Except when someone said some derogatory remark at a player in the US, it made front page ESPN news. In Australia, it seems to be, if not tolerated, accepted that it will happen and people just say the victims should 'get tougher.' There have been couple first-hand reports from members on this forum who have seen/experienced first hand that type of thing, yet I've been going to US sports games for 10 years, and have never heard or seen something like that there.
Something is different, no? That doesn't mean that majority are that way, or even a big minority. But the minority, small as it may be, feels comfortable being vocal without all that much fear.
India, I know it happens a lot to those of lower caste. England, it happens but from all the account I've read, to a much lesser degree these days (except for more isolated incidents). Frankly, I don't care if you think he throws or not, especially as I think he might. What matters is that
some of those who do think he throws are comfortable using racist taunts and bigoted comments in Australian sporting venues.
Of course it is relevant to the overall culture. It is not relevant when talking about specific individuals, like archie. If you don't think caste system still plays a huge part in how people are perceived or treated, for example, even in well off places and outside the subcontinent...you are kidding yourself.
Australia have won a lot of games because their overall talent far exceeds any other country..Not because they have, man for man, the best players in the world. And there is nothing wrong with national pride or thinking x is better than y. Even I do it, and I hate most of the indian players.
