Sick of it.

[magic.merkin]

Yeah, it's an overstatement. But there's no denying that there's a racist element in the dislike of Goodes. You only have to listen to what they say. They don't all confine themselves to booing.

I do find it remarkable how we as Australians find it so difficult to face up to the racism that pervades our culture. There's definitely an element of denial in this.

From who? we responded to the original point. Of course racism exists, and is factor in his dislike by some.

[jono2707]

Every time I yelled at Taylor Walker to get a haircut a couple of years ago at the SCG, he popped another goal on us. I learned my lesson at goal #6 but it was too late and the Crows won. He was in fine form that night and (begrudgingly) I was impressed.

I now really enjoy watching him play and am glad he's making it back from his knee injury. He's a character and great to watch when on song. He must have listened too as he finally got round to getting that haircut.....

[Reggi]

Anyone who doubts racism was behind the booing just needs to look at the comments S&DON supporters have attached to The Age article

[Bloods05]

From who? we responded to the original point. Of course racism exists, and is factor in his dislike by some.

"From who?"? What do you mean? Please elaborate. It was a general point, not directed at anyone here.

[CureTheSane]

Of course it doesn't reflect the views of the entire Essendon supporter base. To suggest that it does would be plainly ridiculous, but it's very clear that racism remains a problem in this country. Identifying instances of it is not "playing the racist card". It's directing our attention to where it needs to go.

Exactly

Anyone who doubts racism was behind the booing just needs to look at the comments S&DON supporters have attached to The Age article

Seem to be a bit flip floppy in your POV there.

One minute you agree that implied racism boos "doesn't reflect the views of the entire Essendon supporter base"
Next you imply that "racism was behind the booing" (by a large amount of Essendon supporters at the game)

???

[liz]

Whether or not some of the booing of Goodes is racially motivated, I don't doubt that his public stand against racial vilification has added to things. It's incredibly sad but too many people (thankfully still a small minority) took issue with his actions at last year's Collingwood game. And his naming as Australian of the Year has kept the incident in the public eye, fuelled by a number of incredibly stupid professional journalists who refuse to acknowledge that Goodes was not given that honour simply because he chose to not to let that remark pass uncommented upon, but also because he has been a long term advocate for not just the rights but also the welfare of indigenous Australians, and has a resume of work to back up his words.

I am not a great fan of Mark Robinson but he has nailed in it this article in the HS.

In other words, a portion of Australians weren?t ready for Goodes ? and their response is abuse.

No Cookies | Herald Sun

[Meg]

Funniest comment I have read following news re Essendon fan being banned.

"Tigers fans will be lining up to racially abuse all and sundry this week to give themselves the remainder of the year off."

[Doctor]

I was pretty down on these two a few years ago when they scragged us all day at the SCG while getting leg-ups left, right and centre from Razor Ray. Now, however, I have a great deal of respect for both of them.

If there's a better small forward running around than Ballantyne, let me know and Crowley is probably the best stopper/tagger in the AFL. Both pretty important roles in our game, so I enjoy watching them play.

I'm not denying any of that, or disagreeing with you, just pointing out that they get booed by our fans.

[DamY]

Whether or not some of the booing of Goodes is racially motivated, I don't doubt that his public stand against racial vilification has added to things. It's incredibly sad but too many people (thankfully still a small minority) took issue with his actions at last year's Collingwood game. And his naming as Australian of the Year has kept the incident in the public eye, fuelled by a number of incredibly stupid professional journalists who refuse to acknowledge that Goodes was not given that honour simply because he chose to not to let that remark pass uncommented upon, but also because he has been a long term advocate for not just the rights but also the welfare of indigenous Australians, and has a resume of work to back up his words.

I am not a great fan of Mark Robinson but he has nailed in it this article in the HS.



No Cookies | Herald Sun

Ugh and then a comment at the bottom about how Brits are called and Poms and New Zealanders, kiwis - why is abo such a bad term?? *facepalm*

[Doctor]

Was Goodes getting booed prior to the goings-on of last year? If so, it's fair to say that it was probably innocent booing of an opposition's best player, which is pantomime really. If that is the case then we should accept it, as it means that it doesn't matter what race or heritage someone has, if they are your best player, you'll get booed. If, on the other hand, it has only started happening since the Collingwood game, and I doubt that (for the vast majority anyway), then the reasons for it would be too horrible to contemplate.

[Doctor]

Wonderful initial work in starting this thread by Swanspants btw. I appreciate the genuine research and analysis. Your efforts highlight how little effort is made by those who should be doing so as part of their job.

[liz]

Was Goodes getting booed prior to the goings-on of last year? If so, it's fair to say that it was probably innocent booing of an opposition's best player, which is pantomime really. If that is the case then we should accept it, as it means that it doesn't matter what race or heritage someone has, if they are your best player, you'll get booed. If, on the other hand, it has only started happening since the Collingwood game, and I doubt that (for the vast majority anyway), then the reasons for it would be too horrible to contemplate.

It certainly doesn't originate from the events of last year. He's been booed by sections of crowds, particularly in Melbourne, for years. Some of it will be just the fear factor that he might tear your team a strip (much as Carey used to get booed, and others before him) and partly because of a view by some that he gets away with stuff on the field that others don't. Has it intensified since then. I sadly suspect it has.

[R-1]

I often see people criticise him for being soft, a whinger, a sook, protected species, etc. It's a perception that is out of whack with reality.

I do suspect he gets heightened attention and criticism and higher standards held to him for his demeanor and behaviour. And yes I think this has a bit of a racial subtext in many cases. The sport's most visible and powerful member of a widely vilified and marginalised minority, gets his behaviour judged differently, gets treated as a bit abnormal, a bit uppity.

Mostly in nonracial terms but you do have to wonder at the subconscious attitudes that might be in play.

[Bloods05]

Seem to be a bit flip floppy in your POV there.

One minute you agree that implied racism boos "doesn't reflect the views of the entire Essendon supporter base"
Next you imply that "racism was behind the booing" (by a large amount of Essendon supporters at the game)

???

I'm not Reggi.

[DamY]

Goodesy does play for frees though