For those of us (me included) who are somewhat baffled by Melbourne (the city, not the club) fans repeated booing of Adam Goodes, here are a couple of articles about it, one old, one new:
Why some fans are challenged by Goodes
http://www.sen.com.au/news/05-15/fan...-patrick-smith
Before you criticize a man, walk a mile in his shoes. That way you'll be a mile away and he'll be shoeless.
Its mob racism, pure and simple. Racism-lite if you want to be specific.
But they aren't booing Jetta.Originally Posted by barry
It's racism, but not simple racism, its because Goodes is a "challenger" to pick the terminology of that Jake Niall article.
Before you criticize a man, walk a mile in his shoes. That way you'll be a mile away and he'll be shoeless.
And they treat Cyril like a god, so it is not racism.
undy is correct.
But it is tiresome.
Racism can be selective. As in racist slurs can be cast at people, by bigots, while in the presence of their "friends" who are of the same ethnicity of the subject of the abuse. Saw it a lot at school.
& the abuse need not necessarily be specifically racial in nature, sometimes the overall tone or sentiment can convey racial vilification.
I've already written about this on another thread. Its all about communication and implications derived from that communication.
It matters little what the reason for the booing is. In light of Goodes' profile in recent times, as Australian of the Year and being subject to several infamous racist incidents, the implication of such a form of communication is that it represents a racist slur.
As I wrote already, when at the ground I complained about the booing, the Hawthorn fans behind me simply mocked me with laughter. They were mainly young male adults. Ha ha great joke.
I did not have an issue about the booing of Buddy. He left the Hawks, and he has not been associated with political issues involving his race. And yes, I know the Hawks fans LOVE Cyril. But does not release those who boo Goodes from being guilty of at least gending a racist implication via their booing.
I have now developed a lack of respect for and deep dislike for the Hawthorn Football Club. That is sad considering the great rivalry that has occurred between our clubs in recent times. I know that Jeff Kennett, (being an old style small "l' liberal) would be ashamed about the booing, as would many other well known Hawthorn identities. It is disappointing that no one from that club has said anything publically to condemn the very poor conduct.
It's also disappointing that other Indigenous players have remained broadly silent themselves. Particularly the Hawks' role model himself, Rioli. It wouldn't take that big a stand from all of the Hawks Indigenous players to put a stop to it all.
Captain, I am detecting large quantities of win in this sector
Exactly what Barry said.
Twitter @cmdil
Instagram @conordillon
Exactly what Conor said.
It was the one thing that really annoyed me on Saturday night. I could cope with the doting on Cyril, I could cope with the inconsistent umpiring, I could cope with the long queue for the dunny (just), I could put up with the mid strength beer.
But I decided that although there was no-one near us who was booing, I would like to do something positive. So every time Adam got the ball and the racists started booing, I shouted "Hurray!" at the top of my voice, occasionally adding "Onya Adam!"
I don't know whether it made any difference at all, but I felt a lot happier. I recommend it as a worthwhile experiment.
He reminds him of the guys, close-set, slow, and never rattled, who were play-makers on the team. (John Updike, seeing Josh Kennedy in a crystal ball)
The booing got worse after he stood tall and said No to racism. It doesn't take a rocket surgeon to join the dots on that one.
Hawthorn; the so called family club.
pfft: the Manson family maybe
I think it's a combination of a few things.
1) The finger pointing incident.
2) Australian of the year.
3) The fact that he's a good player.
4) Fans of other teams think he's overrated.
5) Underlying racism by a few fans.
6) Outspoken about indigenous issues.
7) Opposition fans think he gets a favourable run by the umpires.
I think most people boo him because there's a perception that he's condescending and thinks he's above everyone else. Australians love to cut down a tall poppy and the racists boo extra loud when given the opportunity.
If it was merely racism alone, Jetta and Cyril would be booed just as hard.
I like to think Goodes has the Wayne Carey effect. Carey was booed because he was just a good player.
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