Does anyone else ever miss the times when we could all just escape the hardships of life by enjoying sporting events without ever having to think of politics, activism, or social justice? Over the past 5 to 6 years we have slowly watched individual athletes, whole teams, organizations, and full leagues all trying to appease the woke mob by showing their support to whichever victim group is trending.

DOHA, QATAR – NOVEMBER 23: Germany players pose with their hands covering their mouths as they line up for the team photos prior to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group E match between Germany and Japan at Khalifa International Stadium on November 23, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images) | Photo Credit: Alexander Hassenstein

During the recent Fifa World Cup tournament, which took place in Qatar, Team USA said that they would be changing the crest of the American flag to the pride flag symbol, in protest of Qatar’s harsh punishments of same-sex relationships. Qatar infamously has strict laws prohibiting any form of LGBTQ expression, as most citizens are devout Muslims.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino attempted to empathize with the numbers “oppressed” groups in Qatar by making a cringe-worthy public statement, “Today, I feel Qatari. Today, I feel Arab. Today, I feel African. Today, I feel gay. Today, I feel disabled. Today, I feel like a migrant worker.” Infantino was clearly trying to appease both sides of the argument, which of course did work.

England, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland and Wales teams all initially planned to wear rainbow OneLove armbands in support of “LGBTQ+ rights,” according to Axios, but changed their minds when FIFA threatened to sanction any participants in this protest.

Ironically, the left usually supports the rights of foreign cultures to practice their beliefs, but that apparently isn’t the case when their societal norms contradict liberal doctrine.

Sports Star reports that, despite their most mediocre efforts, the players’ protests and social media statements had very little affect on Qatar, the World Cup’s continuation, or the experiences of any LGBTQ individuals living in the country. The laws will not suddenly change in the country because wealthy foreign athletes took a photo covering their mouths with their hands, and the nation’s beliefs will likely not be swayed in the leftist’s desired direction.

Sporting events used to be, at least mostly, separate from political issues. Now, any opportunity that the left has to push liberal propaganda, whether it be in sports or entertainment, they will take.