Abalinx 8 June 2016 Peter Adamis
I have read the articles, watched the videos, monitored the social media comments and have come to the conclusion that if the law has been broken then find the culprits and charge them. The images taken inside and outside the Etihad Stadium appear that a full scale riot had occurred, reminiscent of protests in the main city squares of Athens and Thessaloniki in Greece. However that was far from the case and although the scenes looked bad enough, no arrests, charges or fans being hauled away occurred. A copy of the article may be downloaded by clicking on: EXUBERANCE HIGH SPIRITS OR DOWN RIGHT STUPIDITY
I am not say that they were well behaved or excuse their behaviour other than to add that some form of crowd control is required to ensure the safety of the football patrons. I don’t condone their behaviour I must reflect back on my own youth when attending VFA and VFL matches as a youngster and especially during my teen years.
What I don’t condone is the anonymous callers on radio who made some disparaging remarks about the soccer match, adding fuel to the fire that some of the football fans denigrated the Australian flag and that they the patrons were made to feel unwelcome. It is easy to cast stones using a keyboard, telephone, mobile and silly remarks at a time when such negativity is not conducive to strengthening the bonds that bind us. I shudder every time I read or watch such scenes that may flash across my screen and wonder what kind of Australia are we becoming from such behaviour.
As a Greek born Aussie who has embraced Australian values without losing my heritage and the rich cultural traditions, I don’t condone violence of any kind except in self-defence and yet I cannot but feel a degree of disappointment at some of the scenes I have witnessed on social media and the wider main news media. Next we will be confusing our indigenous people who will be scratching their wondering where the country is heading to and whether we are returning to an age of instability and anarchy.
I know that a clever photographer can maximise a scene in order to get a skewed representation of the facts and I wonder whether this is the case in these scenes. A flash of light captured by the lens, a chance capture of smoke billowing into the sky from a flare when shown up against a background of enthusiastic and excited supporter, with flags flying and fists raised all conjure up a scene that is similar to a Klu Klux Klan going off to lynch some poor bastard.
As far as I am concerned, behaviour whether its exuberance or just mouthing off is fine with some events that are under strict control. If negative behaviour on the part of the supporters was a sign of what is to become the norm, then that is un-Australian and they the protesters must feel the full weight of the law. We who made this country home worked hard to become a fabric of this society and such negative publicity is certainly not conducive to the bonds that binds us. Furthermore if there is any truth in the matter of the Australian flag being disrespected, I will be the first to demonstrate my disapproval in the harshest manner possible.
In the end, one could say with some justification that the expression of youth can only be tempered the wisdom of the leaders. Let us see what the outcome is as a result of this recent performance by a generation that is tech savvy and far more in tune with the world around them than their predecessors.
Will they too settle down and realise that the folly of youth is but a fleeting moment in their lives and that they must be prepared to allow wisdom and good manners to take hold. The news media have a lot to answer for in the manner in which they report using selective images and describing scenes for financial gain rather that report on the true facts. All that I can add to this is to let the games begin in an orderly fashion and let the fans demonstrate their exuberance without the attachments of stupid, unruly behaviour and larrikinism.
As always, my apologies for the poor grammar, punctuation and savagery of the English language. All that I can say is that it is great to be alive and one does not give up in the face of adversity.
Peter Adamis is a Freelance Journalist/Social Media Commentator and writer. He is a retired Australian military serviceman and an Industry organisational & Occupational (OHS) & Training Consultant whose interests are within the parameters of domestic and international political spectrum. He is an avid blogger and contributes to domestic and international community news media outlets as well as to local and Ethnic News. He holds a Bachelor of Adult Learning & Development (Monash), Grad Dip Occupational Health & Safety, (Monash), Dip. Training & Assessment, Dip Public Administration, and Dip Frontline Management. Website: abalinx.com Contact via Email: [email protected] or via Mobile: 0409965538