Lee Chin on racism | 'It only seems worse'

Wexford Hurler Lee Chin believes racism has become less prevalent despite the perception that people are more divided than ever.

The 2019 All-Star, who is of mixed Malaysian-Chinese and Irish background, has previously spoken openly about his experiences of racism on the pitch and in everyday life.

Racial discrimination has become a prevalent topic of public discourse in recent months, with sportspeople around the world leading anti-racism campaigns.

Speaking on Off The Ball, Chin said he believes that the exposure of these campaigns has made his experiences better despite the perceived divisiveness around the subject.

“It feels like the world is becoming more split, but I think it just seems that way, simply because more people are speaking out about it. It’s more in the media and social media, so people are aware of it happening.

“Let’s say when there wasn’t such a strong media presence about it, it happened more. The fact that it has been highlighted and addressed now is probably making it get better.

“It may seem like it’s getting worse, but from experience, when it was brought to light with me, things have got significantly better.”

Lee Chin after Wexford's LSH win

Exposure

Chin candidly expressed his experiences with the issue on several occasions, chiefly in an appearance with Jason Sherlock on the Late Late Show, and says the exposure of his story has alleviated the problem.

“Since then, I haven’t had any issues on a sporting field. In everyday life, it’s not something that I experience all the time, but it has come up on occasion.

“It’s not something I get too worried about either; I just look at it as ignorant, uneducated people.”

Older and wiser

Chin concluded that as he aged, the issue had a more negligible effect on him as he rationalised that the culprits were not worthy of a reaction from him.

“I think when I was a bit younger, I would have reacted in that kind of manner. When you get a little older, you become more aware. You know the people that think it’s OK to do those things, and they’re not worth your time.”

“As much as you’d love to put it right, you’ve got to think of other things in life.”

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