Lewis Hamilton wants to draw attention to abuses in Saudi Arabia

There were many discussions surrounding the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia. Time and again, there have been complaints about human rights violations, including against queers. One driver who does not seem comfortable with the current situation is Lewis Hamilton. He stressed that the sport had decided that it needed to be "here," and regardless of whether it was wrong or right.
However, he said, it was important to draw attention to the existing grievances in the context of the race in Saudi Arabia. And that is exactly what the Briton intends to do.

Hamilton wears rainbow helmet in Saudi Arabia

Lewis Hamilton drives with rainbow helmet again

It's not news that Lewis Hamilton has a rainbow helmet as part of his kit. He already wore it in the past in Qatar. There and in Saudi Arabia, it is forbidden to be gay. Anyone who opposes this risks a prison sentence.
Lewis Hamilton is not the only driver who seems to feel uncomfortable with the current situation or wants to make a public statement. Mick Schumacher has also decided to show off his rainbow look (shirt and wristband). Without further ado, Vettel organized a karting event aimed at women.
What would be "perfectly normal" in this country is something very special in Saudi Arabia. Women have far fewer rights there than men, and sporting events are usually not only organized by men, but are also aimed exclusively at this target group.
Accordingly, on the Formula 1 weekend in Saudi Arabia, it is once again the "small gestures" that can achieve great (international) attention - even if perhaps only for a short time frame.

Back and forth - why does Formula 1 take place in Saudi Arabia?

This is a topic that is being discussed particularly intensively. Not only in the social networks and not only among the posts of the aforementioned racing drivers, but also with the participation of human rights organizations.
Among others, Amnesty International has already spoken out, for example. One point that is particularly often criticized in this context is the fact that Saudi Arabia has recently improved its image only "on paper," but the situation on the ground is still the same.

What is the point of statements by athletes anyway?

One term that comes up again and again in connection with actions such as Hamilton's rainbow helmet or Vettel's shirts is "rainbow washing. Or, in other words, there are people who accuse the athletes of merely stepping into the breach for queers, because this would support their own positive image and is just "in".
Such accusations were also voiced during the European Football Championship, when Manuel Neuer, for example, decided to replace his classic armband with the rainbow armband. One AfD politician even used the term "fag bandage" in this context.
The problem hidden behind these accusations is that the statements made by famous athletes are so frighteningly often drawn into ridicule and - at least in some sections of the public - lose their value. Regardless of how vehemently Neuer, Hamilton and Schumacher actually stand behind the message, one thing remains clear: attention is focused for a brief moment on one of the most important issues of our time.

 

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