"I sense in the community a rare and unexpected convergence of opinion on this issue between the more conservative approach which I clearly identify with and those who traditionally have favoured more of a group rights approach." (John Howard)
What can we say? On the one hand, Johnny vilifies Africans who must be among the most inoffensive of Australian residents, to pander to the underlying and shameful racism that lurks in the hearts of the fearful, while on the other hand, he talks of a fundamental change of heart about our much maligned and mistreated aboriginal population.
Apart from the obvious inadequacies of his 'change of heart' (miserly recognition after 11 years of racist rhetoric and policy) an interesting part of his statement is that it indicates there must be signs that the community see his attitude towards the aboriginal people as a negative. He would change for no other reason because he just doesn't make progressive change unless there's an election benefit for him (and from the rarity of these 'events', we're not very demanding of moral policies - East Timor belated intervention comes to mind; strugglling to remember others).
It seems his research indicates that, while we are concerned enough for our own 'black' people to at least want the appearance of caring, we are uncaring about those from other places and we find racist statements and policies on them acceptable.
I refer back to my question at the top of this blog: If so many people must be easily led, must they be led by idiots and villains?
I usually try to avoid Herald Sun style sensationalism, but in this case I’ll make an exception. Kevin Andrews has blood on his hands. His recent racist remarks (and I have to admire Queensland Premier Anna Bligh for openly labelling them as such) have clearly encouraged further violence and abuse towards Sudanese immigrants. Perhaps when Alan Jones finally retires, Andrews will score his slot at 2GB…
ReplyDeleteI agree RC, it is good to see the racist label being applied instead of skirting around it. We need to make it clear that racism can't be dressed up and disguised as this government continues to do.
ReplyDeleteI don't EVER listen to or read the propaganda of Alan Jones and his ilk; I know what they're saying and don't care to hear it. Frankly, I just find them unbearable. I guess he will be replaced by someone just as bad :(.