Stereotypes Shan’t Stand: Usman Khawaja Calls Out ‘Racism’

Reflecting on Australian Cricketer Usman Khawaja’s remarks on prejudice, examining how stereotypes and racism affect sports, institutions and society, and why constantly calling out discrimination remains essential.

With prejudice peeping into almost all fields of work and stereotypes forming the common base for judgment, diversity is no longer celebrated but rather avoided. Presently after announcing his retirement on Friday, Pakistan-born Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja confronted the media over remarks made about him at the time he was injured.

Such instances are nothing new, not even for Indian cricket enthusiasts. Multiple incidents of hate speech against cricketers, based on their religious identity and triggered merely by a few poor performances, have been witnessed over time.

However, racist remarks against cricketers or individuals from any other sector may appear relatively harmless when compared to those directed at military personnel. During Operation Sindoor, when unity was most required, some people could not resist pointing out the religion of a female army officer. Such moments expose how deeply prejudice is embedded, even in spaces that demand collective discipline and national responsibility.

Racism is often discussed as a social evil, but that is only its first layer. It does not remain confined to individual insult. It gradually weakens social harmony and poses a threat to a country’s peace and stability. On a personal level, discrimination directly affects mental health, self-esteem and professional growth, often leaving long-term psychological scars that go unnoticed.

What makes prejudice more dangerous is its normalisation. Casual remarks, selective outrage and silence from the privileged allow stereotypes to survive without challenge. Hence, it becomes essential to call out discrimination, take a clear stand against prejudice, and side with victims in their everyday battles against identity-based judgment.

Privileged sections of society — those belonging to communities without a history of exploitation — must shoulder greater responsibility. Ending prejudice cannot be left to those who suffer it alone.