In 1912 when the ANC was formed it adopted green, gold and black as its official colours.
The latter represents the many African people who fought for our freedoms, while the green is a symbol of land, a resource natives of Southern Africa were removed from. Lastly gold, a colour that looks at the mineral resources of the country and how it had only benefited minorities in power.
The same can be said for the purpose behind the tricolor of France. The red, white and blue flag was a moniker for those who stood up against their monarchy, effectively changing France forever. The red ribbon has become a symbol of support and awareness for people living with HIV/Aids. The red beret is easily associated with the EFF to some South Africans.
Uniforms and accessories have always had a powerful meaning for different cultural groups and organisations. What we wear always holds a symbolic meaning for what we believe in, whether it is political, a hobby or part of taking a stance.
We even find this same approach among older people who pursue status symbols like Gucci, seen in their interlocked G’s that tuck their expensive high end jeans to their waists. What we wear is very symbolic to how we see ourselves when in public.
So it was to my surprise when watching fans of the Qatar soccer World Cup this week who were upset that a gay sports reporter was offended by being barred from wearing a rainbow coloured T-shirt to one of the stadiums.
The rainbow in this context has become synonymous with the queer community. While the sports writer already knew about this ban, a fate that Germany and England have faced flack for, he was mocked for imposing Western notions and was criticised for expecting Qatari people to accept his sexuality.
Sure, wearing a rainbow T-shirt does not certify one’s identity but it does hold the important symbolism behind the equality that LGBTQIA+ people deserve. This has further stressed the issue behind Qatar being the host country for the Fifa World Cup. There is no crime with a conservative state hosting such an inclusive tournament but when its rules silence the voices of many diverse people, what is the point?
From red ribbons to red berets, these aren’t just symbols used lightly. They carry with them the important duty of creating awareness.
By effectively barring queer representation on the pitch, Qatar has the biggest soccer tournament in the world under its thumb. If players on the pitch cannot stand for inclusivity, does that mean that Fifa effectively stands for themselves instead? Having already faced backlash for the billions made in revenue by hosting the World Cup in Qatar, perhaps the tournament’s board has already shown its true colours.
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