Players Views
Shaka Hislop
Trinidad and Tobago
As someone who has lived all around the world, can you relate to asylum seekers?
It's difficult for them. A lot more difficult than we are willing to understand or accept. They have come to a new culture and there is obviously a culture shock so they need to acclimatise and adjust.
There is a whole new way of life which is not as easy as it first seems. My football has taken me almost around the world but I've not been to Africa, strangely, or any of the countries that have a high percentage of asylum seekers. But you have to get to know these people and find out a lot more about them and about their background. Keep in mind that these are people that come from war torn countries that have witnessed or experienced horrific personal abuse. They have gone through mental torture which will change their whole outlook to the people that they meet. You have to understand that.
Has living in several different countries made you a better person?
I believe so. I've lived in Trinidad and I've lived in the US and various places in the UK. I've tried to understand the way of life of any countries and communities that I'm involved in. Football is quite universal in its appeal and I'm a footballer plying his trade. This is my fourth club here now. That has made me appreciate the fans that I am representing more and also the job that I am doing. My parents have always been quite liberal. My father would always say I should show every man the utmost respect. So I try and do that whether it is a team matea tea lady or someone playing in the streets. I find that when you do that, people respect you back equally and that gives you a warm feeling.
What were your thoughts on the Ian Wright incident at QPR when he was racially abused for cheering his son [Shaun Wright Phillips] on?
I think Ian Wright was absolutely right. You have to alert people in authority as to exactly what is happening and it is up to them to take the necessary and correct action. In all fairness I think that QPR did exactly the same thing. I understood Wrighty's reaction to leave at half time but these are not simple things. People think that the fella has just made a couple of comments because Wrighty celebrated and tried to support his team. But Wrighty's reaction just shows how wrong that is and how ridiculous those arguments are. I think he was brave to tackle racism head on and should be commended for it.
Are you pleased with how Show Racism The Red Card has developed?
I think that it has developed fantastically well. I've been here almost from the genesis. We have been involved with more schools and covered more football clubs now. I believe that we have become an integral part of society now. Different communities have all embraced us and it is good to see that we are getting our message across to the kids. We are really making a difference.
Who has been the most inspirational person in your life?
Nelson Mandela. I finished his book A Long Walk To Freedom about a year ago. It was a fantastic book and showed his history and how he was involved in the movement from day one. That's a real inspiration. I think that most people know all about his anti-apartheid views by now but to know what drove him to that was a real eye opener. I also read the autobiography of Malcolm X which again, I find, when I read these books there is so much more that you understand from what is portrayed on the films. They are real inspirations and I find that I get to know these people a lot more intimately by reading their books. My mum is an inspiration because I am a real mommy's boy. She has been a big influence on how I view life.
