On a social media platform known for its light-hearted posts and diverse international membership, a question was recently posed: what would you like to see disappear from the world? Among the expected responses of war, disease, poverty, and other personal or global afflictions, one answer stood out: the “elimination” of Algerian boxer Iman Khalif.
This was not a random or isolated incident perpetrated by a mentally disturbed or extremist individual. Instead, it was part of a larger campaign of personal attacks and hate speech directed at the athlete.
The campaign intensified following the withdrawal of her Italian opponent less than a minute into their match at the Paris Olympics. The opponent claimed to have withdrawn to protect her life due to the Algerian boxer’s unexpected strength. This sparked widespread speculation and controversy surrounding Khalif’s gender and eligibility to compete in women’s competitions.
As the issue gained traction, prominent figures joined the chorus of doubt and condemnation. J K Rowling, the celebrated UK author of the Harry Potter novel series, shared a photo of Kahlif comforting her defeated opponent, accompanied by the claim that a man was consoling a woman after striking her.
Elon Musk, the US owner of the X platform, previously known as Twitter, amplified this discourse by retweeting a post suggesting that men should be barred from women’s competitions, adding his endorsement of this. Italy’s prime minister then weighed in, asserting that individuals with male genetic traits should be excluded from women’s competitions to safeguard the rights of female athletes to compete on a level playing field.
The controversy extended to the US political arena, with presidential candidate Donald Trump declaring his opposition to men participating in women’s competitions. His running mate, J D Vance, echoed these sentiments, linking Democratic candidate Kamala Harris’ gender policies to such “repulsive” scenarios.
The campaign against Khalif reveals many underlying political and cultural biases. The International Olympic Committee, responding to the outpouring of hate, distanced itself from the controversy, declaring it to be politically and culturally motivated. Its stance hinted at existing tensions with the International Boxing Association, led by a Russian government official and excluded from the Paris Olympics.
Notably, the International Boxing Association had previously barred Khalif from the World Boxing Championships in India, despite her prior international experience.
The attacks on Khalif, as well as those faced by Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting, mirror broader US-Russian political tensions and their impact on sports institutions. Additionally, the controversy reflects the ongoing liberal-conservative divide in Western societies regarding transgender issues. However, the most striking aspect has been the pervasive influence of Orientalist narratives, cloaked in claims of fairness and objectivity and amplified by the Western media, which have contributed to the toxic online environment.
While traditional media outlets did not engage in the same level of overt distortion, their coverage was far from neutral. Headlines consistently emphasised controversy, dispute, and conflict surrounding the athlete’s gender, implicitly casting doubt on her identity. Her victory was transformed into a battle to prove her femininity through birth certificates, childhood photographs, and paternal testimony. The media focus was overwhelmingly centred on gender, overshadowing her athletic achievements and career.
This narrative unfolded under the guise of fairness and equal opportunity in sports, ironically while neglecting critical issues like France’s ban on hijab-wearing athletes from the Paris Olympics.
By framing this athlete as an alien and enigmatic figure and subjecting her background to intense scrutiny, the West has exposed her to global judgement. This is a classic example of the dehumanisation and demonisation of the other by the West. The campaign against this strong, athletic Arab woman, whose appearance deviates from Western beauty standards, cannot be fully understood without considering the spectre of Orientalism.
The case of Khalif serves as a stark reminder of the enduring power of Orientalist stereotypes. Her experience highlights the intersection of sports, gender, race, and politics. The online harassment she has endured has not merely been a personal attack but has also been a reflection of deeper societal issues. The Western media’s role in shaping public opinion and amplifying these stereotypes cannot be overstated.
To combat such prejudice, a nuanced understanding of Orientalism and its contemporary manifestations is essential. Moreover, critical media literacy is crucial for discerning biased narratives and promoting a more equitable and inclusive public discourse.
Ultimately, the treatment of Khalif underscores the urgent need to challenge and dismantle the systemic biases that continue to marginalise and dehumanise many individuals worldwide.
The writer is head of the Economic Unit at Al-Ahram Centre for Political and Strategic Studies.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 15 August, 2024 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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