Ecological imperialism through sport? The Dakar Rally and other stories

Today we are speaking with Chen Chen. He is an Assistant Professor at the University of Connecticut and writes prolifically about how sport intersects with many troubling trends across the globe including environmental decline and increasing inequality of wealth and power.

This episode begins with Chen’s unique story that led him to these topics. Then we use his recent work on how the Dakar rally’s time in South America was a prime example of environmental injustice and even ecological imperialism, as local communities and areas dense with biodiversity were given no say in how and where this event took place. We explore how this event embodies larger issues of resource exploitation, environmental degradation, and cultural erasure.

We also discuss some alternative ways of engaging in community sports such as The World Indigenous Games and Field of Dreamers – Cooperative Softball Association.

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