Ash Barty and Grace Tame should not be treated differently | opinion

The difference in how two high-profile Australian women have been portrayed publicly in the past week has been a shocking indictment on our national narrative, writes Rae Wilson. VOTE IN OUR POLL

The difference in how two high-profile Australian women have been portrayed publicly in the past week has been a shocking indictment on our national narrative.

Tennis icon Ash Barty – who had me on the edge of my seat in the second set comeback Saturday night – is a certified superstar after capturing the Australian psyche with her dogged determination to win the Australian Open after being 5-1 down.

Ash Barty on her way to the Australian Open women’s title. Picture: Michael Klein

Her gracious smile, her humbleness and the Aussie larrikin that comes through in her on-screen interviews is cherished nationwide. And rightly so.

Ash Barty with the trophy. Picture: Michael Klein

But when sexual assault survivor and 2021 Australian of the Year Grace Tame did not smile during an Australia Day handover ceremony, a politically-charged photo opportunity if you will, she was roasted.

Commentators across the country labelled Grace ungracious, rude and immature for not showing deference to Prime Minister Scott Morrison who himself had to check yet again with his wife Jenny to understand the situation.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison with Grace Tame at an Australia Day event on January 25. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

It has been argued she should have just not gone if she could not smile and be polite. I disagree.

A male teacher groomed her at a young age and forced her to behave in certain ways. She has fought hard as an advocate for sexual assault survivors and through her involvement as part of the #LetHerSpeak campaign that changed laws in Tasmania preventing her, and others, from speaking about their experiences.

After having a man in position of power and trust rip her childhood away, why should she feel the need to show deference to others in power?

Activist, artist and writer Grace Tame

Especially after watching how Canberra politicians handled the Brittany Higgins rape allegations.

Brittany Higgins and Grace Tame on the cover of Marie Claire’s special December 'Women of the Year' issue

Especially as she has been retraumatised through her role as Australian of the Year, living through the abuse again each time she shared her story. Surely she has a right to be authentic?

What I saw was a brave and fierce woman who had every right to attend the ceremony. I think we should look up to Grace Tame and reassess how we view women in the spotlight, for whatever reason they are there.

Both women are true Aussie legends in my book.