11 Comments
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Jeffrey Rogers's avatar

Goodness John, that was extraordinary. What a powerful statement. Jeff

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John McDonald's avatar

Thanks Jeff, it's the Austrians who go for broke. We go with the flow

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Derek Kreckler's avatar

Another sterling read John, well put.

DK

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John McDonald's avatar

Thanks Derek. I wish I could find some good news

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Hadyn Wilson's avatar

Yes, I agree with Stephen that it's a position that threads a very small needle, but so desperately needs to be said. So much of this sort of reasoned analysis won t stop the far left or far right condemning the messenger

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John McDonald's avatar

Behind one's back...

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Stephen Feneley's avatar

While I'm all for multiculti celebration and still regard acknowledgement of country as an important ritual throughout Australia to remind us of just how varied indigenous culture was and is, I have to say hats off to you for a very thoughtful critique of all of the above.

Attacks on our ritualistic acknowledgement of indigenous heritage usually come from the very hard-right types you are so critical of in your piece.

This is a very nuanced argument you have put forward.

And I'm a 100% with you on the scandalous Disneyfication of the Powerhouse and the Minns Govt's shallow cultural celebrations while gutting its cultural institutions.

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John McDonald's avatar

Thanks Stephen, writing 'nuanced' pieces is a real challenge in today's climate, but if we don't do it we'll just keep wallowing in mindless spin

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DIANA SIMMONDS's avatar

Brilliant. Walkley contender - which is insulting really, as it's worth way more than that. Thanks, John.

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John McDonald's avatar

On the rare occasions I've been convinced to enter the Walkleys, Di, I didn't even make the shortlist. I'm not welcome at that party!

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DIANA SIMMONDS's avatar

I knew you'd say that! And it's true, sadly. I gave up entering decades ago for the same reason. However, the fact remains that this is a particularly fine piece of thoughtful analytical writing, with added spice, and I wanted to say so.

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