Eddie McGuire makes on-air gaffe about Adam Goodes and King Kong

[doggies ftw]

You must have an awesome bunch of mates.

At least they would probably be able to have a laugh and a joke at things. Would hate to see the conversations between you and your mates.

If you want us (Blacks, Whites, Asians, whoever) to all be EQUALS (which obviously we should be) then there should be no difference whatsoever than someone abusing me and someone calling Goodes an ape, and if there is a difference between those two cases then that is clearly saying that we are not equal, isn't it.

 

[Kram]

I've grown up around Aboriginal people and I have never heard the word Ape used against them. That said, are you calling Goodes a liar for saying he has been racially vilified in the past because of the word?

And who made you the arbiter of knowing whether the 13 year-old girl was been racist at all?

And if you did grew up in aboriginal community like you say you did, I find it hard to believe that you wouldn't of seen racism from kids much younger then teenagers been racially vilified and abused or doing it themselves.

Oh I'm not saying Goodes is a liar at all, to him personally and where he's from from it appears to be a racist insult, it's obviously really hurt him in the past.

As for your second sentence I just said there was a very real chance that it wasn't racist, but she was automatically branded one by all and sundry without anyone even bothering to check her side of the story, when it could've been just a misunderstanding. Who made them arbitrators?

As for your last sentence I'm not sure what you are on about, there was a fair bit of racism at primary school just not in anyone ever being called some ape or primate, I'm pretty much look and consider myself 'white' but even copped "Hey mate, your mum is a bong!". Thankfully it was only a few isolated incidences.

 

[Leon]

He should not stand aside.

His comments were incredibly stupid and dumb and I'm still astounded that someone as experienced in the media as Eddie could make them, especially in the current climate of AFL and in light of what happened on Friday with Adam Goodes.

Eddie is not a racist. He made a silly, silly mistake but it was no more than a slip of the tongue, something which everyone does from time to time.

This whole thing will blow over in a week or two and Eddie will be fine.

I'm sure we'll hear from Caroline Wilson soon though on how he must stand aside - or has she written an article demanding this already?

 

[peppy la pew]

Laughable or not it's real. So what do you do about it?

Maybe gain some perspective and HTFU

 

[Percel]

I disagree completely. Maybe his timing was less than stellar, but Goodes literally looks like a Gorrilla. Nothing to do with his race. He's what, 6'4? Built like a treecutter and has a thick, black beard. **** apologising for that. I'm all for people getting upset when racism involved but with things like this people get too ******* touchy.

Half of you in this topic are acting like complete soft ***** too. Man up, grow a pair. It's not like Eddie said "Adam Goodes is an ape, let's lynch him because he's aboriginal," now THAT's a story. This? This is an excuse for the Eddie haters to get their panties in a bunch... And yes, I say panties and not boxers because you're all acting like a bunch of girls.

Id like to congratulate you for being the smartest coolest funniest best bloke in the world, and I imagine your mates are not far behind.

You are perfection, society needs more of you.

 

[WeetBixKid]

The empirical studies we have at the moment suggest that everyone has, sub sconsciously, racist tendencies. Perhaps this is part of our evolutionary history. Either way, they're there.

The most you can hope from somebody is to be aware of it, and to make a conscious effort to treat people equally. It's not hard to do, but sometimes there are little slip ups. Eddie made one. He clearly feels ashamed, regrets it, and has apologised. He's doing what he can to change the way he thinks and that's the most you can expect from someone.

 

[Stopher]

I was raised as a Christian from birth and brought up to believe that saying 'God', 'Jesus Christ' etc to curse or even in a casual manner was disrespectful. Now, as an adult, though I haven't followed every little detail of my parents' beliefs to the nth degree, nothing has changed in my view of those words making me cringe when I hear them used in that manner.

Now, about 60 pages back (!!!) I commented that if Goodes' natural reaction to the comment, regardless of the girl's intention, is to be offended (as it was one directed at him in a racially vilifying way at a younger age, I believe) then nobody can pull him up for his reaction of hurt and anger, if that's how he feels.

So back to my case, when people use 'God' and 'Jesus Christ' in the manner I mentioned above, it is offensive to me because of my upbringing. I've seen a number of comments along the lines of my religion is my choice, whereas Goodes can't choose his skin colour. That is 100% true. And as I said, I haven't maintained the exact same beliefs as I had when young. However, it still doesn't change the fact that my natural reaction, as it has been through my whole life, to such words is to be offended by them.

What then? Do I need to simply harden up, even if I can't help my reaction to hearing such things? Or should it be, as many have put it, that there is no excuse for ignorance from people who make such remarks, as people are saying is the case with the 13yo girl in question?

 

[skilts]

The biggest surprise in all of this is that Eddie has proved himself to be an imbecile. Who would have thought? He's nowhere smart enough to be malicious. That would require an ability to think before he opened his trap.

 

[KrakFiend]

How many of those children were bullied on racial grounds and where did you get the stats on racially motivated homicides?

Do you even need those statistics? Children kill themselves because of bullying. Yet we have people here who seem to think a 34 year old man being called an ape by a child cannot possibly be compared to harassment about weight, hair colour, and other such things

It's strange that people can be so vocal in their support of anti-discrimination in one form but not another.

 

[the distributer]

Dude, do I have to point it out to you?

Okay - the words I used were based on words you used. Your mother calls you an ape. Far out I thought you were being a tool, but turns out you actually are pretty thick.

And your mother says you're not very bright, would you be a racist if you said Goodes wasn't very bright?, or does he make that call?,

Any racial slur has to be intended to be racial for it to be a racial slur.

what gets my nose of out of joint is everyone seems happy to judge this girl based on her calling a large hairy man an Ape, chances are if Goodes had a shave she never would have called him that, but no one is saying hang on a minute Adam, you just called this girl a racist and insinuated she had a poor upbringing on national television, without even asking the girl what she meant by the comment.

Poor Adam eh? yeah right, if i was the girls father i would be seriously considering civil action against Goodes.

 

[Roby]

As for your second sentence I just said there was a very real chance that it wasn't racist, but she was automatically branded one by all and sundry without anyone even bothering to check her side of the story, when it could've been just a misunderstanding. Who made them arbitrators?

By everyone? I don't think so. And if she admitted to been racist would that have made any difference to how she should've been treated.

As for your last sentence I'm not sure what you are on about, there was a fair bit of racism at primary school just not in anyone ever being called some ape or primate, I'm pretty much look and consider myself 'white' but even copped "Hey mate, your mum is a bong!". Thankfully it was only a few isolated incidences.

You don't understand that growing up in aboriginal community would allow you to experience and witness racism in all forms, including indoctrination?

There is a very good chance the girl knew what she was saying. It's likely the reason why her friends laughed with eyes wide open when she made the comment. It's likely the reason why grandma did not shout a peep after the incident. It's likely the reason why she made the apology.

If Goodes hadn't pointed out right there and then, it may have been very difficult to prove who said what in the crowd even with footage.

 

[Kynge of Begrem]

if i was the girls father i would be seriously considering civil action against Goodes.

If you were the girls father she wouldn't know the difference between a man and a gorilla

 

[Goggin Our Best]

Has political correctness gone right over the top

Sergio Garcia (top spanish golfer) had a falling out with Tiger Woods about 2 years ago -apparently havent spoke to each other -even when paired in the same group

About a week ago - i think on the eve of the Ryder Cup - Garcia was being interviewed -and was asked about his relationship with Woods -Sergio made a light hearted comment that Tiger and him were mates -and to prove it he would invite Tiger around for dinner every night (of the ryder cup) and they would have fried chicken every night

Woods reaction -he was furious with Garcia -he said the comments were offensive and racist -because black people in the deep south of America -do eat fried chicken every night !

I mean really - what an overreaction -Political correctness gone mad

 

[Kynge of Begrem]

And your mother says you're not very bright, .

No, you see she doesn't, look, I will type this slowly, in the hope that you will understand...I was using your example of your mother calling you an ape, changing it to being about me, to try and get a point through to you.

 

[Roby]

Do you even need those statistics? Children kill themselves because of bullying. Yet we have people here who seem to think a 34 year old man being called an ape by a child cannot possibly be compared to harassment about weight, hair colour, and other such things

It's strange that people can be so vocal in their support of anti-discrimination in one form but not another.

That's correct. There is massive difference. You just don't see it.

 

[Kynge of Begrem]

Do you even need those statistics? Children kill themselves because of bullying. Yet we have people here who seem to think a 34 year old man being called an ape by a child cannot possibly be compared to harassment about weight, hair colour, and other such things

It's strange that people can be so vocal in their support of anti-discrimination in one form but not another.

You're the one who quoted them, I am interested in the source.

 

[KennyHunter9]

It is complex issue, and Eddie's credentials on indigenous affairs (and other forms of discrimination, including attitudes to asylum seekers) are good.

But he has called for zero tolerance. Unless he is now arguing that he was rounding down the zero from 0.00001 - and that the 0.00001 is an exception that covers wealthy and influential media and sports personalities, then he must go.

Of course, we live in an age lacking accountability. An Essendon chairman and coach can oversee a culture of drug experimentation on players and retain his job. Malcolm Turnbull can refuse to resign following the Godwin Grech affair. Wayne Swan is left as treasurer despite butchering the mining tax. George Pell blames his predecessor for cover ups. Is anyone willing to take responsibility for their actions?

Accountability died with the celebrity age. Now redemption is matter for spin doctors.

 

[Swanhotels]

Say that to those Collingwood members who've been outed publically and have had their memberships revoked by Mr "zero tolerance" Eddie

You certainly have a point, I guess im just looking at it from this particular isolated incident. To be honest im sick of this whole affair. Eddie was wrong he said he was sorry lets just move on and get back to enjoying AFL footy. I think dwelling on the issue makes it worse rather than dealing with it and moving on.

 

[Roby]

Well you tried, but it just doesn't work a third time around.
Also, terrible text formatting, what were you thinking?
2/10.

Well you tried, but it doesn't work a fourth time round.
Also terrible argument and adding nothing.

0/10.

 

[The Falcon Strike]

At some point there has to be a clear distinction between someone saying something with malicious intent, versus someone making a gaffe or slip of the tongue - or hell even a deliberate crack at humour using a stereotype.

I don't doubt that what Eddie said was offensive to Adam Goodes, but i do not believe it was uttered with clear maliciousness in mind. Surely the premise of racism is more than someone had their feelings hurt.

Racism is about discriminating against someone of a different race, deliberately denying them something that otherwise they might deserve or claiming a righteous superiority of one race over another. I struggle to see how Eddie was trying to do either of those things.

Now, I understand that the use of primates as a description can be derogatory.

However there are differences between races - genetics is racist. Now if you point out a genetic difference that is favourable it is ok, point out a genetic difference that is unfavourable it is racist. That is horsehit.

I'm betting on average Majak Daw compares favourably in the north melbourne showers. That isn't racist, it is genetics.

I honestly believe people shy away from having genuine conversations about it for fear of having something labelled as racist. Harry Obrien came out and labelled the country as being casual with racism. How is that not offensive to me? He is calling me casual with racism, he is calling my neighbour casual with racism - all because we live in the same country?

How is that not just a broad sweeping comment designed to cause offence?

Maybe Harry is just casual with it as well.....

 

[Chewy]

Eddie won't stand aside. He loves being the Collingwood president more than anything else in the world. Probably more than his wife. He knows his Magpie flock love him. This is all just for show. Eddie is an oily politician with a rat-cunning survival streak. I bet he's already written up a shit list of all the people he plans to get even with once this blows over.

 

[Richard Pryor]

Do you even need those statistics? Children kill themselves because of bullying. Yet we have people here who seem to think a 34 year old man being called an ape by a child cannot possibly be compared to harassment about weight, hair colour, and other such things

It's strange that people can be so vocal in their support of anti-discrimination in one form but not another.

It is comparable, but it isn't racism, and racism is easier to combat as bullying involves an insecure jackass using any insecurity someone has to try and make someone feel bad, whereas racism is someone who feels they are inherently superior or that someone else is inferior based on their race.

 

[KrakFiend]

That's correct. There is massive difference. You just don't see it.

There is a massive difference between bullied to the point of suicide and a grown man being called an ape by a child?

I agree, I just think we're at opposite ends.

Out of interest, can you rank for me in order the worst things to be vilified about to the least? Or maybe a top 10?

 

[Ketchup]

Eddie won't stand aside. He knows his Magpie flock love him. This is all just for show. Eddie is an oily politician with a rat-cunning survival streak. I bet he's already written up a shit list of all the people he plans to get even with once this blows over.

Buddy yelled at a woman. He should stand aside.

 

[KrakFiend]

You're the one who quoted them, I am interested in the source.

Never mind, I wasn't actually trying to prove a point via hard numbers. It was more an illustrative hunch, given I haven't heard of too many children being murdered in race related cases in AU. Could be wrong though! Do you think I am?

The main point was: bullying can lead to suicide. It is not harmless.