What a sad end to reconciliation week that Adam Goodes expressing victory in the form of an Aboriginal war dance should garner such controversy. Especially in a match that is highlighted as part of the Indigenous round.
It is baffling that people still see Indigenous culture as something that is un-Australian when it is, in fact, the most Australian of any culture. It is also sobering that Goodes is more widely revered as a great sportsman and role model but garners criticism when he expresses the core of what makes him the man he is – a proud Aboriginal person.
The intolerance expressed towards the war dance sits in sharp contrast to how we patiently watch displays of the haka – a Maori war dance that is used as a pre-match warm up by Maori and Pakeha (non-Maori New Zealanders) alike. We respect their expression of culture. In fact, Willy Mason was chided once for reacting to what is actually an aggressive war cry. But apparently there are still sectors of the community more willing to show respect to expressions of foreign Indigenous cultures than our own.
Goodes, unsurprisingly, was not engaged in a mere kneejerk reaction. He takes his role as an ambassador for Indigenous Australia seriously and is mindful that many young people, particularly men, look up to him. His expression was a tribute to young Aboriginal sportsmen who aspire to be like him – a man who has worked hard, excelled at what he has chosen to do and used his success to further worthy causes. The mindless backlash against his cultural expression was perhaps further indication of why it is so important for Goodes to remind younger Aboriginal people that they should be proud of their culture, their heritage, of who they are.
The incident brings to mind the iconic image of Nicky Winmar raising his shirt to a taunting crowd and pointing proudly at the colour of his skin. This act of pride became a symbol of embracing a cultural heritage and contemporary identity. Like Goodes, Winmar was the embodiment of values that young Aboriginal men should aspire to and his encouragement of healthy lifestyle choices, hard work and responsibility are integral to teaching self-esteem.
Often when sportspeople are chosen as Australian of the Year there is a perception that they are a safe, non-political choice. Goodes, perhaps like many sportspeople, has been underestimated. He is an eloquent writer and speaker coming out strongly and publicly on issues such as racism and the need for constitutional change.
But it’s the tough reality for Indigenous people that their actions and words are seen as political even if only expressing something personal. Cathy Freeman was the darling of Australia when she won Olympic gold in 2000. Her carrying of two flags became a symbol of reconciliation and the promise of a better relationship into the next millennia.
In an interview shortly after she won, however, she was asked about her family and mentioned that her grandmother was a stolen generations member. Talkback radio and letters to the editor chided her about getting involved with politics. But she could no more leave her heritage and past at the door than Goodes can, just to make some Australians more comfortable. And when Australian society only tolerates positive expressions of Indigenous culture so much – and don’t like “too much” of it – it is not really tolerating it at all.
If sport is the great equaliser, it also remains a litmus test of societal views and prejudices. Some commentators, such as Tim Dick at Fairfax, showed that there are many Australians who understand and embrace Indigenous culture as a central and positive part of Australian culture. There are others who simply refuse to see beyond their own prejudice, even during a reconciliation week match in the Indigenous round.
Goodes will keep leading and inspiring regardless.
