Unintended identity: a closer look at the backlash against Spanish women's football captain Carmona being misidentified as Romani

Roma civil society rallied behind her with a shared sense of pride, passionately proclaiming her as a representative of our community, as her last name, “Carmona”, is shared by many Roma families. This was fueled by a deep longing to confront Spanish society with this victory by one of “our own”. In proudly claiming “Spain is Romani,” these people sought not just to celebrate Carmona’s remarkable achievement, but also to showcase the diversity that enriches our nation. It was a powerful statement of inclusion and a potent response to the often-discriminatory/racist narratives about Roma that have persisted for far too long.

However, amidst this wave of celebration, a disturbing undercurrent emerged. A torrent of racist comments erupted from the Gadje (non-Roma) population revealing the deeply rooted anti-Roma sentiment still thriving in Spanish society. These stereotypical comments not only showcased the extent of prejudices surrounding the Romani community but also emphasized the urgency of addressing these enduring biases. Comments along the lines of:  “I’m glad that Olga is not a 15-year-old child generator”, “I just found out that Olga is a Roma and therefore she doesn’t represent me either”, or “Olga will win the golden ball, not because she scored a hat trick, but because she is a Roma” (all on the X social media site).

We mustn’t ignore the gender component, which adds another layer of discrimination, manifesting within the racist comments and thriving at the crossroads of race, gender, and class. The intersectionality of her “supposed” identity forces us to acknowledge the intricate layers that shape how we view success and representation. A moment meant for unity and celebration inadvertently unveiled a darker truth: While strides forward have been made, anti-Roma racism still persists in Spain.

When we examine this tale of unintended identity, one cannot overlook the historical context. The Roma community in Spain has long been subjected to persecution, discrimination, and racism. It is within this history that the eagerness to claim Carmona’s victory resonates. The community grasped onto her as a symbol of hope, as if hoping to reverse generations of misrepresentation.

Here is where ethical dimensions come into play. Claiming an identity for somebody else who has never affirmed that identity raises ethical concerns. Carmona has never claimed a Roma identity and her mother denied on social media that the family has such an affiliation. Her mother clarified that they would have no issue in acknowledging their Romani heritage if it were true, but the reality doesn’t align with this assertion. Interestingly, even with this clarification, a portion of the Roma civil society continues to embrace Carmona as a fellow community member. This raises an intriguing question: How far are we, as Roma, entitled to highlight the presumed Roma identity of an individual who hasn’t endorsed it themselves? This situation sparks an important debate about the complexities of identity and representation. It’s a familiar tale, whereby the media often omit a person’s Romani identity in positive situations, only to emphasize it when the narrative turns negative. We can understand that the eagerness to include her reveals a desire for positive role models which could counter negative stereotypes. Herein lies the question: Would the same embrace extend to everyday Roma individuals whose appearances defy stereotypes?

In conclusion, this incident reflects a larger truth: The struggle against anti-Roma racism is still ongoing. As Carmona’s story made headlines, it exposed the harsh realities of Spanish society and the urgent need for a structural transformation to the mentality of Spanish society and its systems. This transformation should be driven not just by individuals, but also by institutions, which play a crucial role in shaping public perceptions by reflecting who the public is. Moreover, this incident sheds light on the Roma community’s increasing thirst for positive representation and the collective determination to challenge the pervasive stereotypes and prejudices that still linger. The battle against racism, whether directed at the Romani community or at any other, requires unified efforts and a commitment to fostering understanding and empathy. The path to change begins with acknowledging these underlying issues and actively working to eradicate them.

Let us consider a hypothetical scenario. What if Carmona were lesbian? Another photograph that has garnered significant attention, primarily due to its contribution to normalizing societal acceptance, captures a kiss between another Spanish football player and her girlfriend following a match. This image prompts us to consider: What if Olga Carmona had been the central figure in that kind of scenario? Would the Roma community have desired to extend her the same recognition and embrace under those circumstances? This speculative question serves as a mirror, reflecting the complexities of identity politics, stereotypes, and acceptance.