Reading between the lines, I would presume that (ostensibly at least) they were asked to leave the country mainly because their visas had expired, and they had both by then left the jobs they originally came to Australia to do (i.e. appearing in Hair). Whether in fact discrimination played a part in the final decision or not, it is too long ago to know for sure. The journalist's reference to them as Negroes (or blacks) was not at that time considered a derogatory term; however it wouldn't happen these days. The reason their race is referred to at all would be partly because of the discrimination claimed by Sharon and Teddy, and also the fact that people of African American appearance were rarely seen in Australia back then, and would therefore be considered noteworthy. I am certainly not defending such attitudes - thankfully we live in a more enlightened era nowadays! Nick.
Strange that they were asked to leave because they were "American Negroes"? Was this Australia in the early 70s??? Does anyone know?
ReplyDeleteDiscrimination; very bad.
ReplyDeleteIt's not even so very long ago. (first pic)
Reading between the lines, I would presume that (ostensibly at least) they were asked to leave the country mainly because their visas had expired, and they had both by then left the jobs they originally came to Australia to do (i.e. appearing in Hair). Whether in fact discrimination played a part in the final decision or not, it is too long ago to know for sure. The journalist's reference to them as Negroes (or blacks) was not at that time considered a derogatory term; however it wouldn't happen these days. The reason their race is referred to at all would be partly because of the discrimination claimed by Sharon and Teddy, and also the fact that people of African American appearance were rarely seen in Australia back then, and would therefore be considered noteworthy. I am certainly not defending such attitudes - thankfully we live in a more enlightened era nowadays! Nick.
ReplyDelete