Although both fighters are world renowned in a seemingly post racial society, there has been a hint of racism that is perpetuated in the pre-fight media conferences held in July, 2017. As fighters and entertainers both Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor know how to stoke a crowd, but when your taunts turn racially charged, it’s time to consider what you represent as an individual in this industry, and the message your sending to all your supporters.
Historically, “dance for me boy,” has a negative connotation no matter when/where you’re using it, but when it’s directed at a black fighter with a racist tone, we all have to step back and consider why anyone would think it’s acceptable.
After all is said and done, these words will be meaningless once we see how the fight goes.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor fight on Saturday Aug. 26, 2017.
- Here we have two outspoken fighters who are willing to pummel each other on live television for millions of dollars.
- Mayweather may be a bit flamboyant and woman abuser
- recent press events have shown is that McGregor is a full-fledged racist with his “Dance for me, boy” comments
- McGregor probably didn’t understand the context in which he was using it, basically because he’s from Ireland.
- See, here’s the thing about Ireland: Racism is rampant there.
- In a 2014 study from Enar, the European Network Against Racism (Ireland), it cited over 182 incidents of racist verbal abuse, violence, discrimination and other attacks toward Africans living in the country.
- McGregor told Brazilian fighter Jose Aldo, “I own this town, I own Rio de Janeiro. I would invade his favela on horseback and would kill anyone who wasn’t fit to work, but we’re in a new time, so I’ll whoop his ass instead.”
- Sure, smack talk exists in boxing, just like in any other sport, but McGregor has continually taken it to a different level, though there are some who just want to chalk it up to his not being aware.
