Toast Freo supporters

[Big Animal]

While we're talking Freo supporters, I've just read through a few threads on the BF mainboard so what's with the incessant need to respond to or correct every little criticism of Freo or get upset when other supporters don't like Freo or don't want Freo to win the premiership. Not every Freo member post is like that but when reading the threads as a whole, it makes Freo supporters generally come across as whiny little bitches with small dog syndrome. It's getting embarrassing.

 

[Steinfreo]

First bold point shows the hardship of people who have experienced racism. If you read about the history of relations between Aboriginal and non Aboriginal Australia you will see that this issue is greater than you perhaps realise. I recommend reading a couple of Anna Haebich's books like "For Their Own Good," "Broken Circles" and even "Mister Neville". This will help with the context in WA particularly. There are plenty of good books on the subject.

Second bold part. Your intention has meaning but as i said earlier, it does not define whether or not it is racist.

Third Part. Instead of giving a fictional example of what my response might be, allow me to speak for myself. In any event, your imaginary sentence is not something I would say and not something consistent with my viewpoint. Nothing in my earlier post about what is or isn't racist should lead you to those thoughts.

The fact remains that only racism is racism. Whether it is by conscious thought or by absence of thought, racism is racism. Intention does not change it any more than perception on the part of the listener does.

Due the history of racism in ours and other countries there are people who struggle to understand when the actions of those around them are racist or not. This is a sad effect - a scar from past experience. But it does not change the truth of whether or not a particular statement or act is, in fact, racist or not. It is very important that people, acts and things are not labelled as racist if they are not.

When I first read your post I thought, gees I suck, this guy is slick and defiantly right. I reread it about 10-20 times and then realised its actually not saying much.

Your first point is setting up your intellectual credentials. I havent read those books but from what I can find on google about them they would tell some very heart breaking and eye opening stories and I'm keen to have a read. What I'm not sure is if they will address the point we are debating, the hidden unspoken racism that runs through our society. Back then racism was institutionalized (it still is really but its a bit more quieter about it), no one gave a shit if you were racist it was all out in the open, even by people trying to help (I'm not saying I think Australia is worse than other places, but I think that there is a certain mythology amongst us that we are a particularly open minded culture).

An interesting side note is that race relations between the indigenous and white Australia have not improved in the decades since those books were written, which is really sad. Thanks for giving me the name of the author by the way.

Your view on the second point is confusing to me. In earlier posts you say Racism isnt defined by the intent of the person saying it. Then you say racism isnt necessarily defined by the recipient either. Who defines it? I'll tell you, racism is defined by both and both come to different contradictory conclusions. What matters is which conclusion you subscribe to, and yes one is right and one is wrong, if you want to be part of an Australia that seeks to better itself. The western world is coming to grips with this globally which is also interesting, its like its being dragged into equilibrium with the rest of the shitty world.

You third point is pretty much reiterating your second point. I 100% agree though, due to history there are people that struggle to understand what racism is.

Basically you are of the view that there is not an invisible, ever present racism permeating Australian society. I am saying yes there is and the Goodes situation and many other situations that you would define as not racist are expressions of it.

I am sorry if I am unclear in the way I write, I sometimes struggle with that. I actually really enjoyed your posts. You seem like an intelligent and considered person, with a view different to mine.

 

[purplerunsdeep]

I must add being at etihad last week for. The freo v north game - the game day presenters who clearly are North employees used the big screens / audio quite well in between goals to keep momentum in the cheering after kicking a goal. No doubt the players could feel it - as a fan we could
I know our supporters are very happy once a goal is kicked (because we don't kick that many..... [emoji12]) but maybe we can learn from other teams to implement here

 

[Bicco]

I must add being at etihad last week for. The freo v north game - the game day presenters who clearly are North employees used the big screens / audio quite well in between goals to keep momentum in the cheering after kicking a goal. No doubt the players could feel it - as a fan we could
I know our supporters are very happy once a goal is kicked (because we don't kick that many..... [emoji12]) but maybe we can learn from other teams to implement here

I was there other a bunch of mates, we were of the opposite view, thinking that it was stupid. The screens said 'get loud' or 'cheer now' which we thought sent a message that the crowd itself needed to be told when to cheer. I've been to plenty of games where the crowd rises once the centre bounce is about to take place, hoping for another goal.

 

[gaskin]

They had that a similar thing at Subi a couple of years ago IIRC and it made me not want to cheer. Clubs should in no way shape or form be telling the fans when or how to make noise.

 

[samFFC]

Bump! Hoping to see the Dockers fan do the right thing this weekend. Maybe a cheer, but hoping for no boos of the great #37. To me, that would sour what will no doubt be a ridiculously excellent atmosphere.

 

[freoextra]

Cookie and Kickett said don't boo, I don't fancy a shirt front from either of these two favourites of mine. My lips are sealed unless he does something (like any other footballer) on the night that makes me want to have a crack at him.