Olympics: Mundine backs Hooper for wearing Aboriginal flag

31 Jul 2012, 5:50 pm   -   Source: SBS Radio
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Professional boxer Anthony Mundine has backed Damien Hooper wearing a t-shirt with the Aboriginal flag into the ring at his first Olympic bout in London.

Mundine backs Aboriginal Olympic boxer

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Professional boxer Anthony Mundine has backed Damien Hooper wearing a t-shirt with the Aboriginal flag into the ring at his first Olympic bout in London.

Hooper won his fight, saying the shirt inspired him but later reportedly apologised to officials and promised not to repeat the incident.

Officials reprimanded him for breaching section 50 of the Olympic charter prohibiting the display of religious, political or racist propaganda.

Mundine says he can't understand how Australia's official Aboriginal flag could breach the charter.

"We fly a flag today that has the British emblem in the corner, which to get that flag planted in our country, owned by Aborigines, they went through rape, murder, genocide, stolen generations, they did so many bad things, it has a deep, dark history, when it comes to that flag, yet we're still flying it", he told SBS.

"How as Aboriginal people are we to embrace that, let's fly a flag for everybody, to unite as one".

Olympics 2012

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Your Comments

Mr

Leo Daly - from Lane Cove, 7 months ago

If it wasn't for England (who the Union Jack on our flag represents) and the other "White invaders", the aborigines wouldn't have an opportunity to compete in the olympics. If they are against our flag, why don't they organise their own games

When are we going to grow up.

Ryan - from Dalby, 10 months ago

If Australia has a flag that represents the indigenous people of this country then we would not have this problem. There is no doubt that Australia has a shamefull past, but the only way forward is to acknowledge your past and make the future better. The current generation should not have to pay for the mistakes of generations before, they need to listen and respect the indigenous people and build a better Australia. The only way to get a better outcome is to change the behaviour..

Mr

D Chamberlain - from Mandurah, 10 months ago

If you want to represent Australia, just wear or promote the correct flag. Simple

"Aussie Pride" ?

Sarah - from Blacktown, NSW, 10 months ago

What has Hooper done wrong? I agree with his statement. How sick would you feel with that Union Jack and all it represents on you when you know the history and current situation. Let's end the NT 'intervention' and then talk about 'Aussie Pride'. I'm so disgusted by the demand for him to apologise. Didn't Cathy Freeman run with the aboriginal flag in the millennium Olympics? What a massive step backwards!

Hear, hear Anthony Mundine

Shane - from Germany, EU, 10 months ago

You and Anthony Hooper are to be commended. Many atrocities have been committed under the British flag. How long will Australia remain a constitutional monarchy in which the head of state resides in another country and is born into privilege? When will we finally grow up and become a real country? Anyone who says that Australia is an egalitarian society is a liar. We need to embrace our heritage and unite under one uniquely Australian flag - the aboriginal flag, if they'll let us.

Shame on all colonists and imperial powers

Steph - from Magill, Adelaide, 10 months ago

The fact that Indigenous Australians are forced to compete under the flag of the aggressors who decimated their population, and treat them like second-class citizens in their own country, is just plain criminal. Imagine if another country invaded Australia, segregated all the occupants, then went on the mine and plunder the land for their own benefit. Add to that, they discounted our way of life, forcefully removed our children from our care, and placed those children into a life of servitude.

Proud to be an Aussie, union jack and all!

FranklySpeaking - from Rowville Needs Railway, 10 months ago

Mundine has been in many controversies and should stick his nose out of this one unless he craves for publicity. Let us be realistic. Would it be ok for a Vietnamese- Australian or a German-Australian to display a t-shirt or flag to promote their land of birth/origin? Would it be ok for a Hindu or Muslim to do same with religion? How about a Jewish Aussie doing what Hooper did? Why can't they just be 100% Australian with no strings attached? Oz officials must act! Worse than D'Arcy's gun photo!

Hooper's a Hero

Jas - from Erskine Park, NSW, 10 months ago

Anthony Mundine should be commended for backing Hooper. I agree with his statement 110%. So much of Australian history is kept not only from the world, but from Australians, too. All throughout high school and primary school, I was only taught the amazing work of the white men who created Australia. It was not until recently, when I did legal studies, that I even heard about the injustices faced by Mabo. Tell the truth, Australia. Accept and live with your mistakes. You made a mess, clean it up.

Yes

Phillip Hamilton - from Lapstone, 10 months ago

I see nothing wrong with it. I back Hooper and like Mundine just a bit more for backing him up. Phil

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