Should countries be able to use sporting events as a way to improve their reputation, even if they have a poor human rights record?
El Salvador has been using Sportswashing as a means of improving its international reputation, despite serious human rights abuses perpetrated by its government.
The troubled Central American country of six-million souls has turned to professional surfing, particularly through its partnership with the World Surf League (WSL), to generate positive media coverage and international attention.
The WSL, as you know, casts itself as a real progressive organisation, equality, equity etc, first to throw equal cash at the gals, allow biological men to surf as women, they don’t like plastic and so on.
However, all the good shouldn’t be used to deflect attention from the problematic aspects of the WSL’s partnership with El Sals government.
I would suggest, sponsor cash aside, the WSL has a responsibility to use its platform to promote positive change and to ensure that its events are not used as a tool for government propaganda.
Government abuses in El Salvador have been particularly targeted towards those who are seen as critical of the regime, including journalists, human rights defenders, and members of the opposition.
The government has been accused of using anti-gang operations as a cover for targeted killings of suspected gang members and their families, as well as other individuals who are deemed to be “undesirable” by the government.
According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, at least seven journalists were killed in the country between 2019 and 2021. Many more have faced threats, harassment, and intimidation from both criminal gangs and government officials. Critics argue that the WSL should use its platform to speak out on behalf of journalists and human rights defenders who are under threat in the country.
The use of Sportswashing by El Salvador raises important ethical questions about the role of sports in international politics.
Should countries be able to use sporting events as a way to improve their reputation, even if they have a poor human rights record?
And what responsibility do athletes, teams, and governing bodies have to speak out about these issues?
More importantly, do you remember what happened last year in El Salvador when brave Griffin Colapinto stomped eventual world champion Filipe Toledo into the dirty brown water? And Brazilian sports fans threatened grave retribution, including Death to Griff, and boycotts at the following event in Brazil, which never happened?
The Surf City El Salvador Pro runs from June 9 to 18 at La Libertad.
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Beautiful lakes and great fishing.
I have lived in El Salvador for forty years and for the first time in along time there is hope.
People like Zipperface didn’t give a shit about El Salvador, including the so called Human rights crowd while tens of thousands of Salvadorans were being murdered by thugs that made the Taliban look like friendly neighbors. Want to have your daughters foot sent to you so you pay off the ransom? How about Zipperdicks dick in a bag as proof he has a small winkie?
This is just a disgusting article! Go to hell OG!
It’s really great to hear a locals perspective.
You really need to get rid of that little “Thought of the day” calendar.
“The WSL, as you know, casts itself as a real progressive organization, equality, equity etc, first to throw equal cash at the gals, allow biological men to surf as women, they don’t like plastic and so on.”
But we will squash your right to free speech if you choose to honor Bethany Hamilton. Woke BS WSL Fuck You.
This is very true if you don’t understand the sides. If you think they’re all equally bad, maybe you should just sit it out and shout from the sidelines.
Not even close. Still surfing, mtn biking, backcountry skiing, drinking tequila…
Biden = Corn Pop?
That does make sense in a Bidenesque way.
Thanks, it is a wild, WILD place that ages you prematurely.
I hate it when I type fast, hit comment and look like a tard. My effort to save face:
Maybe I’ll I rip of my levi’s and run over them as I ride off the levee…
Best I can offer!
Great song, great album! Mark Knopfler knows more about US history and government ills than 80% of Americans.
Ask Saudi Arabia and their LIV golf tour.
How did you get so many badges on the verge of the 3 months at Kandui Beach Grit challenge paid for by Chas?
Death barrel? Is that your nickname for the large hadron collider? Your boss probably won’t like it though.
And yes, belgian chocolate is spectacular.
You’ve blown my cover!
Solid drum and bass. Good reverb on the skank guitar.
Though it does have the ‘Alaia Bay’ Wavegarden pool in an Alpine valley.
It’s been there for a while, and pisses on a lot of the other wavepools by the looks.
Never heard much discussion about it here however.
Maybe Sailor@CERN can test it out (and do a report on it) for us…
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ding ding ding
Aren’t Swiss chocolates the best? Or San Fans Ghiardelli’s? Like mine with nuts or peanut butter. Reese’s pieces. Did you ever hear of Maya Rudolph? Or laugh at Saturday Night Live. S@Cern I have survived in Cali for 65 years and found a way to by-pass the seriousness of the situation. You got a room with a view?
My dad was an All-City Basketball Player of the year at Garfield High and beat out a Wilt Chamberlain-like player from Centennial. AND…My Mom was his only score!
(Clutching my beads…) Dear Father, it’s been 30 years since my last confession…Father: “Throw in some Hail Mary’s and an Our Father and you’ll be fine.”