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The Forum > Article Comments > If you're white, you're right > Comments

If you're white, you're right : Comments

By Stephen Hagan, published 25/5/2006

Not a lot has changed over the last one hundred years: racism still persists in Australian society.

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“One hundred and five years later, I am still not convinced that a lot has changed in the mindset of the average Australian when it comes to race relations.”

Mr. Hagan’s articles have always indicated that he will never be convinced of anything he does not want to believe. This one is no different. As always, it is the white man’s fault. The ‘lighter skinned’ aborigines he criticises are nowhere near as deserving of approbation as are the whiteys. He can’t wait to delve into the past – apart for an understandable swipe at Andrew Fraser – because that, it seems, is where he lives – in the past in relation to his own people. Dwelling in the past appears to be a real problem for indigenous Australians; one that keeps them hopelessly bogged down in poverty and violence.

He is short on argument if he has to keep raking up the past, trying to judge that time using today’s totally changed morals and laws.

Not satisfied with the problems of his own people, whom he could probably help – if he stopped the blame game - he now takes umbrage on behalf of another group of ‘blackfellas” supposedly discriminated against by wicked white Australians. There is no evidence in Mr. Hagan’s writing to suggest that he is interested in anything but keeping the black versus white pot boiling.

If Mr. Hagan is looking for racists, he need not look much further than where is sitting now.
Posted by Leigh, Thursday, 25 May 2006 3:36:48 PM
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Curious nom de plume Jane Doe - usually reserved for the fully dead unidentified woman - in this case it reflects a particular kind of cerebral death

This line of white people are those being discriminated against is rubbish - most of our kids dont have the life expectancy of a third world country - i could go on but rusted on prejudice is too hard to remove and I'd rather waste my time on other distractions
Posted by sneekeepete, Thursday, 25 May 2006 3:37:27 PM
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Stephen,
I believe Rainier picked it right in your last article. You put out the right bait and then reel them in.

What is it about you and Irfan. Are you having a competition? Do you get a prize for scoring a ton?
Posted by Banjo, Thursday, 25 May 2006 3:40:51 PM
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I’m sorry if I have offended anyone, but this is online “opinion” and this is mine. I don’t like how indigenous people live in the past and blame everyone for there problems. I worked in a car dealership and they ‘gave’ six brand new cars to the aborigine society (sure, the government reimbursed them) within max of two weeks five of those six cars where returned for new ones. You see, they didn’t have to pay for them with there “own” hard earned money, so they took these new cars swimming in salt water. The cars were an absolute write-off. The interiors were burnt out. Which leads me to, the nearest aboriginal community to me; it is a horrible place to drive past. There are approx 15 houses in this complex. I would guess only one is still standing. The rest have graffiti, burnt out windows, kicked in doors and are just ruined. Not to mention, burnt out cars, rubbish and hazards all around. A real nice place for school kids to walk past and get abused.
Also what is that crap with every form now? “If you are Torres Strait Islander or aboriginal, please move to question 20” No need to use your head and complete the form. We have white people for that.
Posted by Jane Doe, Thursday, 25 May 2006 4:28:54 PM
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Dear Jane Doe,

Of course you are entitled to your opinion; but some logical thought and reasoned argument using relevant facts would actually make for a better opinion. It also helps to engage with people whose opinions are different from your own. Have you ever talked to your Indigenous neighbours? I work professionally with a number of Indigenous Australians - and socialise with several - and each one I find stimulating, caring and compassionate about this country. I also know some white trash but I do not come to any general conclusions about white people based on what I see them do.
Posted by FrankGol, Thursday, 25 May 2006 4:53:14 PM
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Dear Bic

You said:

[To be quite honest, I don't see how Jesus can solve the problem of racism]

Then you went on with an outline of the various 'sins' of the missionaries etc... I think I may have something to contribute on both those points.

1/ How can Jesus fix racism ?

a)Did you note my reference to Rosa Parks ?
b)Christ's disciples included Simon the 'insurgent' and Matthew the Tax collector.
c)Have a read of the last few verses of the 2nd chapter of Acts. "They were all as one" kind of tone.
d) Paul says "You, gentiles, once alienated and far off from Christ, have now been brought near in His blood"

Bottom line, being in Christ is to be a new person. "Be transformed by the renewal (brain washing if u like) of your mind etc " Romans 12:1-3

2/
As for Missionaries.. I was/am one. My wife is from a tribe in Borneo which was dying out, drunk over 100 days a year, starvation, disease, the government even STATED they are beyond hope, in official documents. But after some initial contact with missionaries prior to WW2, (who they invited to teach them about Christ) and their remarkable transformation without any missionary help during the war years, the government allowed more missionaries to serve among them.
Now they are a vibrant race, with members in every profession u can name and are prospering greatly.

Mistakes have been made by missionaries,and I'm probably more aware of them than you, having studied many cases in anthropology, and paternalism is terrible but I urge you not to just accept the Hollywood negativity and 60 minutes specials as gospel when it comes to such areas of life.

Walk in the Light, and we can see the way ahead. "I am the light of the world" (Jesus)
Posted by BOAZ_David, Thursday, 25 May 2006 6:57:20 PM
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