Sam Newman at it again!

[PaulP]

We've been discussing both issues not one or the other, it's not really tenable to have a separate thread for each and as uncomfortable as that may be many can't separate them. Many see politicise and monetise as method and motive.

I think it's a fair assertion the concept of "Welcome to Country" has been both politicised and monetised, and the frequency of the event has caused it to be greatly devalued in the eyes of some.

As much as it has influenced modern Australia and VFL/AFL and continues to do so, we don't have a Catafalque ceremony every pre-game, that would be clearly too much, I don't think that perspective is radical or excessive and I'd assert it's the rarity and exclusivity of the occasion that gives it special meaning, and I doubt the RSL charge to conduct it.

The AFL, like any organisation, needs to prioritise what gets attention and what doesn't, how much attention is given etc. There are a few reasons why First Nations people get attention : one is their obvious contribution to the game, and the other is equally obvious power asymmetries that have historically and still to this day adversely affect many of our First Nations brothers and sisters. It does not, has not, and will not stop at simply "being seen" to do the right thing. That may well be the starting point, but there are additional layers and a flow on effect that can make a difference. The worst you can say is that such ceremonies don't make a difference, but they certainly don't hinder the cause, and they must be allowed to take root and see if they can be an agent for positive change.

Your comparison to a prayer or sermon earlier is not valid. Welcome to Ceremony requires us to acknowledge past injustices, be a little decent and respectful, and give a damn for someone outside our own tribe. Evidently a tough ask for many.

I've never heard anyone complain about the endless and thoroughly boring speeches, thanking of sponsors (in itself a heavily political act) etc. that accompany some games like the Grand Final, yet any hint of a Welcome To Country or similar, and all hell breaks loose.