I am wondering why we trivialise indigenous racism in Australia?

[i-need-a-martini]

Adam Goodes has copped it twice this week - once from a kid and then by an adult who should know better.

I feel so ashamed of this country at this moment. I am sick of hearing a sentence start with "I am not racist but..." before the person launches into a race based attack on indigenous people (or Asians. Or Muslims).

What I have found the most interesting about the Goodes incident is how many people made excuses that made him look like the antagonist. Almost as if making racist remarks about indigenous people is no big deal. Treating him as if his feelings, his views (and everything about him) is unimportant. And I am staggered at how many people know so little about the history of racism a history that so many generations of indigenous people have had to go through.

And now Eddie Mcquire has shown us that racist comments against indigenous people is lurking just on the tips of our tongues waiting to be blurted out without refrain. 

I can't help but agree with this: One of the most savage responses to McGuire came from Magpies backman Harry O'Brien, who admonished his president, declaring he was ''extremely disappointed''. ''In my opinion race relations in this country is systematically a national disgrace,'' he said. 
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/afl/afl-news/eddie-offers-to-stand-aside-20130529-2nc63.html

I agree with that last line - it is a national disgrace.

[the_hawk*]

you make it seem too hard for non Indigenous Australians to grasp the history ? It should be taught shouldn't it ? 

Why, its history, no wonder they cant move on and make a decent start in life.

[izabsmiling]

My eldest son,unlike the rest of my children has an Indigenous background (not Indigenous Australian) .Many people think him Aboriginal none the less.I can say as a Country Victorian he  felt the effects of racism (even worse perhaps as he is intellectually disabled).I feel that too Cue .

There is a still a need for some to feel superior.Not calling an Indigenous man an ape and understanding why that hurts may help ...certainly hearing him speak would imo

[izabsmiling]

Why, its history, no wonder they cant move on and make a decent start in life.

why do some seem to not know the history of Indigenous Australians being thought inferior /sub human /apelike ...and the crimes done with that thinking ?

[cueperkins]

I agree iza, but the real cultural pain exists in the lack of recognition and until that happens, the Aboriginal culture can't find any hope upon which to repair itself.  They don't want our intervention, our pity or charity, they want our respect.

[katydidthat]

Cue, my gggggfather and his brother were given a free trip here from Ireland back in the 1820s.  

[cueperkins]

Cue, my gggggfather and his brother were given a free trip here from Ireland back in the 1820s.  

& none of us want a return trip these days, so a punishment has turned into a reward (and that's only right) don't ya reckon?...lol - my Irish ancestors would be doing a happy dance...lol  (Take that !!)

[cueperkins]

why do some seem to not know the history of Indigenous Australians being thought inferior /sub human /apelike ...and the crimes done with that thinking ?

Iza it's because the English considered everyone other than the aristocracy to be inferior and sub human.  Just look at the History of Ireland and Scotland for instance.  anyone who was in the 'lower class' or deemed to be, were treated like animals mate..in fact less than animals. 

those 200 crimes punishable by death in 1788 included, men, women and children irrespective of their culture.  The only saving grace for the Aborigines is that they knew the landscape and weren't in chains to begin with. It didn't matter though, because they ended up being the real victims over time....we got our freedom...they never did.

[the_hawk*]

why do some seem to not know the history of Indigenous Australians being thought inferior /sub human /apelike ...and the crimes done with that thinking ?

All I see is the so called self proclaimed victims doing nothing to help themselves, instead of raising above all the so called racism and proving they are better, they prefer to continue to be victims.

Everyone in this country has the opportunity to become what ever they wish with effort and dedication, no one is holding them back from having the same health care and living standards as the rest of Australians have.   

[katydidthat]

Well, Cue, I kinda got a return trip as my mother went over to the UK and met my father.

And you missed out the Welsh.  The English stomped all over them, banning their language and suppressing their culture. 

Iza, there is a lot of fantastic music out there that talks about Indigenous history ... 

I would love love love to get a new copy of Rebel Voices.  

[katydidthat]

OH DEAR!!!!!