Passive but Massive Discrimination

Recently in Griffith, as it happens in many communities in the Wiradjuri are and throughout Australia, several Aboriginal people were mourning the loss of family members in the local community and wanted to share some time at the local pub. It is a gathering of all the families that have travelled for days to get to the town, from all parts of the state and country by train, bus, car plane and foot, just to pay respects to the loss of another family member.

How were they welcomed in the community of Griffith?

The Aboriginal mourners were not welcomed at all, they were sober, dressed for a funeral in a respectable  dress code but, were refused entry. Elders in the community. Travelling from Melbourne and Canberra, a long and arduous trip, wanting to spend time with other family. However, they were not allowed in because they did not have photo ID.  One lady at the club, was allowed in earlier in the day, by herself to play the poker machines however, when she returned later on with the group, was refused entry.

Police have a policy in this town of informing the alcohol licensed venues that an Aboriginal funeral is taking place on that day.

So they did so, more of a warning that a large group of Aboriginal people will be arriving and maybe drinking in your premises later on in the day.

They do not do this for non-Aboriginal funerals.

Local Hoteliers boss says that is not true, that ID checks are done for all patrons entering licensed premises.

Local Aboriginal people still reject that, saying this only happens when large gatherings of Aboriginal community comet together in the one place. It seems to be true everywhere. There is an increased Police presence on such occasions, security is tighter and mourners subject to disrespectful searches and treatment. What does this do mentally to the individuals, Elders, youth, grieving, leaders, observers and long term oppressed? Is there a trigger for angry, frustrated, violent behaviour? Or is there passive acceptance of the ongoing treatment for your race that does not measure up for all others?

Aboriginal Australia copes with so many discriminatory actions that are formal on the national front, informal & social discrimination on the local front. For over 225 years, we have been subject to the most appalling treatments of social behaviour on all levels.

It needs to stop.

Being branded is not an easy thing to shrug off. After all, most people who go to court are guilty until they proved themselves innocent, not the normal innocent until proven guilty . How do you change the behaviour of society and improve conditions within a community and country?

Simple talking and not being in opposition is the first instance. The more Indigenous people who get in positions of power within the community and throughout society should be able to encourage the dialogue for change. They also should not 'sell out' their community, making concessions away from their community that they no longer speak on or relate to the Aboriginal community.

Change is eventual but we all must work at 'closing that gap' that is always talked about. Change the heads; change the thinking; change the small things that impact on the big. Let the change begin today.