Social media platforms need to do more to fight racism

To combat continued racist abuse and discrimination online, English football clubs and leagues announced last week that they would be participating in a three-day social media blackout.

England’s Cricket Board, Premiership Rugby and the Lawn Tennis Association today threw their support behind the blackout, which lasted from Friday April 30th to 11:59 pm on Monday May 3rd.

Hamilton has been the leading voice in F1 after last year’s protests and activism around the world, advocating change in motorsport, combating racism and improving diversity.

In a strong anti-racism message, his Mercedes team switched their cars to an all-black paint job last year and initiated plans to improve diversity within the team.

When asked about the social media blackouts this weekend, Hamilton said that while he had no plans to join the boycott, he felt it was important to take action to curb racist abuse.

“I think it’s clear to me, and it’s clear in this sport, that racism is still an issue and I think social media platforms need to do more to combat this,” said Hamilton.

“I fully support the initiative. If I am also doing it to put pressure on these platforms to fight against it, then I am sure I am happy to do so. “

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes,

Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images

Hamilton faced racial abuse early in his F1 career, writing last year that the series’ previous leadership had “said or done nothing” to combat it.

The seven-time F1 world champion said Thursday that he has been subjected to racial abuse via social media in the past but has learned to take a step back from the platforms.

“I was exposed to abuse a long, long time ago, at a time when I was younger, reading social media, how many people were reading and trying to connect with people,” said Hamilton.

“But there was a time when I had to understand that, first of all, you can’t read every comment that is there, and you can’t take it personally. If you let these things come to you, they can ruin your day.

“I believe social media companies need to do more. There are algorithms, there are things they can see, there are steps they can take to help and create more of an anti-racist society. We have to push for it.

“I don’t know all the details, but I’m really proud to hear that so many organizations are getting involved.

“I’m not sure why Formula 1 isn’t one of them, but I hope people like Sky are, for example. As I said, I think I’ll probably follow and support this weekend. “