That approach - and Kostyuk's - does not seem to be many degrees away from blaming all Muslim people for terrorism, or from blaming all Chinese people for COVID-19.ponchi101 wrote: ↑Tue Mar 07, 2023 3:38 pmIn the same sense that we (here at the forum) have stated that the Russians and Belarusians, being individuals, should not be singled out for a collective action done by their countries (and we have been clear that they can't even openly oppose the actions of their governments, as they are dictatorial), Kostyuk as an individual has the right to proceed with her actions. She has the right to decide that these other players represent the countries attacking hers, and therefore the very little she can do, she will do.
She has been consistent in her approach. And this, being an exceptional situation, is one that I can accept.
There is a country that has done incredible harm to mine, during our 25 years of dictatorship. I do not mingle with people from that country. it is very hard to swallow.
Essentially, it's very near the Trump stereotyping approach.
As I said, I believe that society in general has evolved beyond that point in the past 100 years.
But there are exceptions, unfortunately.
If one feels that it's unacceptable to ban individual Russian and Belarusian players from tennis tournaments strictly due to their nationality, how can one then turn around and accept how Kostyuk is treating these same people?
If one feels that these individuals deserve to be respected as individuals, how can Kostyuk's blatant and vociferous disrespect be acceptable?
Kostyuk, because of her high profile, has the opportunity to do something positive for human relations in respecting her Russian and Belarusian opponents - and even further, by being open to dialogue. Instead, she is taking the approach of two wrongs trying to make a right - which we all know is a selfish, immature, and erroneous approach.
Further, as to her having the right to behave this way... I'm not sure that she does have that right, according to the sporting code. I believe the sporting code mentions that one should treat their opponents with respect. And the sporting code of tennis might even mention that players must shake hands after a match. Granted, exceptions can be made periodically, as we've sometimes seen, for two players who have an active conflict with one another during a match... but is there an exception permitted for ongoing and blatant bias and prejudice against particular nationalities?
I doubt it.
Respecting your opponent is just as important an element as trying your best. Not trying one's best is generally not accepted in sports - it is looked down upon. Not respecting one's opponent should be viewed in the same way.
I agree with the premise that if you take to the court and play a match, you shake hands when the match is completed, win or lose. If you are not prepared to shake hands at the conclusion of the match - if you do not respect your opponent enough to shake his or her hand - then you don't embark on the court to play the match.