Flag branded symbol of racism

Carrots · 22-01-2007, 10:57

READ IT, THINK ABOUT IT AND THEN IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING CONSTRUCTIVE TO SAY POST YOUR COMMENTS. LETS TRY AND MAKE IT AS POSITIVE AS POSSIBLE.

Exclusive by Kathy McCabe and Simon Benson

THE Australian flag has been banned from this year's Big Day Out in Sydney after organisers branded it a "gang colour" and symbol of hate.

The Daily Telegraph has learned organisers of the Aussie rock festival at Homebush will confiscate any flag or bandana bearing the national symbol at the gate.

Labelling Sydney a hot bed of racism, producers of the Sydney Showground event said it will be the only city in the nationwide event to be subject to the draconian action.

Promoters have already moved the event from the traditional Australia Day gig to a day earlier to avoid nationalistic overtones.

Spooked by last year's event, which came only weeks after the Cronulla riots, organisers will outlaw flags being brandished as a "gang colour".

Prime Minister John Howard said the Big Day Out should be cancelled unless organisers reversed their decision to ban the flag. Big Day Out patrons were intimidated and harassed at the Sydney event on Australia Day 2006 by bigoted fans brandishing flags and demanding people pledge their allegiance.
Event producer Ken West said the use of flags last year after the Cronulla riots and recent clashes between Serb and Croatian fans at the Australian Open tennis had forced his hand.

"I didn't like the behaviour of last year and we have moved the event from Australia Day this year partly because of the way the flags were used," Mr West said.

"The Australian flag was being used as gang colours. It was racism disguised as patriotism and I'm not going to tolerate it.

"I am telling people not to bring (flags) – they are free to get them out at midnight on their way home when it is Australia Day."

Gangs use colours and symbols to distinguish them from rival groups.

Mr West added the ban was also in part trying to be respectful to the Aboriginal community, who view Australia Day as invasion day.

"This is about giving people the opportunity to think about it and what the flag means to them," he said.
Premier Morris Iemma reacted angrily to the ban, claiming the promotors should "reverse their decision immediately".

"If they pulled this on Independence Day in the US, imagine what would happen. It's just ridiculous," he said.

"It is a ridiculous decision and I never thought I'd see the day when a promoter would ask young Australian people to celebrate Australian artists but not identify with their national flag."

Mainstream headline act Jet have a black and white version of the flag as the backdrop for their set.
Frontman Nic Cester said they used this version to display their pride in being Australian.

"I can't tell anyone else what to do but we as a band are very proud to be Australian and we don't want to feel we are not allowed to feel proud because of the disgusting actions of people who don't represent Australia, in my mind," he said.

The ban will be announced on the Big Day Out website this week.

Security staff will not search bags specifically but will be told to stop people from wearing a flag or Australian bandana.

The Big Day Out will be the first event ever to ban the national symbol.

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegrap...007132,00.html

BeautUtes

Carrots · 22-01-2007, 11:02

All I can say is....."yeah right". What on earth is this world coming to. I tell you what though. If people are using OUR Australia flag as a means of a gang colour. Then they ought to be bloody shot.

Gotta wonder if they're short on their projected ticket sales and thought they'd cause some controversy to lift sales....it wouldn't surprise me. Some of these people involved with organising events are sick in the head like that. Make a story to boost sales. Shameful.

So if you're in Sydney or NSW and going to Big Day Out - make sure you find yourself a New Zealand flag and take it with you and wear it visibly when going through the gate - whats the bet the security guards try to take it off you - which is when you point out is a NZ one and they're a disgrace cause they don't know what their own National flag looks like!!!!

DEIGS · 22-01-2007, 11:11

I can see why they are doing it cause thats all the big day out needs after what happened in 2001 with the limp bizkit death and if anything starts this year god knows what can happen.

But still if you can't fly our flag on our national day what can you do as carrots said whats this world coming to.

Soph · 22-01-2007, 11:47

Today is the first time I have ever been embarrased to be an Australian!
What sought of free country stops their citizens displying the National Flag with pride! What a load of crap! I am so mad! People always go on about the "Youth" of today having no patriotism, but as soon as they try they get hounded for it! Screw the bloody lot of them! Take ya bloody flag and wear it with pride, boycott it like the did at the Rugby when we were'nt aloud to sing Waltzing Matilda! People power!
Everyone ban together and tell them to stick it up their clacker!

BeautUtes

Jay · 22-01-2007, 12:04

Quote:

Prime Minister John Howard said the Big Day Out should be cancelled unless organisers reversed their decision to ban the flag.

I Agree!!

Random181 · 22-01-2007, 12:14

Every day, new shit happens in this world that makes me more and more disgusted to be a part of it. What the hell are we turning into? Bloody not having black sheep in nursery rhymes because it's racist.... Changing the damn name of 'fairy' penguins so that it doesn't offend gay people... We're all pussy footing around these days, treading on egg shells wherever we walk, and you know what? Society as a whole is getting more pathetic.

Think back 30 years, and if you're not that old (as I am not), think back to the stories your parents told you of life here in Australia. They weren't molly coddled, things were straight forward and made sense, and for the most part, everyone turned out fine.

There were no stupid laws against the majoirty to help protect the minority- of people didn't like it they could rally, or they could damn well shut up and get over it. People who came to Australia, whether it was from England or from anywhere else, initiated themselves into Australian culture, and not the other bloody way around. Obviously, they all brought parts of their own culture with them (how else would we have got fast food, pizza, and other non food related things which escape me at the moment because I'm famished), and you know what? I think everyone was OKAY with that. It was a contribution to Australian society and culture- not something forced on us.

Today though, we get people rocking up all over the joint from God knows where. They are more than welcome to practice their own religions in their own homes, and in mosques/temples/whatever provided for them, hell, we're not going to take everything away from them, but when they start creating shit on the streets, picking on Australians for being Australian, and in effect, changing OUR way of life, making US bow down to avoid conflict- that's just crap.

To quote the article above-
"If they pulled this on Independence Day in the US, imagine what would happen. It's just ridiculous."
Why is it for once that I have to agree with Americans? But it's so damn true. You try this shit in ANY OTHER COUNTRY and you either get ridiculed or your bloody head sawn off, depending where you are. You go to America and complain about Americans? They sure as hell aren't going to stop displaying their flag for you. You go to Iraq (god forbid) and complain about THEIR way of life? Hell, you won't have yours for much longer.

So what is it about the Australian government? Why have they all turned into weaklings?
Not being able to display our OWN flag around our country's national day- the day we're supposed to be proud of WHO WE ARE, because we might offend the minority?
Get your shit together people.
We should no longer stop our way of life.
If people don't like it, they can damn well leave.

Random181 · 22-01-2007, 12:20

Just a quick extra note... Australia Day is for everyone in Australia to celebrate being a part of this wonderful country yes?
So why should anyone feel ousted by it?
I say, it's their own fault if they don't feel a part of Australian culture- they should try a little harder to initiate themselves into it, instead of whinging because we're all prancing around, being proud of who we are.

Billy · 22-01-2007, 12:20

Just the media stirring things up again!

BeautUtes

Panas · 22-01-2007, 12:35

Yet again spineless pieces of crap, bowing to a minority and trying to change the way we act and behave in OUR country. I have already voiced my opinion on this topic in another thread and I stand by it. These people need to piss off back to where ever it is that they came from and stop trying to change the way we are. A smart person may even consider buying a couple of thousand flags and sell them out the front to all the punters. What could they say if EVERY person there had an Australian flag.

22-01-2007, 10:57	#1 (permalink)
Carrots Status: Try Me! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: SA Posts: 1,255 Rep Power: 10	Flag branded symbol of racism *READ IT, THINK ABOUT IT AND THEN IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING CONSTRUCTIVE TO SAY POST YOUR COMMENTS. LETS TRY AND MAKE IT AS POSITIVE AS POSSIBLE.* Exclusive by Kathy McCabe and Simon Benson THE Australian flag has been banned from this year's Big Day Out in Sydney after organisers branded it a "gang colour" and symbol of hate. The Daily Telegraph has learned organisers of the Aussie rock festival at Homebush will confiscate any flag or bandana bearing the national symbol at the gate. Labelling Sydney a hot bed of racism, producers of the Sydney Showground event said it will be the only city in the nationwide event to be subject to the draconian action. Promoters have already moved the event from the traditional Australia Day gig to a day earlier to avoid nationalistic overtones. Spooked by last year's event, which came only weeks after the Cronulla riots, organisers will outlaw flags being brandished as a "gang colour". Prime Minister John Howard said the Big Day Out should be cancelled unless organisers reversed their decision to ban the flag. Big Day Out patrons were intimidated and harassed at the Sydney event on Australia Day 2006 by bigoted fans brandishing flags and demanding people pledge their allegiance. Event producer Ken West said the use of flags last year after the Cronulla riots and recent clashes between Serb and Croatian fans at the Australian Open tennis had forced his hand. "I didn't like the behaviour of last year and we have moved the event from Australia Day this year partly because of the way the flags were used," Mr West said. "The Australian flag was being used as gang colours. It was racism disguised as patriotism and I'm not going to tolerate it. "I am telling people not to bring (flags) – they are free to get them out at midnight on their way home when it is Australia Day." Gangs use colours and symbols to distinguish them from rival groups. Mr West added the ban was also in part trying to be respectful to the Aboriginal community, who view Australia Day as invasion day. "This is about giving people the opportunity to think about it and what the flag means to them," he said. Premier Morris Iemma reacted angrily to the ban, claiming the promotors should "reverse their decision immediately". "If they pulled this on Independence Day in the US, imagine what would happen. It's just ridiculous," he said. "It is a ridiculous decision and I never thought I'd see the day when a promoter would ask young Australian people to celebrate Australian artists but not identify with their national flag." Mainstream headline act Jet have a black and white version of the flag as the backdrop for their set. Frontman Nic Cester said they used this version to display their pride in being Australian. "I can't tell anyone else what to do but we as a band are very proud to be Australian and we don't want to feel we are not allowed to feel proud because of the disgusting actions of people who don't represent Australia, in my mind," he said. The ban will be announced on the Big Day Out website this week. Security staff will not search bags specifically but will be told to stop people from wearing a flag or Australian bandana. The Big Day Out will be the first event ever to ban the national symbol. http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegrap...007132,00.html __________________ *"Road Hammer"*

22-01-2007, 11:02	#2 (permalink)
Carrots Status: Try Me! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: SA Posts: 1,255 Rep Power: 10	Re: Flag branded symbol of racism All I can say is....."yeah right". What on earth is this world coming to. I tell you what though. If people are using OUR Australia flag as a means of a gang colour. Then they ought to be bloody shot. Gotta wonder if they're short on their projected ticket sales and thought they'd cause some controversy to lift sales....it wouldn't surprise me. Some of these people involved with organising events are sick in the head like that. Make a story to boost sales. Shameful. So if you're in Sydney or NSW and going to Big Day Out - make sure you find yourself a New Zealand flag and take it with you and wear it visibly when going through the gate - whats the bet the security guards try to take it off you - which is when you point out is a NZ one and they're a disgrace cause they don't know what their own National flag looks like!!!! __________________ *"Road Hammer"*

22-01-2007, 11:11	#3 (permalink)
DEIGS Status: Beaut Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Darwin Posts: 951 Rep Power: 4	Re: Flag branded symbol of racism I can see why they are doing it cause thats all the big day out needs after what happened in 2001 with the limp bizkit death and if anything starts this year god knows what can happen. But still if you can't fly our flag on our national day what can you do as carrots said whats this world coming to. __________________ RUM MAKING GIRLS LOOK GOOD AFTER THE 6TH CAN RUM MAKING BLOKES FERAL SINCE 1888

22-01-2007, 11:47	#4 (permalink)
Soph Status: Beaut Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Boddington Posts: 539 Rep Power: 2	Re: Flag branded symbol of racism Today is the first time I have ever been embarrased to be an Australian! What sought of free country stops their citizens displying the National Flag with pride! What a load of crap! I am so mad! People always go on about the "Youth" of today having no patriotism, but as soon as they try they get hounded for it! Screw the bloody lot of them! Take ya bloody flag and wear it with pride, boycott it like the did at the Rugby when we were'nt aloud to sing Waltzing Matilda! People power! Everyone ban together and tell them to stick it up their clacker! Last edited by Carrots; 22-01-2007 at 11:50.

22-01-2007, 12:14	#6 (permalink)
Random181 Status: September 2006 Best 4x4 Ute! Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Adelaide Posts: 3,310 Rep Power: 8	Re: Flag branded symbol of racism Every day, new shit happens in this world that makes me more and more disgusted to be a part of it. What the hell are we turning into? Bloody not having black sheep in nursery rhymes because it's racist.... Changing the damn name of 'fairy' penguins so that it doesn't offend gay people... We're all pussy footing around these days, treading on egg shells wherever we walk, and you know what? Society as a whole is getting more pathetic. Think back 30 years, and if you're not that old (as I am not), think back to the stories your parents told you of life here in Australia. They weren't molly coddled, things were straight forward and made sense, and for the most part, everyone turned out fine. There were no stupid laws against the majoirty to help protect the minority- of people didn't like it they could rally, or they could damn well shut up and get over it. People who came to Australia, whether it was from England or from anywhere else, initiated themselves into Australian culture, and not the other bloody way around. Obviously, they all brought parts of their own culture with them (how else would we have got fast food, pizza, and other non food related things which escape me at the moment because I'm famished), and you know what? I think everyone was OKAY with that. It was a contribution to Australian society and culture- not something forced on us. Today though, we get people rocking up all over the joint from God knows where. They are more than welcome to practice their own religions in their own homes, and in mosques/temples/whatever provided for them, hell, we're not going to take everything away from them, but when they start creating shit on the streets, picking on Australians for being Australian, and in effect, changing OUR way of life, making US bow down to avoid conflict- that's just crap. To quote the article above- "If they pulled this on Independence Day in the US, imagine what would happen. It's just ridiculous." Why is it for once that I have to agree with Americans? But it's so damn true. You try this shit in ANY OTHER COUNTRY and you either get ridiculed or your bloody head sawn off, depending where you are. You go to America and complain about Americans? They sure as hell aren't going to stop displaying their flag for you. You go to Iraq (god forbid) and complain about THEIR way of life? Hell, you won't have yours for much longer. So what is it about the Australian government? Why have they all turned into weaklings? Not being able to display our OWN flag around our country's national day- the day we're supposed to be proud of WHO WE ARE, because we might offend the minority? Get your shit together people. We should no longer stop our way of life. If people don't like it, they can damn well leave. __________________ Sellaxxar- Level 70 Undead Holy Priest- 1441 Unbuffed heals. Jubei'Thos - Cheese Addicts Anonymous (I know this means nothing to any of you but I'm proud). Last edited by Carrots; 22-01-2007 at 16:20.

22-01-2007, 12:20	#7 (permalink)
Random181 Status: September 2006 Best 4x4 Ute! Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Adelaide Posts: 3,310 Rep Power: 8	Re: Flag branded symbol of racism Just a quick extra note... Australia Day is for everyone in Australia to celebrate being a part of this wonderful country yes? So why should anyone feel ousted by it? I say, it's their own fault if they don't feel a part of Australian culture- they should try a little harder to initiate themselves into it, instead of whinging because we're all prancing around, being proud of who we are. __________________ Sellaxxar- Level 70 Undead Holy Priest- 1441 Unbuffed heals. Jubei'Thos - Cheese Addicts Anonymous (I know this means nothing to any of you but I'm proud).

22-01-2007, 12:20	#8 (permalink)
Billy Status: BeautUtes.com est. 2004 Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Dumbleyung! Posts: 8,170 Rep Power: 10	Re: Flag branded symbol of racism Just the media stirring things up again! __________________ Rural Classifieds \| AFL Gear \| Motocross \| V8s \| Bush Swags\| Western Australia\| Utes \| Depression Forum

22-01-2007, 12:35	#9 (permalink)
Panas Status: September 2006 Best One Tonner Ute Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Carramar Posts: 107 Rep Power: 3	Re: Flag branded symbol of racism Yet again spineless pieces of crap, bowing to a minority and trying to change the way we act and behave in OUR country. I have already voiced my opinion on this topic in another thread and I stand by it. These people need to piss off back to where ever it is that they came from and stop trying to change the way we are. A smart person may even consider buying a couple of thousand flags and sell them out the front to all the punters. What could they say if EVERY person there had an Australian flag. __________________ "He who only sees the obvious, wins his battles with difficulty; he who looks below the surface of things, wins with ease. -- Sun Tzu" www.nationalremovals.com.au

22-01-2007, 12:37	#10 (permalink)
Random181 Status: September 2006 Best 4x4 Ute! Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Adelaide