It truly astounds me. It’s 2014 in one of the most culturally diverse nations on the planet and articles like this still have to be written.
But I guarantee there will still be some snarky comments made upon its publication that, like the many that inspired this piece, will have me burying my face in my heads questioning higher powers.
I’m referring of course to one of the hottest topics of the last 12 months, racism in sport.
No, the problem was not solved when Adam Goodes was named Australian of the Year. Nor when Dani Alves devoured that banana in Spain. And apparently this worldwide issue seems to somehow still have a place in our multicultural society.
The topic has sparked conversation again after two separate incidences involving AFL spectators in recent weeks.
Most notable was the verbal abuse hurled towards Australian of the Year, dual premiership player, dual Brownlow medallist and renowned nice guy Adam Goodes. The culprit was, in my opinion, a lowlife supporter dobbed-in by a fellow fan. He claims sorrow and remorse and the club acted swiftly to suspend his membership and issue a public apology to Goodes.
Job done, right? Wrong.
The response to some of the articles published online and commentary on social media this week has really made my blood boil. Now, I can’t help but cast my memory back to almost twelve months ago when a similar incident, again involving Goodes, blew up very publicly in one young Collingwood supporter’s face.
I’m sure most remember the infamous occasion but what they might not have registered is the bands of people, much like they have done this week, coming to the defence of the culprit, which is easy to do from behind a keyboard and an avatar.
‘She’s just a young girl, she doesn’t know any better’. Perhaps not, but shouldn’t she? Hasn’t Disney been teaching our kids for years that everyone is different and beautiful in their own way?
‘She didn’t mean it as a racist remark, she just meant Goodes actually carries a likeness to an ape’. Really? Because I’ve never seen a gorilla toast two Brownlow medals or kick key goals in the 2005 and 2012 grand finals. I’m pretty sure a silverback couldn’t lace out Barry Hall 20 from goal, straight in front or slot set shots from 55 out without breaking a sweat.
‘Most undeserving Australian of the Year’. I can’t remember who I saw comment this in January but standing up for what you believe in, saying ‘no more’ to a complete and total injustice is completely deserving of one of Australia’s highest honours. Steve Waugh won the bloody thing for goodness sake.
I don’t understand how people could still think that behaviour like this is acceptable. Could it just be ignorance? Do these people simply not understand what it can be like on the other end of a ‘bit of [racist] banter’? Because those who do know what it’s like can tell you it’s not a laughing matter.
Don’t get me wrong, I am a sledger – a serial sledger. As a spectator and as an amateur sportsperson I dish it out as much as I get it. On the rare occasion I will cross the line and get a bit personal. I will apologise and beg forgiveness. Sometimes I’ll buy the other person a beer. But one thing I will never do is chastise someone for where they are from or what they believe in – unless they believe in racism.
I’ve also been to a game where one of my good friends surprised me, the rest of our group and the surrounding crowd when he made some evil remarks about Swans paceman Lewis Jetta. He’d had a bit to drink and instantly realised how offensive what he had said was and immediately went into his shell for the rest of the game. He later apologised to me personally as he knew my stance on the issue, to which I replied, “I’m not the one you should be apologising to”.
That is why I’m so against a ‘No Racism Round’ in the AFL.
While I admire the AFL’s push to establish a ‘No Racism Round’, I think they’re looking at it the wrong way.
If we agree to a single round being marked as ‘No Racism’ then does that make it acceptable to hurl this disgusting abuse around for the remaining 22?
Edison Marshall
Roar Pro
One of those people who hasn't been on the other side of the fence, mate?
Jack Smith
Roar Guru
'No Racism Round' suggests it happens in other rounds which is not something that should occur. I think the AFL should continue with ads they had prior to games on the big screens from players of that club to respect the other teams with pride and respect. Might have been a reminder to that Essendon fan...
db swannie
Guest
While I admire Goodes stand at the game , he lost a ton of credibility when he went quiet over the racist comment/joke by one of the most powerful men in AFL. He had a chance to make a huge statement ,but in my eyes towed the AFL company line . Can you blame some none too bright fans for yelling racist remarks(& it happens in all sports) when Eddie McChins basically gets off scott free. Look at the media after The Collingwood boss had his little joke. they went straight into protect eddie. He didn't mean it. He was tired. It was just a joke.. Blah blah blah.. Poor eddie he talks before he thinks . Blah blah blah. how do you educate people on Racism when they see others get away with it. Any racist remarks should attract severe penalties. Don't care it its players/officials fans whoever..
clipper
Guest
How do you know Nicky Winmar wouldn't be offended? Perhaps he was the stepping stone that has allowed players like Adam Goodes to highlight racist comments - perhaps if Nicky had been around now, he would have done the same as Adam - it would've been a lot harder to complain and been taken seriously back then. Also, it's a moot point, unless the parties can't speak, then it would be a mute moot point.
Knoxy
Guest
The round isn't just about racial awareness. It's also about celebrating Indigenous culture and the large impact that Indigenous Australians have had on our game.
johnhunt92
Roar Guru
I was thinking the exact same thing as you've written yesterday. Let's make racisim not acceptable in all rounds not just one round
Gus Paella
Guest
I agree the function of the round is to promote awareness of racial intolerance but what's with the anglo reference?
Tha Funkopotamus
Guest
Tha round iz about awareness. U must be anglo bro..
Pope Paul VII
Guest
It's needed to remind Australians of how fortunate they are. Places where they think they don't need such things include, The new Russia, Ukraine, Syria, Nigeria, Israel, Palestine etc
Tas Rules
Guest
We just need ordinary people at the footy & everywhere else to jump on Racist comments. The Essendon supporters showed the way by outing one of their own bad mouthed supporters. Good on them. People should support their team & our football. Making degrading personal comments about anyone should be out of bounds.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
Overcoming racism certainly is a long term project. Having someone as articulate and high profile as Adam Goodes taking a lead on this issue is a boon indeed.
Cat
Roar Guru
Do you believe the world is flat too? Wake up to yourself.
penguin
Guest
Good article. And Goodes is a great role model. Good on him for having the guts to stop a game and point out the racism. Winmar made his point differently Strayan, and good on him too. Racism should be opposed every time it rears it's ugly head. We're all a little bit racist but the more publicity it gets then the better!
fiver
Guest
Sorry but I don't believe Goodes was deserving of Australian of the Year and I don't beleive racism in sport is a big problem. Especially when so called sports stars are paid squillions of dollars, and called hero's every other day of the week. I guess as long as everything is sunshine and rainbows on the footy field then the rest of society is okay.
strayan
Guest
remember nicky winmar? all class all dignity all pride. he simply stood there, not a word spoken and lifted up his st kilda jumper and pointed at his skin to signal to the crowd.. That simple act defined the pride he felt in his colour, race and heritage. No sooking and crying off to the ALF, no pointed finger to dob in individuals in the crowd, no token "indegeneous round" or "racism round" to hide behind, no begging for spectators to be on their best behavior and dob each other in. It was silent, defiant and powerful. The lesson here is that no amount of top-down social and behavioural engineering will stop people from being absolutely feral behind the fence or even on the ground. If the likes of Adam Goodes stopped worrying about copping racial abuse from spectators and begging the ALF to silence and censor crowds but instead proudly state through words or action that "hey you can call me anything you want but nothing you say will offend, hurt and affect because quite simply, I AM PROUD OF WHO I AM AND THE COLOUR OF MY SKIN AND MY HERITAGE." if i had any intention of racially abusing someone, the last person i would think about attacking would be Nicky Winmar based purely on the fact that anything said to him would be a mute point and a waste of my time. Just saying, it's easier to attack someone if you know that they will get offended.
baxter
Guest
I think the idea behind Goodes receiving the honour is that he used his status as a leader, his following as a high profile sportsperson as well as his income to install this message across a wider audience that is what made the difference. Lets not forget the endless amounts of charity work he's done over the years for different communities across Australia. And that he is a role model to young indigenous persons that they too have an equal chance at success. An important message when you imagine the some of the adversities these young people must go through in some areas.
Brisvegas
Guest
I think I will get out in the public arena this weekend, take my mobile phone with camera and video in the ready and start ranting on my selfies No against racism. Ill try and interview 1000 people in my seldies, then enter myself in for Australian of the Year. How do you reckon id go?..........answer whos Brisvegas
nordster
Guest
'No Racism Life' ?