Rugby League: society writ small

The racism and sexism controversy in rugby league is a window into the soul of Australian society. The result is both ugly and inspiring.

Ugly because the crimson thread of racism and sexism run through our body politic and major limbs of society, And inspiring because Timana Tahu and the millions who support him show that we want to destroy this rotten cancer on our nation.

Timana Tahu is a hero for walking out on his football team, New South Wales.

Why did he do it? Because the assistant coach and former super star Andrew Johns called Greg Inglis, one of the Queensland players, a black c*nt.

Timana is an Aborigine and proud of his heritage. Inglis is a close friend.

Tahu decided to take a stand against racism, racism that is not only endemic to rugby league but to Australian society.

As I have argued on this site, Australia is founded on two forms of racism - racism against the original inhabitants and racism against non-whites coming to the country. It is this crimson thread of racism that runs through our body politic and major sections of society even today.

Tahu is leading a fightback. Here’s part of what he said:

Leaving Origin was a really big decision for me and I’d like to clarify that it was not just one racial comment directed at one individual that offended me.

The remarks were directed at various races and the situation I encountered was totally unacceptable.

I believe I am a role model for children and I did this to show my kids this type of behaviour is wrong.

This isn’t about me or Andrew Johns, it’s about arresting racism and standing up for my beliefs.