The hashtag #BlackLivesMatter is trending because people are reporting incidents of racism. The whole world has been calling for an end to racism.
Recently, the veteran player of West Indies Darren Sammy called by ICC to speak on the matter of racism. Sammy did so in response to the famous George Floyd incident, which caused unrest and protests around the world, especially in the United States.
This happened after Sammy realized that a jibe has directed to him from Sunrise Hyderabad teammates was based on his color. Sammy lost his temper over being called ‘Kalu’ during his Indian Premier League (IPL) stint with SunRisers Hyderabad.
Sammy kept quiet until he claimed that he had face racism 6 years ago while playing IPL. His claim has proved after one of the netizens dug out the post by Indian player Ishant Sharma. In that Instagram post, Ishant calls Sammy ‘Kalu’.
“Now, I realize it was degrading, I will be texting you guys and I will ask you as to when you called me with that name, did you all mean it in any bad way or form? Talk to me, reach out to me, let’s clear the air. That is why it is important to take a stand against all racial injustice.”
recently I discovered a word that I was being called was not what it actually meant I need some answers. So before I start calling out names I need these individuals to reach out and please tell me there’s another meaning to that word. I saw u as brothers https://t.co/Ouf7eh5Yu8
— Daren Sammy (@darensammy88) June 9, 2020
Recently, in a video, Sammy asked for clarification from his teammates about the nickname ‘Kalu’. Unless he will reveal the names of all players publically who used to discriminate him based on his color.
Further, he said, “He along with Sri Lanka player Thisara Perera was subjected to ‘Kalu’ chants when they played for SunRisers Hyderabad.”
Two more ace players, Jofra Archer and Chris Gayle claimed the same story. Along with them, Darren Sammy takes a strong stand against racism.
On the other hand, Parthiv Patel, Venugopal Rao, and Irfan Pathan, who are in the picture with Sammy claimed that they are unaware of this caption.
Reactions from the Netizens
This revelation by Sammy brings a wave of mixed reactions from Twitterati. Many of them are appreciating Darren for taking a stand against racist slur.
Very important Darren Sammy has revealed he faced racial slurs playing in the IPL. In fact he shouldn't have waited for George Floyd murder & universal uproar that has followed, to make this public. Racism anytime, anywhere is reprehensible. Needs to be called out instantly
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) June 8, 2020
Man, the revelation by Darren Sammy about the SRH setup on instagram opening a can of worms.
But I wonder, we as a nation, have always been lusty for fair skin and derogatory towards the dark skin tones and 99.99% of us would have atleast once made a colour remark, including me!
— Rishit_Sachinist*EF* (@RishitShukla) June 6, 2020
While others tried to calm down Sammy because in our society calling someone ‘Kalu’ is not a big deal.
Ishant Sharma To Darren Sammy : pic.twitter.com/oXBtChqf5K
— Adarsh 2.0 (@Adarshdvn45) June 9, 2020
Dear Sammy in india lot more words are used by friends in india like kaalu, angrez(for white) and many more. But this not intentionally to hurt anyone. These word are used for fun. So don't try to hyper it . If you start taking name also you will get same reply nothing more
— Ravi Mishra (@qwerty4321ravi) June 9, 2020
Meanwhile, Twitter users dug up some of the Darren pictures in which he calling himself “Black”.
Daren Sammy himself posted photos with caption "Black Bros" & "Black Power". Then why he is raising the issue over "Kalu" ?? @darensammy88 pic.twitter.com/zXxZK1wh4F
— Mahirat (@MahiratDream11) June 9, 2020
Wrt the Sammy situation, isn't it strange how saying 'black people' in English is totally fine while same words in literally all other languages is racist.
Ofc they themselves decide what to deem as racist & all should respect, but what's this weird Privilege to English language.— Abijit Ganguly (@AbijitG) June 9, 2020
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