People condemning Latrell Mitchell are what’s wrong with Australia
The Spencer Leniu NRL racism storm highlights how wrong Australia has got its priorities.
OPINION
I’ve watched the Spencer Leniu and Ezra Mam situation unfold, and to say I’m disappointed is an understatement.
This incident is a monumental stain on NRL history.
A young Torres Strait Islander man, Mam, who dedicates himself to his community, had to endure a racial slur on a trip meant to celebrate his achievements.
This situation is a stark reminder that racism remains deeply embedded in our society, a burden First Nations people carry every single day.
And, the NRL’s suspension of Spencer Leniu feels like the bare minimum.
However, the true disgrace lies in the venomous attacks Latrell Mitchell and other vocal First Nations players have received for simply speaking out against racism.
For generations, the slur used against Ezra Mam has been a weapon to demean and dehumanise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It rips open wounds, reminding us of a brutal history of dispossession and oppression.
When one of us is hurt by this slur, the pain resonates throughout the entire community.
It triggered a response from a passionate Latrell Mitchell.
“I stand with you Bala,” he wrote in a story that included a photo of Mam and his Instagram handle.
“NRL better deal with this s**t.”
The moment Mitchell spoke out against this blatant racism, he was bombarded with criticism from fans of the game online.
Even commentators condemned Mitchell for speaking out.
“Why doesn’t everyone ring Ezra? Why does everything have to be done on social media?” Brad Fittler said on Channel 9’s The Sunday Footy Show.
“The NRL has rules where you can’t come out and make comments about situations that are going to judiciary. So they should be in trouble.
“If you want to support Ezra, ring him up. Go and see him. That’s how you support someone.”
But this isn’t about a high tackle or cheap shot, and grouping this situation with other NRL judiciary hearings is wrong in itself.
This whole situation lays bare the hypocrisy of those who preach about “walking together” as Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. When something like this explodes, the narrative quickly shifts to urging our people to stay silent, to “take it on the chin” and not “make a scene.”
Sam Kerr called a London police officer a “stupid, white bastard” which by definition is not racism at all. While assumptions and stereotypes about white people do exist, this is considered racial prejudice, not racism - reverse racism is a myth.
The public response to her situation wasn’t universally negative, in fact a lot of people have supported her.
However, a very vocal group have used it to deflect from the blatant racism Ezra Mam endured. Making comments like “somebody tell him about Sam Kerr” or “why do you have an issue with this, and not Sam Kerr?”.
The outrage from these people is a world away from the response to Spencer Lenui’s comment.
This double standard exposes the performative nature of much of the unity rhetoric. We need genuine empathy, not selective outrage if we are ever to truly walk together.
And, Latrell Mitchell is a powerful voice for change.
Following Spencer Leniu pleading guilty, Mitchell shared on Instagram that he “applauds anyone (non-Indigenous also) for calling racism out”, accompanied by a picture of him wearing a shirt with the Aboriginal flag.
“Standing up for what you believe in is the hardest thing you could ever do. You will either be hated or loved for doing it” the post read.
“Every time I open my mouth about something I’m passionate about I’m tested on it, I am judged on it regardless if it’s not what the public eye views.”
He uses his platform to advocate for equality and challenge racism head-on. Young Indigenous athletes see him as a role model who refuses to be silenced, and his willingness to fight for what he believes in makes him a crucial figure in the ongoing battle against racism.
Therefore, condemning Mitchell’s actions for advocating against racism sends a dangerous message…
Misinterpreting his passion for equality with aggression is perpetuating racism and only proving his point.
Instead of listening to our blak voices, spectators disparage them. Cheering on Indigenous athletic feats, but when these same athletes raise their voices for equality, they’re met with indifference or even hostility.
I hope Latrell Mitchell’s call to action against racism and his unwavering support for Ezra Mam inspire courage in our people to speak their truth.
I hope he continues to stand up to racism, despite the horrific backlash he receives.
We need more Latrell Mitchells in this country.
Maddi Brennan-Mills is a proud Wiradjuri woman and Social Editor at News Corp, currently residing on Dharawal country. Her passion for storytelling and culture fuels her writing, with a particular focus on Indigenous Affairs.
Originally published as People condemning Latrell Mitchell are what’s wrong with Australia
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