Back in the 1990's, Aboriginal Australians were seen as the "rightful owners" of this land. Indigenous Australians just as 'Australian' as the people who stand solely under the under the Union Jack and Southern Cross. Why can't the poor bloke wear his indigenous t-shirt with pride? He's not representing the Indigenous population as a separate group, he's just acknowledging where he came from. Are you going to ask other athletes to take their "Nike" t-shirt off? Last time I checked, there wasn't a country call "Nike"...
I've seen a few examples of this 'politics and ideology' in the London 2012 Olympics. A female judo competitor from a Muslim nation wasn't allowed to wear her head covering to compete due to it being an "OH&S issue". Um, sorry guys, but are you going to ask cross-toting Christians to remove their necklace because someone could choke them with it? And what if my religion says I have to keep one eye closed and therefore my depth perception is a bit off and I could hurt someone?
Are we being ridiculous, honestly?
"It's not about coming first or fiftieth. Athletes have earned the right to walk in and wave their nations flag. That's what the Olympics are about." And yes, I did just nick that from Cool Runnings. But John Candy had a good point, and it seemed a shame to let the opportunity to use the quote pass up. And that's all the Damien Hooper wanted to do - display what he identifies himself with.
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