Re: Adam Goodes

[Al Bundy]

I don't know where the girl heard it, same as I don't know where the people who use similar phrases on here heard them. He chose the stage to make the call just the same. Obviously, and by his own admission, he had plenty of prior opportunities over his career but kept quiet. Bring on the Indigenous round spotlight and a young girl and regardless of how she'd be humiliated or embarrassed he took it on himself to highlight her and dub her the face of racism. People don't seem to think that matters but to many it does. As a mother I was horrified at how the big bully treated her. Basically all he said about Eddie McGuire, who knew full well the connotations of what he said a few days later, was that he no longer considered him a friend. You may well call mentioning it "bleating" Knighters but to me it spoke volumes about Adam Goodes and removed any respect I might have had for him. He's doing his cause more harm than good imo. Too divisive, resentful and damning of white Australia. If people don't move on for a united future rather than an us and them mentality we'll never have any semblance of equality and unity. I haven't spoken to a single person who feels differently about Adam.

:clap, well said Rosy. Captures my views. I find it disgusting that she was locked away from her guardian (Grandmthr) was not allowed to see her for 2 hours !! Oh for Fsake. That was so wrong. Yet those involved werent taken to task.

There are many people I dont like (from footballers), eg Nicholls (Carl), Carl Dittrich, Don Scott, Hird, Lloyd, Goodes, Lindsay Thomas, T Shaw to name a couple off the bat. many I have booed. Just because one is of a particular culture, you potential can get labelled with having racial issues, get a cultural education, have undertones of deep racial problem, sorry but thats utter crap and too far fetched. I havent like Goodes for ages, sniper on the field, stager and a protected species by the umps. Nothing to do with his culture.

Also I take offence that he generalises and labels "white" australians as racist. Far too broad and if the reverse was said it would be jumped on and criticised yet he isnt. I get that he wants change to ensure what is acceptable said in society and agree. His treatment though after the fact of the 13 yo, was totally unacceptable imo. his approach to the matter put far too many people offside. he had a great oppotunity to be graceful and be maybe go along the way to highlight education for positive change. Nooo, went offensive on an easy target. "face of racism" and he also highlighted a bigger problem in society " BULLYING". he was so guilty of it, yet was not taken to task on it. She was a minor that admitted didnt understand !! Its like the media fear to take him on when he crosses the line. he talks about was should be acceptable said in society , well racism is one aspect of it, but so is bullying that should not be out there.

From 40 years ago, I faced a lot of racial issues, now not an issue as it once was. My children did not incur any issues either. A lot has changed for the better. Bullying I find a bigger problem out there to many (at school, work place, internet) and imo yet to be curbed properly. Schools, HR work dept are not to well equped to deal with it properly.

 

[LeeToRainesToRoach]

I find it disgusting that she was locked away from her guardian (Grandmthr) was not allowed to see her for 2 hours !! Oh for Fsake. That was so wrong. Yet those involved werent taken to task.

Goodes can't be blamed for that, though. He wouldn't have known the consequences at the time.

However the "Racism has a face, it's a 13yo girl" was made the following day, after he'd had time to mull over his response. He understood the context by then, but bled it anyway. Absolved the girl of fault, but the rest of us were gonna pay. "Australia, YOU created this 13yo girl!" was the unstated subtext.

Harry O's copped his share for paying out on "society". With Goodesy it's more strident, because he's more confrontational.

 

[Al Bundy]

Goodes can't be blamed for that, though. He wouldn't have known the consequences at the time.

However the "Racism has a face, it's a 13yo girl" was made the following day, after he'd had time to mull over his response. He understood the context by then, but bled it anyway. Absolved the girl of fault, but the rest of us were gonna pay. "Australia, YOU created this 13yo girl!" was the unstated subtext.

I was referring to his response the day after. Agree he didnt know initially who and how old she was.

 

[AMPS]

Goodes can't be blamed for that, though. He wouldn't have known the consequences at the time.

However the "Racism has a face, it's a 13yo girl" was made the following day, after he'd had time to mull over his response. He understood the context by then, but bled it anyway. Absolved the girl of fault, but the rest of us were gonna pay. "Australia, YOU created this 13yo girl!"

And hopefully it made people think about what is offensive - Rosy even admitted herself to not knowing calling a black person an ape was offensive so hopefully it provided food for thought to those like Rosy. And hopefully it encouraged people with children to think how their behaviour influences their children.

 

[Rosy]

I was referring to his response the day after. Agree he didnt know initially who and how old she was.

He knew it was a young girl from the start. When I turned around I saw this young face. It was sad, it was just so sad.’’

 

[Al Bundy]

He knew it was a young girl from the start. When I turned around I saw this young face. It was sad, it was just so sad.’’

True 13 yo,. I dont think he knew she was that young intially
She had no idea what she did wrong. The whole saga was dealt with wrong. To lock her away for 2 hrs and drill her on what she said away from family members was so, so wrong imo.

 

[AMPS]

He knew it was a young girl from the start. When I turned around I saw this young face. It was sad, it was just so sad.’’

Jeez, talk about selective editing. Watch the video, he responds to the word in an instant, he points her out to security. You reckon he should have taken the remonstration back? He has a responsibility to more than just himself, surely you can see the bigger picture here?

Here are the comments he made the next day:

It’s not her fault, she’s 13, she’s still so innocent I don’t put any blame on her but that’s the environment she’s grown up in,’’ Goodes told reporters on Saturday morning.

Goodes said on Saturday that the community needed to support the girl, despite her actions.

"The person that needs the most support right now is the little girl. If she wants to pick up the phone and apologise I’ll take that call."

"The sad part is it’s a 13-year-old girl. That’s what’s hurt me the most. She has no idea what she’s said."


Yeh, he's just a big bully that pounced on an opportunity. :

 

[Rosy]

Geez you're good AMPS. A former site troll. A mod basher. A neglect of the rules. Given a second chance in a new alias and here you are posting as if you're the grand pooh-bah in the high court of racism. Due to your past history I've been trying to ignore your posts on other boards than the football one. I'd appreciate if you'd do the same for me.

 

[Al Bundy]

http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-premiership/the-mother-of-girl-who-hurled-abuse-at-adam-goodes-says-reaction-has-been-blown-out-of-proportion/story-e6frf3e3-1226651200208

The teenager was initially questioned by police without an adult present. When police found out she was only 13, they went and got her grandmother.

Her mother said she believed her daughter was "very scared" when she was taken away by security.

"It was ridiculous that she was in there for so long. For two hours they interviewed her over her saying, 'You're an ape'," she said.

- oh how long does it take for a peanut to drop between the ears that they are dealing with a minor. 2 hrs ! pathetic

 

[LeeToRainesToRoach]

And hopefully it made people think about what is offensive - Rosy even admitted herself to not knowing calling a black person an ape was offensive so hopefully it provided food for thought to those like Rosy. And hopefully it encouraged people with children to think how their behaviour influences their children.

I doubt it had that effect, simply because there's no evidence at all that the girl picked it up from her parents, or that she understood the historical connotations.

It's uncomfortable to have to spell it out, but to a child's eyes Goodes may simply have something something something

Would have no sympathy for an adult who got badly beaten up as a result of referring to a black person as an "ape". The Goodes incident was controversial primarily because it involved a child.

 

[Scoop]

Geez I know plenty of racists. I had to drop a mate (and a Tiger) off facebook last year because I was sick of the racist crap (and he is under 50). I can't help but agree with Waleed Aly that there is a level of "getting above your station" about the reaction to Goodes and Gerard Wateley that the "anti-staging" booers provide cover for the "racist" booers. Would love an expert sound engineer to analyse the crowd noise before and after the Australian of the Year nod. If the booing has increased (as I suspect it has) I can't see how you could argue that it isn't racially motivated?

I can't believe people are still bleating about the thing with the girl. What she said was appalling. That is the simple fact. She DID say it. It IS racist. That is the point, not the kid. Goodes' reaction was both spontaneous and spot on. When the offender was identified it should have been a wake up call to everyone around her of just how disgusting their behaviour has been and that it absolutely pollutes the minds of impressionable kids to the point where it they feel justified in doing what she did. They should have been ashamed and they should have been the focus, not the kid. That doesn't make her a pariah, it makes her a sentinal for all who think it is harmless fun to use that kind of taunt in front of kids or that it is a small problem.

Well said. Goodes challenges the status quo, don't agree with all of it but boy I admire the way he goes about it.

 

[AMPS]

I doubt it had that effect, simply because there's no evidence at all that the girl picked it up from her parents, or that she understood the historical connotations.

It's uncomfortable to have to spell it out, but to a child's eyes Goodes may simply have something something something

Would have no sympathy for an adult who got badly beaten up as a result of referring to a black person as an "ape". The Goodes incident was controversial primarily because it involved a child.

At the least it created discussion - and hopefully a new perspective for some. I'm sure Goodes would prefer to enjoy what most of us would consider to be a normal existence - who would want all the flak associated with his stance - but he is an important role model and leader.

I doubt many here are consciously racist but all of us can play a role in making a difference.

 

[KnightersRevenge]

Not too sure of the intent behind this, so I'll let it fly for now. I've already stated his initial reaction was perfectly understandable. I don't think my attitude on this point is unreasonable.

The intention was to keep it light hearted L2R2R, obviously missed the mark. I appreciated your reference to Love Thy Neighbour.

 

[casper68]

If the Adam Goodes boo'ers are Racist's,what about the Aboriginal AFL players who greet opposition Aboriginal players after the game
Differently than they greet the White opposition players.

 

[KnightersRevenge]

I don't know where the girl heard it, same as I don't know where the people who use similar phrases on here heard them. He chose the stage to make the call just the same. Obviously, and by his own admission, he had plenty of prior opportunities over his career but kept quiet. Bring on the Indigenous round spotlight and a young girl and regardless of how she'd be humiliated or embarrassed he took it on himself to highlight her and dub her the face of racism. People don't seem to think that matters but to many it does. As a mother I was horrified at how the big bully treated her. Basically all he said about Eddie McGuire, who knew full well the connotations of what he said a few days later, was that he no longer considered him a friend. You may well call mentioning it "bleating" Knighters but to me it spoke volumes about Adam Goodes and removed any respect I might have had for him. He's doing his cause more harm than good imo. Too divisive, resentful and damning of white Australia. If people don't move on for a united future rather than an us and them mentality we'll never have any semblance of equality and unity. I haven't spoken to a single person who feels differently about Adam.

We are at loggerheads on this Rosy and have been from the start. I think you focus too much on the girl and read way too much into Goodes instinctive reaction rather than what he was actually reacting to, a clearly racist taunt. On "moving on" you can't do that without getting rid of the rot. You can't just paper over the cracks. What Goodes does is put front and centre the fact that we are far from the tolerant and fair minded community we like to think we are. You can't fix a problem without admitting you have a problem. Constantly focussing on Goodes and the MCG's and the media's treatment of the girl (and tagging him a bully) makes it impossible to talk about the problem.

 

[kiwitiger]

Rightly or wrongly , im not sure if goodes is the right person to put forward the message now, mainly because the general footy public dont seem to like him , that part is becoming obvious ,

Despite his intentions . perhaps he is just contributing to make the divide wider , dunno ?

 

[Azza]

I think there are a number of reasons that Goodes is unpopular. People don't like being preached to by anyone, especially sportspeople (look at Harry O). If a high profile player started spruiking about climate change at every opportunity I think he'd be similarly unpopular. It doesn't help that Goodes does occasionally questionable acts on the footy field, and that he has long been considered as something of a koala in terms of treatment by umpires and review panel. If a player is going to tell people how to behave he'd better have a pretty exemplary record himself. Finally, and by no means the least, there's the racism angle.

These will combine in different degrees with different people.

 

[Rosy]

We are at loggerheads on this Rosy and have been from the start. I think you focus too much on the girl and read way too much into Goodes instinctive reaction rather than what he was actually reacting to, a clearly racist taunt. .......

Maybe. People are saying the dislike of Goodes is mainly racist. I dislike him, or at least what I know of him, but it's nothing to do with his race. No doubt Goodes wasn't instinctive after initially pointing at the girl yet he chose to continue with it. Hardly a word from Adam about Eddie whose behaviour I consider was far worse considering the context. I wonder why that was.

I hope Adam retires from the AFL this year. I certainly hope he can do more good for his cause off the field than on it.

 

[Sintiger]

I am a bit torn on this one.

I have been involved around international aid work for a long time and there are some people involved in that who get similar reactions. the really effective ones are somewhat low key, you know they are passionate and dedicated but they aren't shoving it down people's throats all the time because those that do get people offside. They feel like that they are always on the defensive and being judged.

It's the way I feel about Adam Goodes sometimes. I love that he is passionate about indigenous issues and moving us forward as a nation, he is a great advocate and worker for indigenous rights. However I always feel like he is ( as my Mother used to say) " holier than thou" when he is delivering his message. It's almost like he is lecturing to us cretins.

maybe it's a style thing. To me passionate people are great but fanatics are boring ( except for tiger supporters of course) because they overwhelm us with their views. I like lower key people.

I think when you add that to his footy career where he is viewed as a great player but one who has continually staged for frees and has been a bit of a protected species , that is why he is booed. I wouldn't boo him myself because I generally support his views.

 

[LeeToRainesToRoach]

The intention was to keep it light hearted L2R2R, obviously missed the mark. I appreciated your reference to Love Thy Neighbour.

Ah OK, all good Knighter.