Matt Rendell situation thread #3

[RocknRoll]

Who believes Rendell's proposed "assimilation" policy was offensive?

I don't think it was offensive.

I just looked into it, thought about it in an effort to understand why Mifsud might have reacted negatively to it. I hope we can see why he might have thought this even if we do not agree with this opinion.

Of course there are various conspiracy theories but I don't think these are very productive. I prefer to try and understand what people say rather than just claim people are lying and have other hidden motives.

To me it seems like Matt may have been unable to see why anyone could possibly have any objections to it and just pushed too hard. It was this *pushing* that maybe led to the unacceptable racial comments that led to his downfall.

I would find it very hard to believe that Misfud would have reacted in the way he did if Matt just raised the question politely.

It should also still mean AFL recruiters are free to discuss any issue with Mifsud but concede they might be less likely to after this sad episode.

 

[SydCrow]

Ok, so I've thought about it a bit more.

I can now, sort of, understand how implying that the ultimate solution to an aboriginal problem is to introduce some whiteness can be construed as racist.

Whether or not he deserved to get the flick for that comment is a different matter.

EDIT: Sam Newman is still a ****head.

where did you get that from? or does going to Scotch make you a little bit white?

 

[afc1991]

I don't think it was offensive.

I just looked into it, thought about it in an effort to understand why Mifsud might have reacted negatively to it. I hope we can see why he might have thought this even if we do not agree with this opinion.

Of course there are various conspiracy theories but I don't think these are very productive. I prefer to try and understand what people say rather than just claim people are lying and have other hidden motives.

To me it seems like Matt may have been unable to see why anyone could possibly have any objections to it and just pushed too hard. It was this *pushing* that maybe led to the unacceptable racial comments that led to his downfall.

I would find it very hard to believe that Misfud would have reacted in the way he did if Matt just raised the question politely.

It should also still mean AFL recruiters are free to discuss any issue with Mifsud but concede they might be less likely to after this sad episode.

So in other words its a conspiracy?

 

[SydCrow]

Cold and bitter comes to mind...

with a little whitener?

 

[Syd Crow]

Of course there are various conspiracy theories but I don't think these are very productive. I prefer to try and understand what people say rather than just claim people are lying and have other hidden motives.

To me it seems like Matt may have been unable to see why anyone could possibly have any objections to it and just pushed too hard. It was this *pushing* that maybe led to the unacceptable racial comments that led to his downfall.

I would find it very hard to believe that Misfud would have reacted in the way he did if Matt just raised the question politely.

In my mind - there are always hidden agendas. This does not mean complex plans of intrigue necessarily, but may be as simple as not throwing a life line when some one you don't want needs it.

Secondly, anyone who is passionate (as Matt was) about something will naturally push hard - damn the torpedoes full speed ahead type attitude.

If Mifsud could not handle this he is in the wrong job. I have been in a meeting similar (not racist statements but personal criticisms of my boss) and a good manager can handle the situation easily.

Certainly more education is required by Mifsud if he is to succeed in his position - he clearly can not handle his role with out Vlad wielding a big stick behind his back.

 

[SydCrow]

So in other words its a conspiracy?

does backgrounding hand-picked journalists, strong-arming the AFC and stage-managing the media response amount to a conspiracy?

 

[Syd Crow]

No, I don't think Steven had a choice given that the story had gone public. I believe the blame lies squarely now with Mifsud and Fahour who are the ones who missed the opportunity to educate.

Jenny, Like you I try to have 100% faith and confidence in my club - even supporting Craig up till the last few games where clearly the rose coloured glasses had to come off.

I also thought Trigg was pushed into a corner by the AFL/Press on this.

However, who would want to work for an organisation that at the first sign of public trouble - they throw you to wolves. I am still pretty angry what happened to Bernie - now we have this.

Yes the Club should be above individuals to a point. But when you choose the club above every thing you hold right - morally right???? The brand is more important than doing what is right from a moral perspective?

I am now questioning my faith in those who are leading this club.

 

[Slippery Pete]

Wait a second.... There are two SydCrows now??

 

[Godallblighty]

Heard Neil Balme on SEN this morning saying Matt Rendell had been 'assassinated'.

Issue not quite dead.

 

[Syd Crow]

Wait a second.... There are two SydCrows now??

Yes we breed fast! lol

Been hanging around since 2005 when still in Sydney but now back in Adelaide - joined in 2007 to say something. Usually just hang around in the background but this issue really fired me up to speak.

I should say that this forum is extremely valuable for those not living in Adelaide - as usually it provides lots of info for crows fans who are not here.

 

[SydCrow]

Wait a second.... There are two SydCrows now??

I am the good looking one

 

[SydCrow]

Heard Neil Balme on SEN this morning saying Matt Rendell had been 'assassinated'.

Issue not quite dead.

I love Balmie - calls it like he played it

I wonder what the other recruiters think? Do they have a representative body like the AFLPA or the coaches association?

 

[Mattrox]

Heard Neil Balme on SEN this morning saying Matt Rendell had been 'assassinated'.

Issue not quite dead.

Like Mifsud tweeted some people will stand up others will stand down.

Just like there will be those that now remain tight lipped, others will remain vocal about the issue because it relates directly to more than the issues surrounding racism alone. This has really affected the football community at a much deeper level than Vlad the Imapler (of Rendell) had bargained for. The conversation might go quiet as games start but this will simmer under the surface for a long time. Ie next Draft period.

 

[Syd Crow]

I am the good looking one

Probably true - I saw Neil Balme play for Norwood and his brother playing for Richmond - so have a few more miles under my belt, probably!

I even saw Neil Craig play for Norwood!

 

[TheTonic]

does backgrounding hand-picked journalists, strong-arming the AFC and stage-managing the media response amount to a conspiracy?

wiki wiki

an association between religious, political, or tribal officials to further their own ends, usually by intrigue"

 

[ruscy002]

Huge respect for Balmey on this one given his position. Very much indicates that the AFL will never get club cooperation on matters of culture while Mifsud/Fahour are still in the picture.

Untenable.

 

[Wood_Duck]

Wait a second.... There are two SydCrows now??

That is confusing.

Can you two please clarify, which one of you doesnt like me?

 

[Syd Crow]

That is confusing.

Can you two please clarify, which one of you doesnt like me?

If it helps....I dont like anyone!



even me!

 

[MattyB_76]

*** Warning, I'm gonna discuss a proposal that may have some 'ideas' in it which Jason Mifsud could find offensive. My intentions are good. Please don't tell the media or my employer. ***

I think Mifsud has missed massive opportunity here, in terms of the 'Rendell Academy' proposal.

Ignoring everyone's 'assumed and implied intentions' for a second. What if stopped talking about 'assimilation' but about 'integration'? What if this actually benefits the non-indigenous kids more than the indigenous ones?

Bringing rural indigenous kids to Melbourne (or anywhere's) boarding schools allows the kids of these schools, most likely city kids of 'good financial and social standing' to learn from the indigenous kids. Broad generalisation, but most of the kids at the school I went to (PAC) never had any interaction with indigenous people. Maybe a couple of the boarders, but not the day boys.

Maybe if I had a grown up with indigenous kids at school, I wouldn't be so confused as to why certain things are offensive and certain things aren't.

 

[Allefgib]

spot on MattyB.

Everyone is so concerned with being offended they aren't looking at the opportunities to educate.

I've been swaying in my understanding and direction of anger on this since it came out.. the one thing I feel I've been reasonably consistent on is the insistence the focus be on education and learning to get along.

Why is it that is not the objective of the leaders involved? Truly sad. No worse, truly disgraceful IMO.

 

[Syd Crow]

*** Warning, I'm gonna discuss a proposal that may have some 'ideas' in it which Jason Mifsud could find offensive. My intentions are good. Please don't tell the media or my employer. ***

I think Mifsud has missed massive opportunity here, in terms of the 'Rendell Academy' proposal.

Ignoring everyone's 'assumed and implied intentions' for a second. What if stopped talking about 'assimilation' but about 'integration'? What if this actually benefits the non-indigenous kids more than the indigenous ones?

Bringing rural indigenous kids to Melbourne (or anywhere's) boarding schools allows the kids of these schools, most likely city kids of 'good financial and social standing' to learn from the indigenous kids. Broad generalisation, but most of the kids at the school I went to (PAC) never had any interaction with indigenous people. Maybe a couple of the boarders, but not the day boys.

Maybe if I had a grown up with indigenous kids at school, I wouldn't be so confused as to why certain things are offensive and certain things aren't.

Actually you make a valid point here. In this discussion everyone is assuming that the indigenous youngsters are the only ones who will "learn" something - would be great if we (i.e. us brought up in cities of all ethnic backgrounds) could actually have the opportunity to learn from them.

 

[AFC979810]

*** Warning, I'm gonna discuss a proposal that may have some 'ideas' in it which Jason Mifsud could find offensive. My intentions are good. Please don't tell the media or my employer. ***

I think Mifsud has missed massive opportunity here, in terms of the 'Rendell Academy' proposal.

Ignoring everyone's 'assumed and implied intentions' for a second. What if stopped talking about 'assimilation' but about 'integration'? What if this actually benefits the non-indigenous kids more than the indigenous ones?

Bringing rural indigenous kids to Melbourne (or anywhere's) boarding schools allows the kids of these schools, most likely city kids of 'good financial and social standing' to learn from the indigenous kids. Broad generalisation, but most of the kids at the school I went to (PAC) never had any interaction with indigenous people. Maybe a couple of the boarders, but not the day boys.

Maybe if I had a grown up with indigenous kids at school, I wouldn't be so confused as to why certain things are offensive and certain things aren't.

You used some very racist words like 'integration'..

I am beyond furious. I plan to report your post to the mods in approx 6 weeks.

 

[Syd Crow]

Interesting - Jim Stynes Scholarshipshttp://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/breaking-news/pm-announces-jim-stynes-scholarships/story-e6frea73-1226308258484 announced ....

"We're holding up 37 scholarships a year for young kids who come from indigenous or multicultural backgrounds or suffer from disadvantage and need a leg up in life," Ms Gillard said in a statement."

 

[caramello]

No wonder Matt got shafted, the PM wanted the idea for herself. :O

 

[afc1991]

Interesting - Jim Stynes Scholarshipshttp://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/...nes-scholarships/story-e6frea73-1226308258484 announced ....

"We're holding up 37 scholarships a year for young kids who come from indigenous or multicultural backgrounds or suffer from disadvantage and need a leg up in life," Ms Gillard said in a statement."

Oh noes, thats just ignorant.