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No the inference was not on racism, just denigration of sports that some people write off as insignificant (such as ki-o-rahi), when if they knew the history of that so-called 'insignificant' sport they may see that without it having existed 'their' sport (such as A-ball) may never have evolved! Some people actually rubbish sports they no nothing about because they feel 'their' sport is the only one that matters in the world, and if that sport is only played in their country they may also feel like their country is the only one that matters in the world.
Early major American sports (mainly pre-WW2) were segregated, which was a reflection of the society at the time. Where there was less segregation was actually in the minority sports and boxing.
I agree market forces dictate, however that still shouldn't stop children in schools learning about other places in the world and their sports too. This can give the child an all-round picture of the world that is not distorted by prejudices or one-eyedness and gives them options about the sport they want to play not the one their parents are trying to co-erce them to play. In effect sometimes marketing "forces" the ones with money in the household (the parents) to dictate to their kids where and what sport to play.
For instance if your child was passionate about Ki-o-Rahi and wanted to play it over American football what would your initial reaction be? What resistances spring to mind for you?
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