General Discussions

[northernblue]

We have a lot in common G2C, and not just our love of the mighty Blues 

I coached an under 14 boys' basketall team that had one African boy, one Melanesian boy, one Polynesian boy (whose younger brother was stabbed to death the following year) and three white kids.  They were a handful, but they could play and we ended up narrowly losing the A grade grand final against what was essentially a first division rep team.  The three boys of colour would often use the 'n' word, but not when their parents were around.  Hopefully, they are a little smarter and more respectful now.

Anyway, the point that I really wanted to make is that "black fella" or blekpela is not a derogatory term and has been used by Indigenous Australians to denote themselves since "white fellas" arrived on the scene.  I used to be reluctant to use it but I learned that it is often the preferred term, particularly when the subjects don't have a name that's easily rendered in English or when members of several groups are referred to collectively. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_DHwp5vYBI

I’m one who has on here who has often referred to Aboriginals as “Black fellas”
However some Blackfellas prefer to be called “Countrymen” I’m ok with that.

As a rule I’m politically incorrect, but I try to be respectful to individuals depending on how they present.
But I don’t do welcome to country…  tokenism at its worst.