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Adam Goodes is a complicated case study. And yet, I still arrive at the conclusion that he is disliked/resented because he is outspoken about indigenous affairs and on casual racism. I see plenty of people say “I don’t boo him because I’m racist – I don’t boo (indigenous player X, Y, Z) – I boo him because he’s a tosser” or some variant – which explains nothing and in fact inverts the answer back to the question, why is Goodes disliked?
And of course, it’s not because Goodes is indigenous, in isolation. It’s because he’s an indigenous man with a voice and profile that he is unapologetic in using.
So he does a 5 second tribal dance and social media erupts. But it IS indigenous round, isn’t it? And Adam Goodes is an ambassador for indigenous people. And what exactly are people offended by? That it was directed towards Carlton supporters? (well if that’s the case its another tick from me!) Because it was a proud and anabashed tribute to his heritage?
The Drum in article last week rightly noted that football fans resent footballers using the game as a platform for anything political – they prefer their players to be oafish. Consider the popularity (still) of guys like Brendan Fevola, or Gary Ablett Sr. or Wayne Carey – the list goes on. Of course, footballers these days are discouraged from having any personality at all – unless involves abstract bogan-wit like Nik Cummins.
It’s interesting that Australian’s are given carte blanche in expressing their patriotism – “lest we forget” – wearing flags as capes and consuming large quantities of beer. It’s Billy Brownless or Bob Hawke skolling a pint at the cricket. Any expression outside very narrow anglo parameters is looked on with some suspicion – like, who does this self-absorbed narcissist think he is making it all about him?
Take this one of many images circulating social media about Goodes.
The digital age of “memes” have created a culture, I believe, that dilutes argument about complex issues through infantile selective soundbites under the guise of humour (It’s probably just one rung below tabloid journalism). It is definitely leading people to think less critically. Never mind Goodes' tireless and ongoing work with Aboriginal communities and charities or simply that his football exploits inspire to achieve – that isn’t funny, it contradicts people's strongly held prejudices against him and would take more than two seconds to think about.
And it shows where a lot of the animosity towards Goodes lies. Admittedly, the singling out of a girl (who happened to be 13) last year in front of national television was not ideal, nor was it planned. Goodes simply heard to comment and reacting, pointed to the direction it came from.
From there, what is Goodes supposed to do? He is an icon for indigenous people so he can’t very well say – “well she’s 13, I guess we can let it slide” – the girl probably didn’t know the term “ape” had racist connotations. But I suppose if we’re trying to achieve anything near racial equality, it has to start from the ground-up. It’s very unfortunate a young girl had to be made example of in such a public manner – but you might argue the public exposure of the incident might raise more awareness about it. I know, in my experience growing up, casual racism starts in the school playground (where there are often no indigenous children around to challenge the stereotypes) – it filters through the various channels becomes embedded in their psyche that indigenous persons are different, they are the butt of crude jokes.
Goodes will attract attention no matter what he does – whether he dances, or not. Whether he gets a suspension or a reprimand. He is one of premier players in the game, an ambassador for Indigenous affairs, and in my opinion deserving AOTY winner. If you take issue with him you should review some of the other winners from previous years, with much less claim to the award than him.
We need to turn our focus (and outrage) to the people who are ensuring ongoing racial prejudice by ensuring they remain impoverished – i.e. the current government
And of course, it’s not because Goodes is indigenous, in isolation. It’s because he’s an indigenous man with a voice and profile that he is unapologetic in using.
So he does a 5 second tribal dance and social media erupts. But it IS indigenous round, isn’t it? And Adam Goodes is an ambassador for indigenous people. And what exactly are people offended by? That it was directed towards Carlton supporters? (well if that’s the case its another tick from me!) Because it was a proud and anabashed tribute to his heritage?
The Drum in article last week rightly noted that football fans resent footballers using the game as a platform for anything political – they prefer their players to be oafish. Consider the popularity (still) of guys like Brendan Fevola, or Gary Ablett Sr. or Wayne Carey – the list goes on. Of course, footballers these days are discouraged from having any personality at all – unless involves abstract bogan-wit like Nik Cummins.
It’s interesting that Australian’s are given carte blanche in expressing their patriotism – “lest we forget” – wearing flags as capes and consuming large quantities of beer. It’s Billy Brownless or Bob Hawke skolling a pint at the cricket. Any expression outside very narrow anglo parameters is looked on with some suspicion – like, who does this self-absorbed narcissist think he is making it all about him?
Take this one of many images circulating social media about Goodes.
The digital age of “memes” have created a culture, I believe, that dilutes argument about complex issues through infantile selective soundbites under the guise of humour (It’s probably just one rung below tabloid journalism). It is definitely leading people to think less critically. Never mind Goodes' tireless and ongoing work with Aboriginal communities and charities or simply that his football exploits inspire to achieve – that isn’t funny, it contradicts people's strongly held prejudices against him and would take more than two seconds to think about.
And it shows where a lot of the animosity towards Goodes lies. Admittedly, the singling out of a girl (who happened to be 13) last year in front of national television was not ideal, nor was it planned. Goodes simply heard to comment and reacting, pointed to the direction it came from.
From there, what is Goodes supposed to do? He is an icon for indigenous people so he can’t very well say – “well she’s 13, I guess we can let it slide” – the girl probably didn’t know the term “ape” had racist connotations. But I suppose if we’re trying to achieve anything near racial equality, it has to start from the ground-up. It’s very unfortunate a young girl had to be made example of in such a public manner – but you might argue the public exposure of the incident might raise more awareness about it. I know, in my experience growing up, casual racism starts in the school playground (where there are often no indigenous children around to challenge the stereotypes) – it filters through the various channels becomes embedded in their psyche that indigenous persons are different, they are the butt of crude jokes.
Goodes will attract attention no matter what he does – whether he dances, or not. Whether he gets a suspension or a reprimand. He is one of premier players in the game, an ambassador for Indigenous affairs, and in my opinion deserving AOTY winner. If you take issue with him you should review some of the other winners from previous years, with much less claim to the award than him.
We need to turn our focus (and outrage) to the people who are ensuring ongoing racial prejudice by ensuring they remain impoverished – i.e. the current government
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