A Cultural Divide at the AFL
In this episode of The Court of Public Opinion, Jeremy Cordeaux delves into the heated backlash that erupted during the extended “Welcome to Country” and smoking ceremony at the AFL semi-final. The crowd’s reaction was notable, with many spectators booing and laughing when the speaker claimed the ceremony was 250,000 years old. “You could hear the laughter,” Jeremy recalls. He believes that these ceremonies, once seen as respectful acknowledgments of Indigenous culture, are now being met with growing frustration. Jeremy argues that people are becoming increasingly tired of what he describes as “divisive” and “nonsense.”
Cordeaux doesn’t shy away from expressing his concern about the nature of the ceremony, arguing that it’s alienating rather than unifying. “People don’t come to the footy to hear speeches about 250,000-year-old ceremonies,” he states. In his view, the event was more about political correctness than genuine cultural celebration, leading to a sense of division among the spectators.
Listen Below
The History Behind the Ceremony
Jeremy takes time to delve into the history behind the “Welcome to Country” ceremony, suggesting that it has lost its original intent. According to Cordeaux, the ceremony was first introduced by comedian Ernie Dingo as part of a stand-up comedy routine in the 1970s. “It was supposed to be funny,” Jeremy says, highlighting that the current form of the ceremony differs significantly from its original light-hearted nature.
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Watch The Welcome To Country Below
“What was once a light-hearted joke has, over time and through changes, become something divisive,” Jeremy claims. He also suggests that, by turning what was initially meant for entertainment into a prolonged and mandatory ritual, the AFL has fuelled tensions among Australians. Moreover, Jeremy highlights that this shift has led to growing dissatisfaction, which continues to affect how audiences perceive these ceremonies.
A Need for Unity
Jeremy reflects on the divisive nature of the ceremony and stresses the importance of unity in Australia. This is especially important in light of the recent voice referendum.
Jeremy concludes by urging for a more unified approach to Australia’s cultural identity. One that not only celebrates the country’s rich diversity but also avoids creating unnecessary divisions. “We need to move forward, together, not apart,” he emphasises. Furthermore, Cordeaux believes the increasing backlash at events, such as the AFL semi-final, clearly indicates that Australians are now eager for a more inclusive and united future. This, he suggests, is a vital step towards fostering a stronger sense of national unity.
Topic time in podcast and video: 06:22 – 08:42
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