The whole problem of racial identity and pride is a very complex issue with no easy answers. Countries around the world that have been colonised, and indigenous cultures suppressed, have always struggled to manage social dislocation and disengagement by original inhabitants.
Maybe because Australia has only been settled by whites for a bit over 200 years and several generations, our problems are still very raw, with many indigenous Australians still feeling animosity and seperatism from modern white society. In order to encourage social inclusion and to develop strong indigenous role models, aborigines are often offered accelerated development and ongoing protection in sporting and leadership roles. What some see as overt favouritism can cause jealousy and friction along the way. This is not to say the indigenous players such as Adam Goodes and Andrew McLeod havnt earned their sporting success based on merit.
My daughter plays junior netball in one of our states top premier league teams. There is a young, talented under age indigenous girl who has received preferential treatment and accelerated development. Although very young, she has been put in the Div. one team ahead of taller more experienced players. The main rival player for her position, who was placed below the indigenous girl in Div. two has just been selected and played for our state team at national level, something that the indigenous girl would not currently be suitable for (, she has a lot of potential though ) Meanwhile the small stature and lack of player experience due to age has seen the young indigenous girl, hold the team back slightly. At award ceremonies, the indigenous girl has just won runner up best and fairest.
As a parent, I do have reservations about the merit of the clubs decisions. The young aboriginal girl is a nice kid who has the potential to play sport at the highest elite level. So too do many other non indeginous players in the club. Her parents are completely modern, intelligent, professional people. The family could well be seen as role models for a successful modern aboriginal family, which is quietly confident and proud of their family heritage.
Maybe leading organisations DO need to offer prefferential treatment to talented indigenous Australians in order to try to redress the balance, against ingrained social prejudice and provide opportunities for indigenous role models. BUT THIS WILL CAUSE FRICTION along the way.
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