Janet CollinsCome for the tennis, but don't miss the racism !
January 15th 2007 08:04
The day that saw the hanging of Saddam's half brother, Barzan Ibrahim in Baghdad, also kicked off the Australian Open. The first day of the Grand Slam had everyone on their toes - Serbians, Croatians and law enforcement alike.
The Age called it a "racially fuelled fight", I call it being human. At every concievable crossroad, there are choices to act in the interests of morality, of emotional satisfaction, of personal gain and of course, in the benefit of others. It seems to be a very primal, primitive instinct - but the concern for oneself has always been of primary interest.
If you attend any of the remaining rounds in the Oceanic Grand Slam, you will likely see more of this - much of it represented by more 'civil' means. Whether cheering or jeering, there is always to sides of coin - your personal preference is always to the discrimination of the other party. This is what makes sport so brutal and so very alive - even without the violence, the atmosphere remains relatively unchanged.
The executions of Saddam and his Ibrahim were driven (1) superficially by the age-old senses of morality and justice, but (2) also by the emotional appeal (taken personally) that such horrendous crimes provoke. It is interesting how so many people can react so differently to the same scenario. Of course, to answer that simply, it is the conflicting concepts of forgiveness and justice that makes such situations so difficult.
But if this is the case - that everything is subject to the application, and possible contradiction, of these 'human laws' - then why is sporting misconduct treated differently to capital punishment? And will this event - should the violence ensue over coming weeks - become a deterrent for the Grand Slam as terrorism has so become for Iraqi tourism?
People will always be people and violence, vilification and bigotry follows close behind any event involving these complex organisms (thats us). At any rate, visit Melbourne for the tennis, but stay for the racism !!
The Age called it a "racially fuelled fight", I call it being human. At every concievable crossroad, there are choices to act in the interests of morality, of emotional satisfaction, of personal gain and of course, in the benefit of others. It seems to be a very primal, primitive instinct - but the concern for oneself has always been of primary interest.
Getty Images - The Racial Fight
If you attend any of the remaining rounds in the Oceanic Grand Slam, you will likely see more of this - much of it represented by more 'civil' means. Whether cheering or jeering, there is always to sides of coin - your personal preference is always to the discrimination of the other party. This is what makes sport so brutal and so very alive - even without the violence, the atmosphere remains relatively unchanged.
The executions of Saddam and his Ibrahim were driven (1) superficially by the age-old senses of morality and justice, but (2) also by the emotional appeal (taken personally) that such horrendous crimes provoke. It is interesting how so many people can react so differently to the same scenario. Of course, to answer that simply, it is the conflicting concepts of forgiveness and justice that makes such situations so difficult.
But if this is the case - that everything is subject to the application, and possible contradiction, of these 'human laws' - then why is sporting misconduct treated differently to capital punishment? And will this event - should the violence ensue over coming weeks - become a deterrent for the Grand Slam as terrorism has so become for Iraqi tourism?
People will always be people and violence, vilification and bigotry follows close behind any event involving these complex organisms (thats us). At any rate, visit Melbourne for the tennis, but stay for the racism !!
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Comment by David my David
Let's up the vote count on this post, shall we? ...
David ...
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
Good post but I think I liked it better when I didn't know what was going on. Even for just a little while.
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
Another great post. I was so disappointed to hear about this. The combination of hot weather, alcohol and large numbers of idiots is always going to be a breeding ground for this kind of crap which is unfortunate.
For christsakes its tennis people (or soccer, or cricket....).
So many moron, so few brain cells
Kylie
Comment by AnthonyB
It's certainly a sad situation, Mrs. M. I hope your holidays went well though. Welcome back to reality.
I know !! it's ridiculous, Kylie !! I couldn't believe how stupid people could be. That sort of behaviour just ruins everyone's day. Heineken Hill never seemed to be a problem before though... Maybe it was the hot weather..
Thanks for posting everyone, sorry i've been MIA