Roar Guru
Joined January 2008
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Les,
As I have written elsewhere I didn’t write the headline, I submitted the article without one.
Cut Johns some slack for being a typical Aussie bloke
Mr Cool,
Cool. I’m fighting enough fires at present. Appreciate your input though.
Cut Johns some slack for being a typical Aussie bloke
I’ve hardly been teed up Johns management.
I said what the bloke did was wrong, I’ve called him stupid and I’ve said that Tahu should be applauded.
???
Cut Johns some slack for being a typical Aussie bloke
Les,
Final point, again I’m not saying it is not that bad, I’m saying its commonplace. This is a big difference.
I’ve also said that the use of those word was wrong, not “all that bad” as you have said.
Mate, I don’t think we disagree all that much.
Cut Johns some slack for being a typical Aussie bloke
It Called Football and Jeff,
I’ve never said it was okay, I’ve said it was commonplace but not correct. An important difference.
Cut Johns some slack for being a typical Aussie bloke
Les,
I’m not trying to justify why they exist, I’m saying they do exist and that we need to make sure that people understand that they are unacceptable.
You haven’t used that language, ever heard anyone use it? How often? What was your reaction?
Cut Johns some slack for being a typical Aussie bloke
The historical contexts that comes with those two insults are world’s apart.
Cut Johns some slack for being a typical Aussie bloke
Just a point of difference Keith, I think you are confusing me with Andrew Johns. He thought it was acceptable to use racist comments in that way, but found out it clearly wasn’t.
I have said that what Johns said was wrong, but we are kidding ourselves if we think he is the only one. That doesn’t make it right, but it means that hopefully Johns isn’t the only one learning lessons from this.
Cut Johns some slack for being a typical Aussie bloke
Totally agree Vinay, hopefully the Johns episode will allow a lot fo use to review the language we use for the better.
Cut Johns some slack for being a typical Aussie bloke
That’s it, but I needed to increase the word count significantly.
Cut Johns some slack for being a typical Aussie bloke
Barbara,
My colleague is certainly NOT my mate. And my point was that HE wouldn’t see himself as a racist, I do but that isn’t important.
The problem I was trying to illustrate was the people use racist language but then use such excuses as you have pointed out.
I don’t think I’m an apologist, my point is that Johns used very typical language and we don’t progress if we just put the boot into him and then think we’ve solved Australia’s problems because Joey isn’t coaching the Blues anymore. At no point did I say the language was acceptable, I also pointed out the hypocrisy of some of those you ahve criticised Johns.
Cut Johns some slack for being a typical Aussie bloke
Soapit,
I agree. I think Johns got carried away with trying to rev up the NSW players and used a disgraceful comment. On reflection its clear he regrets it and I think that the point. Like you I hope the section of society that recognise the problem with such instinctive comments is growing.
Cut Johns some slack for being a typical Aussie bloke
Chris,
I agree that plenty of Australians may make such comments (certainly not all, and hopefully the number dwindles by the day). However I believe that the vast majority all Australians, when given the chance to think about an issue would act in a way that challenged the stereotype.
Johns choice of language was disgraceful, but I maintain plenty of his actions would show he is not a racist.
Cut Johns some slack for being a typical Aussie bloke
Good point Fallen, I’ll admit I didn’t write the headline.
I think you make an interesting point about older Australians and its relevant here with the use of language and then being labelled a racist. I know loads of people who are embarassed by the parents and grandparents comments about other minority groups in Australia. However when Gran sounds off about the Asians/Arabs/Jews, do we say “she is a racist” or “oh she just comes from a different time when that was acceptable.
As I argued I have no problem with how Tahu reacted, I applaud his guts, but at the same time I’m surprised he had not made such points before. I think Johns would have valued Tahu’s comments enough that had he at anytime before said “I don’t like you using those terms” I’m pretty sure he would have got the point. He certainly has now.
Cut Johns some slack for being a typical Aussie bloke
Not really James. I thought I made it clear with “we can all agree that what Johns said was wrong.”
I agree it if lots of people use racist language it doesn’t make it okay, but what it shows is the problem is more complex than just labelling some footballer a racist and then thinking we have solved all the problems of racism in Australia.
Cut Johns some slack for being a typical Aussie bloke
Les,
Everyone has universally condemned Johns, everyone has said what he said was unacceptable.
I’m concerned you are struggling to pick that up. What I am arguing is I have found it odd that people who also make similar comments are able to deem John’s language inappropriate but not see they commit the same act.
Others have said that seeing Johns has spent large amounts of time with players from different backgrounds it’s odd he didn’t learn that such language was inappropriate, which echoes my point about him being a slow learner.
Cut Johns some slack for being a typical Aussie bloke
Les,
I’d suggest you re-read the article.
I agree my colleagues comments were racist. However my point was that THEY wouldn’t see themselves as one. Hence the phrase “HE wouldn’t call himself a racist.””. Which is the point of the article, we can judge others as racist quite quickly but seem to struggle to do the same ourselves.
Perhaps you can answer your own question, does a racist comment make someone a racist or just a fool?
For example, would Andrew Johns not select Greg Inglis if he was eligible for NSW of course not, but he clearly has not thought about the implications of his language which is incredibly important and something we should all take from this episode.
Cut Johns some slack for being a typical Aussie bloke
Paul J,
I agree Johns comment was unacceptable, re: “we can all agree that what Andrew Johns said was wrong.”
I also agree that my colleagues comments re indefensible, his inability to pick a winner is no excuse such vile comments, hence my last line.
I’m not sure what we disagree on.
Cut Johns some slack for being a typical Aussie bloke
Mick,
It’s interesting when people who have been assistant coaches for so long take the reigns and say they have plenty of new ideas. I’m always troubled that they had some ideas when their team was struggling and decided to hold off until they could get some credit. I know its not as simple as that, and assistants deserve a crack but its a cautionary tale.
Coaching in the NRL is a rollercoaster ride
Redb,
Certainly an argument worthy of consideration. There certainly are different issues when comparing buying league stars from the position of the AFL and ARU, however I would have thought there was at least some data from which to make some sort of educated observation.
Like many others, I don’t think the leaguies were failures as players but they certainly didn’t seem to bring good will from the rugby public. This may be interesting to note with Folau and Hunt, the big question up until has been will they be good enough. However what happens if they are good enough but the crowds still don’t show? When you are paid as a player that isn’t that much of a concern but its different when you are paid as a marketing tool.
Hall and Lockett were also some of the alltime greats in their positions, or that is what I;m led to believe so that’s a high benchmark. Also good full forwards need good service, so they’ll need a quality team to get them the ball.
All will be revealed I guess….
Folau exit means need for cap review, not mass panic
I think you’ve got it right Scott, a pity there isn’t a market for it…or is there?
Maroons sack Folau, Tate gets recall
Sorry Oikee you lost me at the idea that picking islanders for Australia (who were born here) was “dissing the brothers”.
I don’t think you can just run the “oh the game is being run by muppets” every time there is a different problem to solve before proclaiming “Oh the game is stuffed.” The cap needs to be changed but it is simply impossible to have a meaningful cap and also knock back offers like this. As I said, even the AFL now this and that is why Folau’s deal is outside the cap.
Folau exit means need for cap review, not mass panic
I believe that the Pacific Islands Cup is again slated for during the Four Nations this year, as a “Don’t Start me on this Again” remarked october has nothing (although I’m not sure I’d go that far).
Certainly don’t disagree with the first half of your argument either.
The Origin series deserves its own weekends
Hitler agrees (please click the link before judging that statement.
World Cup is for all, not just South Africans