sussexpob wrote:meninblue wrote:sussexpob wrote:meninblue wrote:sussexpob wrote:I cant really comment on the depth of the comments he made, as I dont speak whatever language he uttered them in (Urdu? No idea). The translation suggested around seem to vary, but if he has refereed to the colour of his skin then its not acceptable. He should be sacked from the captaincy if hes engaging in this behaviour, and maybe even banned if the remarks are properly translated and found to be racist.
Kaala is Hindi word to say black color
Do they speak Hindi in Pakistan, or is it just very similar to Urdu? I didnt think Hindi was spoken at all in Pakistan.
Lot of the words are similar in two languages. Very similar as I never faced difficulty in understanding any interviews given by Pak players. Even the different words are well understood by most Indians and Pakistanis who speak one of this language
What context was it given in? Is it to be considered racist?
Comment:
"Abey kaale, teri ammi aaj kahaan baitheen hain? Kya parwa ke aaye hai aaj tu?"
Interpretation:
Hi Black (person), where is your mom seated today? What (prayers) have you told her to do?
or
Hi Black (person), where is your mom seated today? What have you asked your mother to pray for?
I hope, by those two sentence you will get the context.
Some commentator immediately asked. "What's he saying there, Rameez".
Rameez can be heard replying with some smile /laugh "Difficult really to translate that. It's a big long sentence".
The context i see is:
In the chase of just 203 runs, SA were in deep trouble at 80/5. Then Rassie and Andile were recovering the situation well for SA. Sarfaraz probably was frustrated due to unable to get break-through and then felt the need of sledge that Andile was batting well because he may have asked his mother to pray for him.
Sledge would have been fine if he had not used the word "Kaale".
The word "Kaale" is often used in India as well frequently in informal discussions or while calling friends. Some people are called as "Kaalu", "Kaale", "Kalya" between friends. Nobody takes objection withing friends or goes to court or gets into fight. Similarly fair complexion Indians are called "Gore","Gorya","Gora". Nobody takes objection.Having said that one does not says the word "Kaale" to someone who isn't in your friends circle though knowing the disputes it might create. Things are probably similar in Pakistan as well.
In some discussion people referring to stranger would say "
Person 1: Do you know who was the person who got the award.
Person 2: That person "ABC"
Person 1: I don't know who you are referrign to.
Person 2: That "Black" / "White" man who is fat /thin. Bald / Long hair
This is how the words "Kaala" and "Gora" gets used in general conversation too between known people. There is no bad intention but just to highlight the person. The problem happens when strangers talk things like that. Anyways, even thats not an excuse because it is a racist word and if someone complaints, the person using word is guilty irrespective of how things happen back home.
Here Sarfraz is a captain. He is representing country at a major televised match, being watched in huge population of Pakistan, SA, India and Bangladesh. He should be aware of what are racist words and those should not be used. Also, some SA cricketer called some Pakistani cricketer a "Dog". So Pakistani cricketers must be aware that racist words are bad even though some words will be used between friends circle in funny way. Now calling "Monkey" which is racist elsewhere is at times used within friends circle. But one should not use it to strangers or a place where it is racist. Harby though defended as he used word "Maaki" which is a word used when batsman plays and misses and keepers/bowler will say Maaki, Aaila , Aicha etc. "Maa" "Aai" etc are all referring to word "Mother". Maybe it can be taken as "Oh Mom" or something on that line. Aila and Aicha were regularly used by Sachin and Kumble. Harby probably had habit of saying "Maaki" as he is Punjabi and uses hindi more. Very common in India and it actually is not a racist word by any means. It is said in disappointment. But if word "Monkey" is used and someone complains about it is is indeed a racist comment then.
Is it to be considered racist?
As referring someone by complexion of skin is racist then it is indeed racist.
He cannot say, we talk at home like this between friends and so it's fine to do so with anyone in all situations.
His apology via tweet (not sure if it was he or someone who wrote tweet had passed it to him) was stupid too.
I wish to extend my sincere apologies to any person who may have taken offence from my expression of frustration which was unfortunately caught by the stump mic during yesterday's game against SA. My words were not directed towards anyone in particular and I certainly had no intention of upsetting anyone. I did not even mean for my words to be heard, understood or communicated to the opposing team or the cricket fans. I have in the past and will continue in future to appreciate the camaraderie of my fellow cricketers from across the globe and will always respect and honour them on and off the field.
It was stupid to mention unfortunately caught by the stump mic.