If we want to end racism in football, we have to abandon nationalism too

Of course we are appalled by the expressions of racism by Bulgarian football fans. But should we be surprised?

Tribalism is at the heart of professional sport. Participants are paid, often handsomely, in order to attract an audience who will support “their” team. Rationally it makes no sense for someone to care which of two sides is more successful at kicking a ball between two posts simply because they happen to live on the same bit of the earth’s crust as one of the teams.

But we are taught from an early age that we “belong” to a nation. Nationality becomes part of our identity, so that it seems proper, and comforting, to support anyone who represents our country – they are, after all, like us.

Well within living memory it was socially acceptable to regard people of other races as not like us, and to openly say so. Most of us now see racism as reprehensible. But the tribal mentality underlying racism is essentially the same as that of nationalism. If we are to expunge racism, surely we must also consider the abolition of nationalism.

In another half-century or so, there will probably be far more people on the planet and less land to accommodate them. We shall be obliged to share our space and resources. Perhaps by then we’ll have learnt to express horror at the very idea of international competition. Is it possible that we could join together in enjoying the spectacle of something being done well and beautifully, without descending into pointless competitiveness and strife?

Susan Alexander
Frampton Cotterell

There may be a small way in which we and our country are able to put pressure on Turkey to end its attack on the Kurds: to penalise Erdogan financially.

British and European holidaymakers will soon be considering where to take their holidays in 2020. I would suggest that Turkey should be avoided. It may appear the cheaper option, but consider that Britain and Europe have benefited from a reduced number of terrorist acts as a result of the bravery and sacrifices made by Kurdish fighters in northern Syria – not only in defeating elements of Isis, but just as importantly, in containing thousands of terrorists in prisoner of war camps.

Tourism is a major income stream for Turkey. If this industry suffers, Erdogan will come under pressure from the Turkish population to reconsider his tactic of killing and maiming innocent Kurdish men, women and children in the area targeted by his armed forces. The same tactic should be considered by the thousands of Russian tourists who regularly visit Turkey.

The British would also be wise to avoid spending any time and money in the US, as it is obvious that Trump, ever the spoilt brat, will only consider himself in any situation, not the American people who he claims to be putting first and certainly not Europeans or the Kurds.

William Cowton
Salisbury

23 June 2016 was the EU membership referendum. It’s been a long haul, just over three years in fact, and the UK is almost at the finishing line. On the same date, I discovered I wouldn’t be retiring on 22 October, three months before my 60th birthday.

If you think that three years is a long time to wait, imagine how I feel now, just over halfway through my extended waiting period for my pension which was extended by SIX years.

Think about the agony of six years without the money which was due to you. Particularly if you now have no income, have slid into debt, and see no way out for another three years...

Oh, and before you think it, ageism is alive and well and rife in the workplace, as the women affected are finding out on a daily basis.

Di Hollander
Isle of Wight

On 16 October 2019, Channel 4 announced a new reality TV show entitled Meat the Family, which will see meat-eating families live with a farm animal and then decide whether or not to have it – and eat it if they do.

This quite frankly disturbing concept for a TV show is the absolute epitome of the way our society views farmed animals. These sentient creatures are seen as nothing more than objects for our consumption and entertainment. Whether that is on our plates or on our screens, Channel 4 has demonstrated a complete disregard for their autonomy and wellbeing.

I find it deeply concerning that in response to the climate crisis, and in light of recent high-profile campaigns by groups like Viva! and Extinction Rebellion, this abhorrent programme is how Channel 4 chooses to debate the most pressing issues we face.

There is absolutely no need to condemn these animals to slaughter in order to highlight the climate crisis. We can provoke discussions about the ethics of meat without broadcasting animal cruelty to the nation in the name of entertainment.

The science is unanimous and the message is clear. We must all go vegan now to reverse the catastrophic damage caused by the meat and dairy industries. It is high time that Channel 4 get with the programme.

Roisin McAuley
Bristol