Am I the only one who thinks Lewis is in danger of coming across as a bit of a bully ? Lewis Hamilton says some drivers' reluctance to take a knee before the Austrian Grand Prix is down to a lack of understanding of racism. F1 drivers will take a collective stance against racism before Sunday's season-opening race, but some are not comfortable with the kneeling gesture. Hamilton said he had made his point to the drivers at a meeting on Friday. "I described the scenario that silence is really generally complicit. There is some silence in some cases," he said. World champion Hamilton added: "But I think it is part of a dialogue of people trying to understand, because there are still some people who don't fully understand what is happening and what is the reason for these protests and I continue to try to be that guide and try to influence as many people as I can with it." https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/53294057 Also the fact he walked into the circuit with a big chain and padlock around his neck was SAD IMHO . I am NOT saying the BLM movement is wrong , but I think he needs to calm down a touch .
I hate the idea that if you don’t toe the line you are painted as racist. I wouldn’t kneel because there are other connotations to it and basically it looks stupid. People should do it because they feel they want to, not because they are being coerced. I feel the smell way about poppy wearing....I do so and am proud to do so, but no one should be criticised if they don’t.
Being white and British, I haven't been subject to any sort of racism in my life so I can't pretend to imagine what Lewis and others have had to endure. I think Lewis is just trying to use his position as Britain's most successful racing driver to help put the message across. Maybe he's being a bit forceful, but who am I to judge him?
He should put the message across then but not dictate what others should do and should certainly not translate non-action of peers as compliance to racism.
Unpopular opinion but all this taking a knee bollocks just makes divide even greater. If I dont want to take a knee it dont automatically mean I'm racist. ****ing wetwipes.
I’m white and British and I’ve experienced appalling racism from Scots, Welsh and South Africans because of it. Some of it was seriously scary. Threats of violence etc. Plus, my ex son-in-law is from Zimbabwe and the stories he’s told me has really opened my eyes. So I DO understand what is trying to be done to make people understand that racism is still a scourge of this country (and, sadly, been allowed to flourish because of bastards like Farage, Johnson and Rees-Smug) BUT I’m with Fran and Fats on this. Just because you don’t take a knee or wear a poppy doesn’t mean you are naturally complicit. It’s an individual choice.
Max Verstappen . I am very committed to equality and the fight against racism. But I believe everyone has the right to express themself at a time and in a way that suits them. I will not take the knee today but respect and support the personal choices every driver makes CLC All 20 drivers stand united with their teams against racism and prejudice, at the same time embracing the principles of diversity, equality and inclusion, supporting Formula 1’s and FIA’s commitment. I believe that what matters are facts and behaviours in our daily life rather than formal gestures that could be seen as controversial in some countries. I will not take the knee but this does not mean at all that I am less committed than others in the fight against racism.
I thought that the “taking the knee” was going to be a one off, at the first round of football matches, and was surprised to see it continue. I think it is right that names are now back on football shirts, though, instead of BLM. I agree that everyone should be able to show their support as, when and how they want, without being criticised for not following blindly, but it is equally important that no one loses sight of the reasons for what is being done.
But what if the same happens to a white kid in that time will they have to flip reverse it and visa versa depending on the colour for that weekend?
