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On racism in Australia a: Open Letter to Stan

Dear Stan,

So, you made a speech about racism. It was really well-spoken and a lesson in rhetoric for all.

A few facts in advance:
  • Racism exists everywhere. Including all the examples that he mentions.
  • Racism is wrong and it hurts.
  • And no doubt that the racism that existed back then held the people back.

However, the type of racism that exists today is not the same as it was then when it was institutionalised and legalised.

The racism that exists today is pervasive and much more subtle - and is prevalent amongst ALL races.

So, what I am saying is that trotting out racism as an excuse for death rates, under-achievement and general disadvantage is no longer valid.

There is no official penalty that exists because you are from a different race. In fact, it is an advantage in many respects. And the unofficial 'penalty' that exists, applies to all.

I wonder why would someone who is of mixed race, chose to identify with one side of his heritage over the other? Isn't 'my people' also the white people?

The problem is that every 'setback' and every time something does not go your way, is not a function of race. You don't get jobs because you are not educated. You die young because you choose to live a lifestyle that leads to high mortality rates, You are in prison because you break the law. These things don't have anything to do with blackness. The white guy that breaks the law or lives that lifestyle suffers the same consequences,

Black and aboriginal people have many advantages and they demand it. All sorts of special bursaries, affirmative action and special healthcare programs are designed and offered to address those issues.

The problem is this: fundamentally what you want (from the rest of the world) is unattainable and contradictory. You demand at the same time the dignity of equality and the privilege of special treatment.


You either need special treatment to protect and nurture or you are equal. Which do you want?

When I hear the crowds boo Adam Goodes, I hear something different to you, Stan. I don't hear the howling you talk about. Adam after all was elected Australian of the year and is a multi-millionaire. I hear the same crowd cheer and encourage Eddie Betts for his talent and his child-like enjoyment of the contest. They love him for it and they support him for it. And when Adam behave provocatively (throwing 'spears' at the crowd) or unsportsmanlike (milking penalties with 'dives') then I hear a justified howling at that behaviour.

Unless, of course you wanted the crowd to treat him differently? As if he is not equal after all? As if he is weak and in need of special protection? That is the thing you may have to learn, Stan, is that equality means everybody can equally act as an arsehole. Just watch how people (of all races) are picking on Donald Trump, and he is pretty white.

I tell you this Stan, for as long as you make it about race, it will be about race.

You can't have your cake and eat it. You can't want to live on your ancestral land in remote settlements of 50 people and have access to modern healthcare and jobs at the same time. You can't want equality and special exemptions.

As I said earlier, I don't deny that racism exists. What s your view about Asian drivers for instance? Racism exists and it is wrong - we can agree about that. I suppose what we disagree about is how to fix it. And for one, it is pretty stupid to demand that the rest of Australia must change whilst (a) 'your people' don't bother (b) additionally demand special treatment.

Research has proven that when you hear something that contradicts your beliefs, the rational part of your brain shuts down as you prepare to defend. I hope you can over-ride that instinct should you ever read this...

~drcontrarian



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