I still stand by my assertion that not all of the booing towards Goodes is racially motivated (although I do concede it has become a forum for some racists to express their views). And I still stand by my assertion that the media's coverage over the week has been incredibly simplistic (eg Mark Robinson today grizzling that perhaps Hawthorn indigenous players should be supporting Goodes - perhaps if he did an iota of research he could have checked Cyril Rioli's twitter feed).
But I got to admit I loved what Goodes did last night. It turns the debate away from booing or even the reason for doing it. Now we get to discuss whether we have problems with an indigenous man expressing pride in his heritage. It doesn't matter IMHO whether he directed the dance to Carlton supporters who would have been the ones booing him or Swans fans or fellow players. It was great theatre and a great response to the situation.
Nailed it IMO.
Not all booers are racist
Some would be.
AFL media is atrocious
Don't listen to anyone that says all booers are racist
Dont listen to anyone that says all booers are not racist
War Dance = good theatre for a game that is becoming more and more sterile
People are entitled to like it.
People are entitled to hate it.
The only issue for me is why has the booing intensified since the Collingwood game and the AOTY? If the answer could be measured then things could change..
Most sports would embrace one of their own being given the award. That didn't happen in the AFL. That's weird to me.
Anyway, Goodes will keep doing what he does and people will continue to love him or hate him for their own reasons. One of those reasons for some people would be racism.
On a purely selfish level, can everyone please keep booing him because he will lift.