829: Sportswashing | Skeptical Sunday

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Apr 30, 2023

In this engaging discussion, Andrew Gold, an award-winning journalist and podcaster, delves into the controversial world of sportswashing. He highlights how authoritarian regimes exploit sports to mask their human rights abuses while enticing Western businesses for profit. The conversation covers the ethical dilemmas surrounding events like the Qatar World Cup and Saudi Arabia's LIV golf series, revealing the tension between fan enthusiasm and moral responsibility. Listeners are urged to reflect on how our support for sports teams may inadvertently condone these oppressive actions.

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INSIGHT

Sportswashing Defined

Sportswashing is using sports to improve a tarnished public image.
This tactic is similar to greenwashing, where companies use superficial environmental acts to hide pollution.

ANECDOTE

Qatar World Cup Controversy

Qatar, a country with a poor human rights record, hosted the 2022 World Cup.
This raised concerns about sportswashing due to Qatar's laws and treatment of workers.

ANECDOTE

FIFA Corruption

Qatar's World Cup bid beat countries with stronger soccer histories, raising suspicion.
Investigations revealed that Qatar and Russia bribed FIFA officials to secure hosting rights.

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How might enjoying our favorite sports and supporting our most cherished teams and athletes make us accomplices in the world's most heinous atrocities ever committed? Award-winning journalist and podcaster Andrew Gold joins us for this Skeptical Sunday to explore the PR tactic of sportswashing, in which authoritarian regimes use sports to improve their image on the world stage. (And don't worry, David C. Smalley fans! David will return soon for future installments of Skeptical Sunday!)

On This Week's Skeptical Sunday, We Discuss:

Sportswashing is a PR tactic used by countries with poor human rights records to improve their image and legitimize their atrocities through sports.
Western countries and their businesses are complicit in sportswashing due to the financial incentives they receive.
Despite the harm caused by sportswashing, it is difficult to stop due to the lack of accountability and the willingness of individuals and organizations to participate.
Golfers have been divided over whether to participate in Saudi Arabia's LIV golf invitation series, leading to a civil war in the sport.
Countries with questionable human rights records are increasingly buying sports clubs and sponsoring sports teams, making it important to be aware of where and how we consume sports.
Connect with Jordan on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on Skeptical Sunday, drop Jordan a line at jordan@jordanharbinger.com and let him know!
Connect with Andrew on Twitter and Instagram, and check out On the Edge with Andrew Gold here or wherever you enjoy listening to fine podcasts!

Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/829

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