IQ2 Racism Debate: Stan Grant

Summary

The speaker addresses the Australian public, reflecting on the nation's identity and confronting its history of racism, particularly towards Indigenous Australians. Highlighting the case of Adam Goodes, an Indigenous Australian of the Year who was booed by crowds, the speech underscores the systemic injustices faced by Indigenous people, including shorter life expectancies and higher incarceration rates. The speaker calls for a reevaluation of the 'Australian dream', urging the nation to rise above its troubled past and embrace a future of equality and respect for all.

Takeaways

• 🙏 The speaker expresses gratitude for the audience and acknowledges the significance of the topic discussed.
• 🏟️ The script addresses a pivotal moment in 2015 when Australia faced introspection about its identity and values, sparked by events on the football field.
• 🗣️ The public humiliation of Adam Goodes, an indigenous Australian of the year, symbolizes a broader pattern of racism and exclusion experienced by indigenous people.
• 🌐 The 'Australian Dream' is critiqued as being rooted in racism, with indigenous Australians facing disparities in life expectancy, incarceration rates, and social inclusion.
• 📰 Historical references to the treatment of indigenous Australians, such as the war of extermination and the language used to dehumanize them, highlight the deep-seated nature of racism.
• 🏞️ The speaker recounts personal and familial experiences of hardship and resilience, emphasizing the struggle against systemic racism and the Australian Dream.
• 📜 The script mentions the absence of indigenous Australians in the Constitution and the subsequent race-based laws that further marginalized them.
• 🏛️ The speaker challenges the romanticized view of Australia's history, pointing out the violence and injustices committed against indigenous people.
• 🌟 Despite the adversity, the speaker acknowledges the achievements of indigenous Australians and the potential for a better, more inclusive future.
• 🤝 The script calls for unity and reconciliation, recognizing the efforts of those who stand against racism and work towards a more equitable Australia.
• 🎉 The speaker concludes with a hopeful vision of being able to celebrate the Australian Dream in a way that includes and uplifts all its citizens.

Q & A

What significant event in Australian history is being referred to in the script?

The script refers to the racial controversy surrounding the indigenous Australian football player Adam Goodes in 2015, which sparked a national conversation about identity and racism.

What does the speaker mean by 'the Australian dream is rooted in racism'?

The speaker suggests that the concept of the Australian dream, which is often associated with freedom and opportunity, is fundamentally flawed due to its historical roots in the dispossession and mistreatment of indigenous Australians.

What is the term 'terra nullius' and why is it significant in this context?

'Terra nullius' is a Latin term meaning 'land belonging to no one', which was used by British colonizers to justify their claim over Australia, ignoring the long-standing presence and rights of indigenous peoples.

How does the speaker describe the treatment of indigenous Australians in the past?

The speaker describes a history of violence, dispossession, and marginalization, including being shot on sight, subjected to diseases, and being rounded up and forced into missions.

What is the term 'Stolen Generations' and why was Kevin Rudd's apology significant?

The 'Stolen Generations' refers to the indigenous children who were forcibly removed from their families by Australian government agencies. Kevin Rudd's apology in 2008 was significant as it was the first formal acknowledgment of this historical injustice by an Australian Prime Minister.

Why does the speaker mention the disparity in life expectancy and incarceration rates among indigenous Australians?

The speaker highlights these disparities to illustrate the ongoing systemic inequality and social issues faced by indigenous Australians, which are a direct result of historical and ongoing racism.

What is the historical context of the speaker's family being affected by racism and discrimination?

The speaker's family has faced multiple instances of racism and discrimination, including being denied education, being jailed for speaking their language, and being subjected to violence and forced removal from their land.

What is the 'night of the burning' incident mentioned in the script?

The 'night of the burning' refers to an event in 1963 when police forcibly evicted the McCune Aboriginal community in Queensland, burned their homes, and gave the land to a bauxite mining company.

How does the speaker describe the impact of racism on the Australian dream?

The speaker argues that racism is not only a part of the Australian dream's foundation but also actively undermines it, as it leads to social injustice and prevents the country from reaching its full potential.

What examples does the speaker provide of Australians standing up against racism?

The speaker mentions people who supported Adam Goodes, those who marched for reconciliation, and those who supported Kevin Rudd's apology to the Stolen Generations as examples of Australians standing up against racism.

What is the speaker's hope for the future regarding the Australian dream?

The speaker hopes for a future where they and others can proudly and loudly sing about the Australian dream without the taint of racism, indicating a hope for a more inclusive and equitable society.

Outlines

00:00

🏟️ Indigenous Struggle in Australia's Sporting Culture

The speaker begins by acknowledging the audience and expressing respect to the indigenous community, recalling the winter of 2015 when Australia faced a self-reflective moment about its identity and values. The focus was on the football field, where Adam Goodes, an indigenous Australian of the year, was subjected to public humiliation and booing, reflecting the deep-seated racism and dispossession that indigenous people have faced for centuries. The speaker highlights the stark contrast between the Australian dream of freedom and the harsh reality of indigenous Australians, who suffer from shorter life expectancies, higher imprisonment rates, and a history of extermination and marginalization. The narrative delves into the historical context of terra nullius, the denial of indigenous existence and rights, and the brutal treatment they received, including being hunted for sport and having their lands taken without consent.

05:00

🌏 Overcoming Adversity: The Australian Dream's Dark Side

In the second paragraph, the speaker continues to unravel the complexities of the Australian dream, sharing personal anecdotes of his family's struggles against systemic racism and the resilience that has allowed him to succeed despite these challenges. He recounts stories of his forebears who faced injustices such as denial of education, segregation, and violence. The speaker emphasizes that his achievements are not a result of the Australian dream but rather in spite of it. He also addresses the audience's potential comments about his mixed heritage, using his family's experiences to illustrate the ongoing impact of racism. The narrative concludes with a call for a better Australia, one that acknowledges and moves beyond its history of racism, and the speaker expresses hope for a future where his children can fully embrace the Australian identity without the taint of the past.

Keywords

💡Indigenous

Indigenous refers to the original inhabitants of a land or region who have a historical continuity with that region. In the video, the term is used to describe the Aboriginal people of Australia, who have been subjected to injustices and dispossession over centuries. The script mentions the hounding of Adam Goodes, an indigenous man and Australian of the Year, illustrating the ongoing struggle for recognition and respect.

💡Dispossession

Dispossession is the act of taking away someone's property or rights, often unjustly. The video discusses the historical dispossession of indigenous Australians, where their lands were taken without consent, leading to a legacy of inequality and suffering. The speaker refers to 'two centuries of dispossession, injustice, suffering, and survival,' highlighting the long-term impact on indigenous communities.

💡Humiliation

Humiliation is the state of being deeply ashamed or degraded. In the context of the video, it is used to describe the collective experience of indigenous Australians, who have been subjected to public shaming and dehumanization. The 'howl of humiliation' mentioned in the script symbolizes the ongoing pain and marginalization they face.

💡Australian Dream

The Australian Dream is a term often used to describe the ideal of a fair and comfortable life in Australia, similar to the American Dream. However, the video challenges this notion by pointing out its roots in racism and the exclusion of indigenous Australians. The speaker contrasts the dream with the harsh reality faced by indigenous people, such as higher incarceration rates and lower life expectancy.

💡Incarceration

Incarceration refers to the act of confining someone in prison. The video highlights the disproportionate number of indigenous Australians in prisons, with statistics showing they make up 25% of the prison population despite being only 3% of the total population. This is used to illustrate systemic inequalities and injustices.

💡Terra Nullius

Terra Nullius is a Latin term meaning 'land belonging to no one.' It was used by British colonizers to justify the occupation of Australia, claiming it was unoccupied and thus available for settlement. The video criticizes this concept as it led to the denial of indigenous people's existence and rights, contributing to their marginalization.

💡Extermination

Extermination refers to the complete destruction or wiping out of a group. The script recounts the history of violence against indigenous Australians, including the declaration of martial law and the waging of a war of extermination against certain communities, demonstrating the extreme measures taken to suppress their presence.

💡Stolen Generations

The Stolen Generations refers to the children of indigenous Australians who were forcibly removed from their families by Australian government agencies during the 20th century. The video mentions Kevin Rudd's apology to these generations, reflecting a recognition of past wrongs and a step towards reconciliation.

💡Racism

Racism is the belief in the inherent superiority of one race over another, which has been a pervasive issue in Australia's treatment of its indigenous population. The video argues that racism is 'killing the Australian dream,' suggesting that it undermines the nation's ideals and aspirations for equality and justice.

💡Reconciliation

Reconciliation is the act of restoring friendly relations. In the script, the speaker mentions a march across the bridge for reconciliation, symbolizing efforts to heal the divisions between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians and to acknowledge past injustices.

Highlights

The speaker opens with gratitude and extends respect to indigenous Australians, setting a tone of acknowledgment and recognition.

Reflection on Australia's self-contemplation in 2015, sparked by a sporting event, highlighting the national identity crisis and the question of what kind of country Australia aspires to be.

The public humiliation of Adam Goodes, an indigenous Australian of the year, symbolizes the broader issues of racism and exclusion faced by indigenous people.

The 'howl of humiliation' is described as echoing two centuries of indigenous suffering, reflecting the deep-rooted injustices in Australian society.

Indigenous Australians' life expectancy is significantly lower than the national average, pointing to systemic health disparities.

A stark contrast is drawn between the small percentage of the indigenous population and their overrepresentation in the prison system.

The speaker's personal connection to the 'sunburned country' is revealed, with a painful history of indigenous people being killed on the very lands they are from.

Historical accounts of the war of extermination against indigenous people in the 1820s, showing the violent origins of the Australian nation.

The concept of terra nullius, or 'empty land', is critiqued as a legal fiction that erased 60,000 years of indigenous history and occupation.

Indigenous culture, including law, art, and politics, is acknowledged, yet its significance was dismissed by British colonizers, dehumanizing indigenous people.

The speaker recounts personal family history of struggle and resilience, including the jailing of family members for speaking their language.

The Australian Constitution's exclusion of indigenous people and the subsequent race-based laws that further marginalized them.

The dispossession of indigenous lands for commercial interests, exemplified by the McCune community's forced eviction in 1963.

The speaker's birth in 1963 coincided with a time when indigenous people were not recognized as citizens, likened to flora and fauna.

Personal success stories are shared, emphasizing that achievements come despite, not because of, the Australian dream.

A call to action, asserting that Australia can and should be better than its history of racism and injustice.

The speaker envisions a future where they can proudly join in celebrating Australia's national identity without reservation.

Transcripts

thank you thank you so much for coming

along this evening and I would also like

to extend my respects to my gullible

brothers and sisters from my people that

were HIV people in the winter of 2015

Australia turned to face itself it

looked into its soul and it had to ask

this question who are we what sort of

country do we want to be and this

happened in a place that is most holy

most sacred to Australians had happened

in the sporting field

it happened on the football field

suddenly the front page was on the back

page it was in the grandstands thousands

of voices rose to hound an indigenous

man a man who was told he was an

Australian a man who was told he was an

Australian of the year and they hounded

that man into submission

I can't speak for what lay in the hearts

of the people who booed Adam Goodes but

I can tell you what we heard when we

heard those boos we heard a sound that

was very familiar to us we heard a howl

we heard a howl of humiliation that

echoes across two centuries of

dispossession injustice suffering and

survival we heard the howl of the

Australian dream and it said to us again

you're not welcome the Australian dream

we sing of it and we recited in verse

Australians all let us rejoice for we

are young and free my people die young

in this country we die ten years younger

than average Australians and we are far

from free we are fewer than 3% of the

Australian population and yet we are 25%

a quarter of those Australians locked up

in our prisons and if you are a juvenile

it is worse it is 50% an indigenous

child is more likely to be locked up in

prison than they are to finish high

school

I love a sunburned country a land of

sweeping plains of rugged mountain

ranges reminds me that my people were

killed on those planes we were shot on

those planes disease ravaged us on those

planes I come from those planes I come

from a people west of the Blue Mountains

there were a jewelry people where in the

1820s the soldiers and settlers waged

war of extermination against my people

yes a war of extermination that was the

language used at the time go to the

Sidney Gazette and look it up and read

about it martial law was declared and my

people could be shot on sight those

rugged mountain Rangers my people women

and children were herded over those

ranges to their deaths

the Australian dream the Australian

Dream is rooted in racism it is the very

foundation of the dream it is there at

the birth of the nation it is there in

terra nullius an empty land a land for

the taking

60,000 years of occupation a people who

made the first seafaring journey in the

history of mankind

a people of law are people of law lor

air people of music and art and dance

and politics none of it mattered because

our rights were extinguished because we

were not here according to British law

and when British people looked at us

they saw something subhuman and if we

were human at all we occupied the lowest

run on civilizations ladder

we were flyblown Stone Age savages and

that's was the language that was used

Charles Dickens the great writer of the

age when referring to the noble savage

of which we were counted among said it

would be better that they be wiped off

the face of the earth Captain Arthur

Philip a man of enlightenment a man who

was instructed to make peace with the

so-called natives in a matter of years

was sending out raiding parties with the

instruction bring back the severed heads

of the black troublemakers

they were smoothing the dyeing pillow my

people were rounded up and put on

missions from where if you escape you

hunted down you have roped and tied and

dragged back and it happened here it

happened on the mission that my

grandmother and my great-grandmother of

Robert Warren gazed her on the dark

darling

point of the Murrumbidgee River read

about it it happened by 1901 when we

became a nation when we federated the

colonies we were nowhere we're not in

the Constitution saved for race

provisions which allowed for laws to be

made that would take our children that

would invade our privacy that would tell

us who we could marry and tell us where

we could live the Australian dream by

1963 the year of my birth the

dispossession was continuing police came

at gunpoint under cover of darkness to

McCune an Aboriginal community in

Queensland and they ordered people from

their homes and they burn those homes to

the ground and they gave the land to a

bauxite mining company and today those

people remember that as the night of the

burning in 1963 when I was born I was

counted among the flora and fauna not

among the citizens of this country now

you will hear things tonight you will

hear people say but you've done well yes

I have and I'm proud of it and why have

I done well I've done well because of

who has come before me my father who

lost the tips of three fingers working

in sawmills to put food on our table

because he was denied an education my

grandfather who served to fight fight

wars for this country when he was not

yet a citizen and came back to a

segregated land where he couldn't even

share a drink with his digger mates in

the pub because he was black my

great-grandfather who was jailed for

speaking his language to his grandson my

father jailed for it my grandfather on

my mother's side who married a white

woman who reached out to Australia lived

on the fringes of town until the police

came put a gun to his head

bulldozed his tin humpy and ran over the

graves of the three children he buried

there that's the Australian dream I have

succeeded in spite of the Australian

dream not because of it and I've

succeeded because of those people you

might hear tonight but you have white

blood in you and if the white blood in

me was he

tonight my grandmother she would tell

you of how she was turned away from a

hospital giving birth to her first child

because she was giving birth to the

child of a black person

the Australian dream we're better than

this I have seen the worst of the world

as a reporter

I've spent a decade in war zones Morocco

Afghanistan and Pakistan we are an

extraordinary country we are in so many

respects the envy of the world if I was

sitting here where my friends are

tonight I would be arguing passionately

for this country but I stand here with

my ancestors and the view looks very

different from where I stand the

Australian dream we have our heroes

Albert no meteora wrote that painters

the soul of this nation Vincent Lee Ari

put his hand out for Gough Whitlam to

pour the sand of his country through his

fingers and say this is my country Cathy

Freeman lift the torch to the Olympic

Games but every time we are lured into

the light we are mugged by the darkness

of this country's history of course

racism is killing the Australian dream

it is self-evident that it's killing the

Australian dream but we are better than

that the people who stood up and

supported Adam Goodes and said no more

they are better than that the people who

marched across the bridge for

reconciliation they are better than that

the people who supported Kevin Rudd when

he said sorry to the Stolen Generations

they are better than that my children

and their non-indigenous friends are

better than that my wife who is

non-indigenous is better than that and

one day I want to stand here and be able

to say as proudly and sing as loudly as

anyone else in this room Australians all

let us rejoice thank you