racism, advocating for awareness and demanding concrete actions to combat the issue. A recent example of this ongoing struggle is the case of Brazilian footballer Vini Jr, who has been embroiled in a battle with La Liga since last May, highlighting the persistent challenges faced by black players in the sport.
Vasco da Gama was named after the Portuguese explorer, but its colours—black, white, and red Maltese cross—stand out prominently in Brazil. They serve as symbols of resilience, unity, power, and the unwavering fight against discrimination. Vasco da Gama stands as a beacon of diversity and inclusion for other teams, a sea for Black people. It is the football team of my grandfather, known for his strong-willed nature. Consequently, the heart's team for my father and uncle. Now, it is also mine, holding affective memories of Sundays.
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