No, it’s not time to move on from talking about Adam Goodes

Just about every opinion on Adam Goodes has been written, discussed or orated. Does that mean it’s time to end the dialogue? Most definitely not. For there will be a next time — there is always a next time.

AFL Rd 18 - Sydney v Adelaide

Debate surrounding Adam Goodes, his actions, the booing against him and whether or not it is racist continues to swirl.

Opinions are shared, supported and reiterated. They are questioned, slammed and dismissed.

And, inevitably, a fresh argument has entered the fold. The argument that it’s time to move on. That the constant discussion is only adding to the issue.

It’s true. Just about every opinion I can imagine existing on this topic has been written, discussed or orated. And here I go, adding another.

But what is the alternative? The argument peters out. Adam Goodes returns to the field. A few people boo (because they will). Most people don’t. We forget this furore ever happened.

Sounds great.

Nicky Winmar points to the colour of his skin at Victoria Park in 1993 after being racially abused. (Pic: John Feder)

Until next time. And there will be a next time. There is always a next time. Ask Nicky Winmar.

I have been shocked by the anti-Goodes sentiment. More shocking is that after such strong and articulate commentary in defence of the two-time Brownlow medallist, people are still willing to splutter their narrow-minded thoughts wherever they will land.

Despite my better judgment, I somehow expected the rhetoric of, say, Charlie Pickering. and others who have spoken out, to demand a shift in thinking.

Something like: “Oh, right. I see how it’s racist. Yeah, I guess I never thought of it that way. Okay, that’s it. No more booing for me.”

Alas, no such change of tune.

I don’t have the credentials of most commentators who have entered this debate in our media. But I do have something different to offer. Unfortunately, it’s not a solution. Not even close.

It’s a plea.

To explain it, here is a snippet from a conversation I had with a friend last night. It was a long conversation. We don’t usually text in such a fashion but the topic had us fired up.

Me: This whole Goodes thing upsets me on so many levels. I haven’t really tried to explain it to anyone (until now) because it’s a bit deep and hard to articulate but aside from the many things that are shameful about it all, I can’t help but think ‘how the hell do we affect change?’

Still me: There are so many people ready to boo, no qualms. They don’t listen. They won’t listen. Even if they did, even if something clicked with them, this is ingrained thought. How can we change it? I hope I am compassionate and empathetic but I still have no idea what I can do to really assist what feels like a lost cause.

My friend (totally paraphrased): Yes, agree, agree, agree, yes, yes, yes. You are right. You are right about all the things! Also, I am really, really concerned that so many people do not see this as a big issue. These people are literally denying it.

Still my friend (but a key part so I wanted to highlight it): I feel like this is an opportunity though. I want to be able to do something more. I am going to think about how I can get on my soapbox and do more with this.

Me again: You can do it! I’ll do it too. Thinking caps on.

And then, in a moment of serendipitous brilliance, I went looking for an emoji to illustrate my text message and found a little guy with what I decided was a ‘thinking cap’. And the thinking cap was green and yellow and it had a plus sign on it. And if that doesn’t say “HELL YES! POSITIVE CHANGE FOR AUSTRALIA STARTS NOW” then I don’t know what does.

So, my plea? My plea is that you’ll do the same. That you won’t just get over the debate.

If we open our ears — and our minds — to the likes of Adam Goodes, we could be part of the solution.