It Is Not Easy Being Black
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Indigenous Australians make up just under 4% of the population; and right now they are in the national spotlight. The coming October 14th referendum about amending the Australian Constitution to recognise First Nation’s peoples and the creation of an advisory voice to parliament on issues directly effecting them has thrust many into uncomfortable places. Not everyone feels at home being a spokesperson for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs. In light of this, it is not easy being black right now.
“Estimates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. At 30 June 2021, there were 983,700 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, representing 3.8% of the total Australian population: One-third (33.1%) were under 15 years of age. The median age was 24.0 years.”
Black & No Laughing Matter
Some would say it is never easy being a black woman, child, or man in this country. There are a multitude of different views about the Voice, about reconciliation, treaty, and truth telling. There is no single black identity. There are some 400 to 600 different First Nations, according to reliable reports I have read. On the other side of the ledger there isn’t really one white identity either. We seem to simplify these things down, when they suit us to. There are Australians who want to pretend that we are all the same. Some talk about issues like the Voice dividing us. I don’t agree with blanket statements like this because they do not encompass the reality of the situation.
Don’t Divide An Already Unequal Nation
We are not all equal in this country and we never have been. Some folks like to trot out patriotic views when it suits them. These paper thin sentiments never extend to sharing the wealth and opportunities, however. We are all Australians when we are marching to war, when the nation needs its citizens to bear arms. Some born and bred Aussies kicked up a stink about getting vaccinated against the Coronavirus during a global pandemic, they were not willing to do the right thing by their community for whatever reasons.
Some folks want to believe in a God that despises homosexuals and demand their right to behave in prejudicial ways against them. Jesus may have talked about loving your neighbour, but these Christians can’t abide them LGBTQI+ demons. Talk about black fates.
Black Men In Nice New Cars
It is not easy being black, when the cops see you driving a nice car. That TV ad for Hyundai featuring a black actor must be the first of its kind in Australia. Young black men behind the wheel of nice new vehicles are usually accompanied by flashing lights and sirens on the highway. What does that say about Australia? Hey, but we are all Australians, that’s right isn’t it? Don’t want to divide this uber tight nation. After all, we are in this thing together.
Black Football Stars Gotta Know Their Place
It is not easy being black, when you cross that invisible white line, like Adam Goodes did. You can become a football star, but don’t step out of line and never stop smiling. Australian of the Year? You gotta be kidding. Telling our kiddies that they can’t call you a big ape over the fence – it’s a bridge too far Adam. Stop prancing about doing that war dance mate. The crowds booed him out of the game. A dual Brownlow medallist. A champion of the game. Didn’t matter, he crossed that invisible white line.
Black Face White Race
It’s not easy being black, when folks look at you suspiciously in shops. Whitey hackles go up when they suddenly see a black face in their neighbourhood. It’s a shock to their system and the warning bells go off inside. Hey, but we are all Australians. Peter Dutton told me so. We don’t want to divide the nation over something so silly and unnecessary. Do we? Closing the gap? That old saw horse – never going to happen mate. Aussies like to stick with the status quo, what they know. Change is more trouble than its worth.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice
On Saturday, 14 October 2023, Australians will have their say in a referendum about whether to change the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing a body called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
Voters will be asked to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on a single question. The question on the ballot paper will be:
“A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
Do you approve this proposed alteration?” “
Voting No or Voting Yes
If you don’t know, vote No. What an inspiring motto to live by. A closed mind and heart – you’ll end up dead. Open your eyes and say yes. Look beyond your own little world. Stretch your perspective further than your patch. Vote for empowerment and give these good hearted First Nations’ mob a voice. Do the right thing and you will go to your grave knowing you have done one good thing. Vote yes.
Bugger me, even John Farnham’s voting yes!
Robert Sudha Hamilton
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