Arsenal and Their Special Relationship With Race and Total Identity: Besides being a successful football club, Arsenal Football Club is, regrettably, grossly underrated for its great history linked to issues of multiculturalism and race identity. Dr. Clive Nwonka, in his new book, “Black Arsenal,” explores the said link between the club and multiculturalism.
Historical Background: Black Community and Arsenal
Arsenal has had a relationship with its black community for over half a century now. Dr. Nwonka is Associate Professor of Film, Culture and Society at University College London, offering context for how Arsenal evolved into a space where Black fans and players could find meaning and a sense of belonging in representation.
Based in Islington, North London, the home of Arsenal was always multicultural. This district, with a very strong tradition of multiculturalism since the 1960s and 1970s, played a big part in shaping the identity of the club. Local players who became part of the club’s legends further marked Arsenal as a multicultural club.
The 1970s: A Haven for Black Supporters
The Arsenal stadium, home to the football club, provided the haven from the wider racism that ransacked other football stadium bleachers across the UK in the 70s. Here were Black fans free to enjoy football in open space away from direct racism somewhere else. This scenario opened a space for their rich sense of community and identity building on and off the pitch.Arsenal Football Club.
A flying start in N5 ✨ pic.twitter.com/pgt9DdXQFS
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 11, 2024
It is Dr. Nwonka’s study that revealed this relationship to be no isolated incidents but a product of different cumulative factors across time. The sustained work Arsenal has done to ensure a welcoming environment added to its central reputation as an institute that enables entry . Arsenal Football Club.
Cultural Integration and Representation
Arsenal terraces and the areas around them, most noticeably the Holloway Road environs, are examples of multiculturalism and integration. The commitment of the club to diverse, significant representation on the pitch and amongst its supporters has almost become a general commitment to inclusivity. This is not only demonstrated in the players, who come from diverse backgrounds, but crucially it is also shown in the multi-racial tapestry of support that Arsenal enjoys. Arsenal Football Club.
In the opinion of Dr Nwonka, diversity in London alone could not mean real integration. Arsenal should prove an example of a true belongingness of all sorts of fans, be it racial or cultural, which identifies the club as the model for integration.Arsenal Football Club.
The instance of Arsenal would be quite suitable to exemplify the way football unites people from all walks of society. The continuous efforts that the club makes to remain all-inclusive and representative kind of strike a chord within the community of its supporters, both locally and globally. Embracing that multicultural heritage, Arsenal remains one of the prime examples of how sports can bring different cultures together into one.Arsenal Football Club.
Lift-off in the Emirates Cup ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Q6XHpcmH3j
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 11, 2024
Arsenal Football Club
Arsenal’s Strange, Necessary Makeover: Unscrewing the Unthinkable, Dr. Nwonka’s “Black Arsenal” forms a necessary addition to this weird part of Arsenal’s identity, showing exactly how the history of the club is shaping its present and will continue to influence its future. As the seasons unfold for 2024–25, the stage is set; it loves to celebrate its diversity because the power to do so is sure to further inspire fans across the globe.Arsenal Football Club. if you like it then please share it and do share your views.
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