The recent booing of Adam Goodes has created a roar amongst us, in particular, within the Indigenous community and footy fans.
However, I will detract from discussing the argy bargy of words surrounding the root of the roar – racism.
For example, Shane Warne tweeted, “This whole Adam Goodes drama is ridiculous. The public can boo or chant whoever’s name they want! It’s nothing to do with being racist…”
In a similar way, Jason Akermanis argues that Goodes should “stop playing the victim” and stop “looking like a sook”.
Nevertheless, I would like to attract attention to how Goodes is handling the situation. Sorry Goodesy, but I think you should follow a different game plan. You should don the red and the white as soon as possible (next week against the Cats for multicultural round) and at all costs, avoid an early retirement.
Remember the old nursery rhyme, sticks and stones will break my bones but words will break my heart?
This rings true to Goodes at the moment, however, one can turn over this saying because pressure can make diamonds or coal dust.
In this case, Goodes finds himself engulfed with social pressure.
He possesses a plethora of awards, including the Brownlow Medal (2003, 2006), All Australian (2003, 2006, 2009, 2011) and Best and Fairest (2003, 2006, 2011) just to name a few. Being a prominent figure in the football world, he should take this bad situation and turn it into a good one – illustrating that bullies never win.
He should not be sidelined, giving those who had booed him satisfaction. Rather, he should condemn those people by exemplifying more resilience and strength, running through the banner next week.
Goodes has the support of fellow Indigenous players such as Lindsay Thomas, who pointed to a tattoo of the Aboriginal flag under his jersey, after having scored a goal against the Blues. Furthermore, Lewis Jetta celebrated the opening goal of Sydney’s game with an Indigenous dance.
At the SCG during the third quarter, the crowd also showed their support through a standing ovation and banners such as, “In Goodes We Trust,” and the opening banner – “RESPECT”.
AFL is at a potent time of its life.
After the tragedy of Phil Walsh, this difficult time for Goodes’ represents an opportunity to further unite us all. The cumulative events of Goodes should not bring us to our knees, but rather it should bring us to our feet, to stand up tall and strong.
Shake down the thunder from the sky Goodes!
Reunite, AFL, community, reconciliation, respect, recognise.
#standwithadam
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