Racism Aint So Funny

I’ve worked in offices for about 20 years. Most of the people I meet are fairly well educated or at least up to date on what is going on in the world. The sort of people you expect to be politically correct. I say that in a positive way, meaning they would avoid talk that may offend others – whether it be about religion, race or politics.

It comes a surprise then when I sometimes hear racist remarks about indigenous people. And especially as a surprise when the offenders are often those I regard as very nice people.   These comments are usually a snide remark about petrol sniffing, alcohol abuse, glue sniffing or stealing. The comments are intended to gain a laugh. They are supposed to be funny. They are not said with hatred or vicious contempt. It’s probable that the offender’s only interaction with indigenous people is via bad news stories in the media, or maybe via a friend of a friend. But none of that excuses it. And none of that reduces the impact such statements have.

Sometimes I think the hurt or the pain associated with these sorts of comments isn’t recognised.  It’s why many indigenous people haven’t identified as indigenous over the years – their perception of what whitefellahs think about their race tells them that it’s better to keep quiet. Better to not even admit who they are. What does that say about the impression we have left with our indigenous neighbours?

It’s not hard to put the shoe on the other foot. Imagine you are a white Australian living in Zimbabwe. And imagine that every time Australians are mentioned someone cracks a joke about them being lazy or alcoholics. And everyone responds by laughing. And the only stories of white Australians on TV were of those who lived in extreme poverty and had high rates of alcohol abuse? What would that do to your self-esteem? To your respect for your family and community? To your respect for your traditions and culture?

And there’s another danger – every one of these remarks fuels racism in those who hear them.  If your friend has some sneaking suspicion about people of some race or colour and you tell a ‘joke’ about that race, your friend's racist views have just been validated. It’s OK for them to hold these views because you think the same. It must be true. A ‘soft’ racist has just moved a little towards being a ‘hard’ racist. 

Racism is about labelling an entire race. And you will likely pre-judge the next indigenous person you see. You will think that they are likely to steal something from the supermarket or drink to excess, no matter what you know about them.  In fact the less you know about them, the more likely you will pre-judge, and the less likely you will get to know them as a person.

The onus now is on people who recognise the destructive nature of racism to speak out when these comments are made. Not judgementally or self-righteously but with determination that such comments won’t be left unchallenged. By all means let’s retain our sense of humour and laugh when we have the chance.

But let’s speak up when we have to in a way that educates and establishes empathy for others of all races.

Liam Jurrah Behaving Badly - April 2013

An excellent article on theroar.com.au about the reaction to Liam Jurrah's court appearances and recent arrest. Yes, it would appear that Jurrah is currently out of control given that he escaped one  charge for unlawfully causing harm, only to be charged with assaulting 3 females in Alice Springs. Don't miss the reaction of the author's mate - "It is the way they live" - implicit racism that you and I have to challenge whenever it appears.

And it's great to see that reported on a sports website where average Aussies will be challenged to think about their own reactions to the story.

Eddie's Big Blunder - May 2013

The AFL has been a leader in tackling racism head-on , ever since Nicky Winmar took a stand against racist abuse and told the crowd that he was proud to be black. Now they are back in the spotlight due to 2 incidents. Firstly a 13-year-old girl called Adam Goodes an 'ape' when he came over near the boundary line. Goodes heard the abuse and identified her. That caused a massive reaction with most supporting both Goodes response and Collingwood President Eddie Maguir for his swift apology.

Then there's the alternative response from people like Andrew Bolt who focussed on the treatment of the 13 year old girl (for some reason this warranted more comment than the racism and the impact on our  indigenous communities) and then there were those who felt Goodes should 'harden-up'. Some people cannot distinguish between a racial comment that carries 200 years of discrimination and dispossession, and a witty remark intended to bring someone down a peg or two. There's a big difference. The former is an insult that aims at the very heart of the victim, at who they are, at their family and their ancestors.

Goodes just said enough is enough !! And it is only through incidents like this , especially at the footy, that the general public will sit up , take notice and maybe even think about their attitudes. So well done Adam.

Then we had the Eddie Maguire incident. Only a few days after taking an anti-racism stand, Maguire made his own racial slur. Referring to Adam Goodes in the context of the discussion about the new King Kong stage play.

How does that happen ? I have a theory. Eddie knows the difference between right and wrong. As a former Broadmeadows boy he knows about disadvantage and seems to have a reputation as a campaigner against racism. And on Friday night he took a stand to recognise the hurt inflicted by racism.

But then on Wednesday he is in the radio studio with his footy mates. The subject of King Kong comes up and his natural reaction is to look to make a joke out of it. Something to make the 'boy's laugh, something that says even though he gets very serious sometimes, he can also still be 'one of the boys'. Friends from media and football declare Eddie he is not a racist, but he drops a very racist remark that contrasts to his position only 3 days ago.

That's why this story is under my 'Racism aint so funny' topic. It's 'average' blokes like Eddie who should know better. Who must know by now the hurt that is spread by racism. Who need to get over the desire to take a cheap shot at a minority group in order to get a laugh.

If you're not sure about the damage a 'casual' racist joke makes then have a read of Harry OBrien's response to Eddie's remarks. As a white Australian of English descent I feel uncomfortable that an indigenous player is called an 'ape'. But thats only a fraction of the pain an indigenous person feels when they hear that they are still subject to that sort of abuse in 2013.