European Sports Broadcasting Images Ignite Controversy Over Asian Discrimination at Paris Olympics
The top gold medal count was 40 each for the United States and China. While Asian athletes performed admirably at these Paris Olympics, it seems that from a European perspective, Asia is as if it does not exist.
The European sports channel ‘Eurosport’ created and posted on X an image commemorating the Paris Olympics.
“Paris 2024, the greatest show on earth, we will never forget you.”
The image, which features over 30 athletes who shined in this event, also includes non-athletes like Snoop Dogg and Tom Cruise. However, despite the remarkable performances of Japanese and Chinese athletes, none are included.
The only Asian featured is South Korean shooter Kim Yeji, leading to questions of
“Is this racial discrimination?”
This has sparked outrage online. On X, foreign users are also commenting:
“I always say that Europe, especially France, is far more racist than some American athletes. I’m fed up.”
“I will never go to France again.”
“Do they believe there are no Asians on Earth?”
Criticism is pouring in.
At the Paris Olympics, the opening ceremony on July 26 featured a controversial performance with flamboyantly dressed drag queens and transgender individuals, evoking the image of Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” The performance, which included blue-painted naked men and bearded drag queens, received mixed reactions but was likely intended to showcase diversity.
“France is generally tolerant of diversity, but some people still exhibit blatant discrimination against Asians. Even in a public medium like a sports channel, such overt exclusion of Asians is shocking.
Eurosport, which is under Warner Bros. Discovery and based in France, caters to a European audience, so some bias might be expected. However, it’s not surprising that there are voices criticizing the extent of this bias,” said a sports writer.
Posts that suggest discrimination have also become a topic of discussion.
On the 9th, judo athlete Naohisa Takato posted on X:
“Help, my arm is about to give out as no one has come to assist me in Paris.”
The post includes a photo of Takato looking distressed and raising his hand in a restaurant.
“This is common. Asians really face discrimination.”
“They’re making fun of us. That’s the kind of country it is.”
In response, on the 13th, Takato clarified:
“It’s becoming a news story online, but I didn’t experience any discrimination. The staff were kind.”
However, the uproar on the internet suggests that many Japanese people felt a sense of discrimination during the Olympics.
In 2021, a video surfaced online showing French soccer players allegedly mocking the appearance and language of Japanese people, which led to a public apology. Hiroyuki, who lives in France, sparked a major debate by stating:
“Although the remarks were terrible insults, I don’t think they were about race.”
This statement generated significant controversy.
“In Hollywood and other places, there is an awareness of diversity, such as casting people of color in roles of presidents or princesses. However, compared to African and Hispanic individuals, the global awareness of diversity for Asians is undoubtedly lower.
This time, in the realm of sports at the Olympics, there were many cases that led to suspicions of discrimination, such as Tatsuki Nagayama losing in the quarterfinals of the men’s 60kg judo division due to a questionable decision and Ai Mori not being able to reach a hold that was too high in the women’s combined climbing final. Many Japanese people felt that they were discriminated against. It would be good if such issues are resolved by the next Los Angeles Games.” (Sports newspaper reporter)
The ‘Festival of Peace,’ the Olympics, ironically highlighted ‘Asian discrimination.’ Many people might feel disappointed by various aspects of the Paris Olympics.
