Climbing Uluru
I'm getting sick and tired of comments and complaints of predominantly white Australians, complaining about the decision by the owners of Uluru to remove the climbing chain. Ayres Rock, they say, belongs to all Australians. Even the nomenclature in their statements reveals their racism. Uluru belongs to the Anangu: morally, spiritually and legally.
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Even when I visited nearly 25 years ago, they were asking people not to climb. If the culturally bereft took the time to walk around, rather than soak their ego in climbing, they would discover the spirituality of the place and understand the desecration of grabbing that chain.
I have heard it asked of people who still claim the right to climb, how would you like it if 400 aboriginal people came to your house each day and climbed on the roof but I think that misses the mark. Given the cultural and spiritual significance of Uluru, perhaps a stronger consideration would be to ask how you'd feel if 400 people - any people - climbed up on you local ANZAC memorial, took photos and left their rubbish every day.
How would you feel if once a year one of them died while climbing up onto your church. Upset? Angry? Shamed perhaps? It's time for the white imperialism of Cook and Phillip to end. For God's sake, even the Poms gave Ireland back to the Irish!
Peter Langston,
Tamworth
Sportsmanship concerns in kids
On the weekend my beautiful daughter and I attend the National Primary Games in Tamworth. I was disgusted with bullying and bad sportsmanship. To be good at something is a gift. To then use that gift to belittle, boss, bully, name call and make others feel less is. Just not on. These un-gifted kids are trying so hard and just want to be a part of the team. Yes we all like to win. But if it is only a win to the detriment of others is that a win????
Nick Kyrgios is one of the best tennis players of our time. Yes that is true. BUT he has been left out of the Australian team because of bad attitude, bad sportsmanship and bad behaviour. This is what some kids and parents need to understand you and your kids may reach the top ... but if you trample people on the way with bad behaviour and bullying is it really the top. If it is and thus is the way you behave then it will be a very lonely view from that pedestal.
I ask my kids to think of others and always help and support others to reach goals. Their is no I in team, a bunch of sticks are hard to break but a twig on its own is very easy to snap. Parents who support and allow their kids to treat others poorly you are the losers in this game of life.Thank you all for your kind words of support.
Life is not fair and many people are not good humans. If we all just try a little harder to walk in others shoes then we may understand. I don't believe anyone is better or less than me. I want to be that person who stands beside others and supports and holds their hand in the the bad times and good.
I realise we need leaders, but we need leaders who lead with the heart not the pocket or the pedestal position but leaders who walk beside and support. Not crush for there own gain.
Kelly Foran,
Narrabri
