Mercedes: We stand with Hamilton following racial injustice comments
- Published on 01 Jun 2020 15:49
-
- By: Fergal Walsh
The Mercedes Formula 1 team has announced that it stands alongside Lewis Hamilton following the Briton's comments on social media.
On Sunday night, the six-time world championship criticised F1's silence amid the ongoing protests in the United States, sparked by the death of George Floyd.
Since Hamilton's comments, a number of F1 drivers have spoken out, calling for justice and the end to racism.
MORE: Ricciardo, Leclerc speak out on social media against racism
Mercedes, who has been Hamilton's F1 home since 2013, has affirmed its stance on the situation and states that it is backing its driver who is calling out discrimination.
“We stand with you, Lewis,” it said in a statement. “Tolerance is an elementary principle of our team and we are enriched by diversity in all its forms.
“We welcome and encourage people from all races, cultures, religions, philosophies and lifestyles, and condemn every form of discrimination as we work together to drive change forward.
“We are deeply saddened by the recent developments and hope for a de-escalation soon.”
4
Replies (2)
Login to replyajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
I hate to use this expression because it's commonly associated with right-wing extremist, but what Lewis did was textbook virtue signaling. I really like Lewis, but this sort of thing I find morally repugnant. Not the invitation to stand against racism, that's noble. But throwing under the bus all of F1 and basically suggesting everyone is a little racist for not taking a stance on a non-global issue.
As I mentioned in another post, I wish Lewis would use his platform to shine a light on issues that aren't currently trending. Like Darfur where more than 100,000 people have been killed for truly racist reasons. But commenting on trending issues gets more likes than talking about ugly and complicated situations the world doesn't want to feel guilty about. What happened to George Floyd was wrong. But America has a justice system that will deliver at least some justice. That's not the case in most places in the world where abuses are being committed.
My point? If you're going to virtue signal. why not choose a worthy and voiceless cause? One that wouldn't make people question the motive behind the advocacy.
Pimpelaars
Posts: 98
Hamilton? Is that the same guy who disapproved of his nephew wearing a princess dress?