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.

[izabsmiling]

thirst for power and/or superiority ,a need or desire to control perhaps Katy ?

[izabsmiling]

Here's one for you, Iza:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaqLw1CvPMk

I prefer it to the Christine Anu version 🙂

thanks .I like Christine's version too 🙂

[katydidthat]

thirst for power and/or superiority ,a need or desire to control perhaps Katy ?

I think they're all elements, Iza.  

But, (and I am a logical person) ... it doesn't make sense, does it?  So, I could look down on someone poorer than me ... because they have less money ... 

So, maybe also a sense of their own inferiority, too?  

[the_hawk*]

If you are referring to Adam Goodes his record and income speak for themselves one would think ? He has risen above it all .

As far as being a better Australian ? Give me an Australian who shows respect for other Australians and our Laws over someone who doesn't any day of the week.

Yes there is an example of one that has put in effort and commitment and made a life and future for himself and family, and I am sure there are many others that have succeeded to do so despite the claimed racism against them.

If some can over come these perceived obstacles then why cant most do the same, what is holding them back from success?

[izabsmiling]

regardless of a persons personal success or not ..racism  and discrimination aren't OK are they ?

[izabsmiling]

If some can over come these perceived obstacles then why cant most do the same, what is holding them back from success?

that is a huge question..experiences and people and the effects of experiences on different people are different aren't they ?

[the_hawk*]

If some can over come these perceived obstacles then why cant most do the same, what is holding them back from success?

that is a huge question..experiences and people and the effects of experiences on different people are different aren't they ?

yes they are there lays the answer to your own question, peoples personal experience directs their opinions and beliefs 😉

[izabsmiling]

though one Indigenous persons success doesn't mean Indigenous people or any other people should have to tolerate racism and discrimination does it ?

[*crikey*mate*]

I once read a statement written by a female African American.  She said (paraphrasing) that "we are discriminated against firstly because we are black, and we are discriminated against secondly because we are women".  

Where does it all come from?  

It comes from history, but is perpetuated by places like this and in general society.

For example, it was decided in this thread that a discussion needed to be held, one which would encourage people to come forth with their views, such as "they will steal our back yards" so that these issues could be discussed and hopefully displaced.

Hawk bought forth his views, possibly based on his own personal experiences, or maybe they are just what he has come to believe and now accepts as fact.

Instead of a discussion ensuing, he was mocked and his views dismissed.

If you want to educate people and break down some of these walls and barriers, then here is a golden opportunity.

Hawk is one of the people who will vote in this referendum, but unlike many others, he has been brave enough to voice his opinions/views/perceptions and been shot down. Then people wonder why no one wants to address the issues that are causing the barriers.

Hawk will not be the only person with views along those lines, he was just the first person brave enough to voice them, many other people would remain silent rather than be shot down, thus the discrimination and prejudice are perpetuated.

Whether Hawk is wrong or right is irrelevant. he expressed his views and his perceptions, so to him they are true. If you believe them to be wrong, then educate, then explain, then provide a different perspective, and then one day, maybe change will come, just one person at a time is all it takes.

[the_hawk*]

Try to be more open and look outside into the real world that is.

It is what it is and no amount of whining is going to change it to suit individuals

You are either part of the bigger game plan and conform, or you go and do your own thing, if you choose to do your own thing then you are on your own and no point in sooking that your treated as an out cast or different.