It never ceases to amaze me how the people who visit and write in this forum have such insight into the issues of Indigenous people. Also they seem to lack a sense of compassion for the most disadvantaged people in this country.

Being Aboriginal and having lived in three countries, as well as one territory and 4 states, I am shocked at the lack of feeling towards what has happened to Indigenous people over the past 220 years. Especially in the online community.

I think the author is trying to wrestle with the 'notion' and unfounded belief that Australia is 'tolerant' and accepting of others. My personally experience from growing up in a small farming town to living in four capital cities and now living in one of the most racist regional cities in Australia leads me to state that we are leading the pack in intolerance and nonacceptance.

If we were a tolerant society we would not sit idle while Indigenous health standards drop below other comparable nations. Also add the fact that we are dying faster than everyone else. Oh but that is because you mob don't look after yourselves.... Well why don't people tell Cane farmers to 'look after themselves' when the international sugar market drops. Yet they seem to get millions of federal relief without comment from the public.

Please 'accept' the facts that the oldest living culture is in need of support not criticism.

'Tolerate' the need to look with compassion and help forge new ground with positive outcomes.

I never thought I would be proud of South Africa but I love when the crowds and players cry and sing a multi-lingual song and stand beneath a multicoloured flag representative of the different cultures of their society. A country that has truly left Australia behind...but I still have faith in this land on which we sit...it will guide us.

2deadly, are you a white pretending to be black?

Sebastian, a couple of comments. First, no one "has been here for over 40,000 years;" a few of us have been here around 100-110 years.

Second, re tolerance/acceptance. Yes, tolerance is essentially "putting up with." That's surely better than not putting up with. But "acceptance" is not a "two-way street." I can accept anyone or everyone, whether or not they reciprocate or are even aware of it. The best of teachings, e.g. by the Buddha or Jesus, involve acceptance as a one-way street, not judging or condemning others. This is what society needs, this is what will defuse tensions, it's an approach by individuals which doesn't depend on trade-offs, mutual responses or give-and-take. Loving kindness is a one-way street, without expectation, but it brings positive responses.

Well put 2deadly,

Its true what you say in terms of how disremembering most posters are. Egalitarian is put up as a reality - not an aspiration by these apparently learned folk.

One could go so far as to say that its assumed as a biological inheritance of most white Australians that they will be born with an encycopedic knowledge of Aboriginal people and issues because they are after all 'Australian' and knowing and having the abilty to spruke (of the cuff) remarks about 'blacks' is a god given Right and part of their colonial inheritance. Oi Oi Oi !

I've lived in 3 countries and upon arrival here it didn't take me long to work out that the stories most white Australians have to offer about 'their aborigines' are those handed down to them by their parents and grandparents. These stories are usually romanticed, anthropological or racist - or a mix of all.

One would assume that knowing about one's own backyard would be a logical precedent to knowing, understanding and respecting people who come here from other places. Tolerance or Acceptance? I believen this is an issue that goes beyond debates about semantics.

Davo, Are you an Australian pretending to be human?

2deadly,

Why don't your people stop feeling sorry for themselves.

Your culture stopped evolving. Who's fault is that?

We have built you houses that you decided to burn down.

I never buy the petrol that is being sniffed. Nor the glue. Nor the heroin.