Every event Syd Hickman criticizes Adam Goodes for in this article is to do with race or perceptions of race.

Goodes reacting spontaneously to a spectator of as-then unknown age calling him an 'ape'during a game in the *Indigenous Round*! Calling a person of colour an ape (or gorila) is far more likely to have racial over-tones than calling a Caucasian-European an ape.

Saying "Goodes, by becoming Australian of the Year with a self-appointed task of telling everyone to stop being racist, has become a politician" is a misrepresentation. Goodes did what all Australians of the Year do: he spoke out on the domestic issues associated with reasons he was appointed.

Calling Goodes war dance a "racially charged aggressive act" is disingenuous - it was more a cultural act performed during *the Indigenous Round* !

Good article. Goodes problems are squarely down to his own personality and his own attitudes and behavior. Aboriginal Australians have been reported as being embarrased by Goodes. One aboriginal blogger came out of retirement to say that he was embarrassed by Goodes. The AFL and sanctimonious commentators have embarrassed themselves - made absolute fools of themselves by chuntering on about 'racism'.

Goodes does NOT represent anyone except HIMSELF. He is causing unnecessary angst for people he THINKS he represents in some way. His problem is Goodes, Goodes, Goodes.

By any measure, Adam Goodes is a great bloke, both on and off the field. The young girl who called him an ape was wrong to do it, but she was just articulating what she saw. The bearded Adam obviously doesn't look in a mirror. He made a mistake and over reacted. Now his supporters have backed him into a corner by playing the race card and he has compounded the problem by carrying on with racist antics.

He should remember that he is in a very privileged position as Australian of the year and although many might see him as a representative of the Aboriginal community, he also has three non aboriginal grandfathers to whom he also owes honor as well as the rest of the community.

I hope that when he comes back, after due reflection, he just gets on playing the game and forgets about all the usual antics after he scores the inevitable goals.

David

Thanks Sid for a reasoned response. The problem is that when someone becomes a puppet of regressive dogma and selective history they are exempt from criticism. Adam has done very well out of western civilisation. Yes he has worked hard and is talented but like so many glorifying parts of culture that are not savoury has become bitter.

The young girl who was pointed out by Goodes after her thoughtless, pejorative comment was a loud-mouthed example of her family's failings.
In turn, that family possibly was influenced by society's disregard for the effects of boorish behaviour.
Where the hell did she get the idea that it was OK to denigrate someone by calling them an ape?
A good example of monkey hear, monkey do.

Ponder,
By going to the footy.

Many that go to matches are amused by the comments of other spectators and indeed it seems to be a contest as to who can make the most outlandish or wittiest remark about a refs decision or linemans call.

I would be disappointed if a daughter of mine made such a comment, but kids can surprise under peer pressure. I certainly would reprimand.

However Goodes did over react and should have let it pass. He would have had far worse name calls and rude comments during his career.

It seems to be part of the game for players and spectators to do all they can to put their opponants off their game.