This year has been something else and we’re only six months in. Though many can’t wait for the year to be over with, there’s a contingent of people — myself included — that believes there’s a lot of great change coming with all the challenges.
Regarding the protests and calls for social and racial justice over the last few weeks, we’re already seeing movement on many of the demands.
Black Lives Matter Changing Pop Culture
Not only have the world witnessed stunning global protests, but we’ve seen public opinion skyrocket in support of Black Lives Matter. In the past week, we’ve seen hundreds of corporations donate hundred of millions of dollars to several causes, we’ve seen the NFL do an about face, Mitt Romney marching in a “Black Lives Matter” protest and now NASCAR has released a statement on removing the presence of the the Confederate Flag at their events:
“The presence of the confederate flag at NASCAR events runs contrary to our commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans, our competitors and our industry. Bringing people together around a love for racing and the community that it creates is what makes our fans and sport special. The display of the confederate flag will be prohibited from all NASCAR events and properties.”
Okay, that’s not exactly supporting Black Lives Matter and racial justice, but considering how conservative NASCAR is, this is a huge step in the right direction. That simple action is very much worth mentioning and We’re sure the move will improve the reputation of professional race car racing and NASCAR betting online will most certainly increase. Banning the “Dixie” flag might not be inclusion, but it’s a step to opening the sport to others that previously associated it with racism.
That’s even if driver after driver quits. Even if fans decide to never attend another event. It’s the right thing to do and a couple days in, most drivers are supporting the move
NASCAR drivers, properties come out in support
Even with a few drivers quitting and fans being turned off. The feeling is that NASCAR won’t be damaged by the move. That’s if we look at some of the sport’s biggest personalities and racetracks coming out in support of the ban.
Bubba Wallace — NASCAR’s only black full-time driver — applauded the decision, telling Good Morning America on Thursday morning that now is “the most crucial time” to “come together and really try to be more inclusive.”
Racing legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. supported the move, saying: “It does nothing for anybody to be there flying, so I don’t see any reason,” the star driver said at the time. “It belongs in the history books and that’s about it.”
The Nashville Superspeedway, the location of next year’s NASCAR Cup Series race, tweeted in support of the ban.
— Nashville Superspeedway (@NashvilleSuperS) June 11, 2020
We’ll continue updating this post as more drivers or speedways come out with statements.
