As a small independent Aboriginal media business we certainly receive our fair share of racist feedback. Frankly, the more we receive the more concerted our efforts become.
Truth!
But if racism is born of ignorance, how close to the edge does this comment go?
”Heads up there were many other peoples in our country Australia prior to your mob, do some research” [sic]
That was a comment we received on Youtube, in response to a recently published episode of our VAN Talks podcast, which featured Uncle Andrew Jackomos and Thelma Austin from the Victorian Treaty Authority.
The author of the comment, @exvictorian3605, received from me the following response:
“Intriguing 🙂 And this is in response to which part of the episode? Or are you just making a blanket comment without doing your own research?”
Yes, somewhat petulant on my part, but allow me the occasional slip-up. Anyway, after a couple more innocent enough messages between us, I finally offered @exvictorian3605 the opportunity to share the source of their information and be interviewed on the podcast. After all, as a journalist I’m always open to hearing and sharing the truth.
The response was just as expected:
“Thank you for the offer but I must decline , I would much prefer people did their own research on a platform other than google so as to be able to obtain information somewhat different to the mainstream narrative.”
The Smithsonian’s view
I’m well aware that @exvictorian3605 is not alone in their views; and I have no real desire to waste time in a silly attempt to educate those who quite likely succumb to every absurd conspiracy theory that bubbles from the murky depths of the swamp of asininity.
I shall – in direct opposition to @exvictorian3605’s urging to avoid “…research on a platform other than google…” – refer to the Smithsonian:
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