MRP / Trib. Suns Powell Suspended for Homophobic Slur

[M Malice]

I played footy and cricket at a reasonable level in the early 70's and guys who were clearly not gay were taunted with what would now be regarded as homophobic slurs . Mostly it was laughed off or seemed to make them play better. I remember 2 guys who played in our team over that time who everyone knew were gay and no one from our side ever brought that up , nor do I recall them getting targeted or expressing any problem . They socialised with other players the same as everyone else. Whether anything inappropriate was said or how they felt about life then was hard to tell. I can only presume they had had issues. We were Uni boys so there wasn't any stigma in our group but when we played teams where footy was everything homophobic slurs were randomly thrown at all of us. Because we were at Uni.

I really don't think knocking a guy out and breaking his jaw should be the equivalent suspension to someone who has let go a homophobic slur at someone who probably isn't even gay but those of you who weren't even born in my era might be surprised to know that there were gay communities of both sexes living in Carlton ,Fitzroy and Collingwood who seemed to live their lives and socialise with their heterosexual friends the same as everyone else.

It is the bigoted minority that gets highlighted and rightfully so, but that then perpetuates the narrative that bigotry is rampant in society and a larger percentage is bigoted than is the reality.

IMO the vast majority of people certainly now but even in the 70s when I grew up couldn't care less who you slept with or what race you are.

 

[BrainOfMorbius]

I was born in 1970 so my high school years were the early to mid-80s. I am not gay but I was identified as a bit different, and that made me a huge target for bullying and homophobic abuse. So I can say from first hand experience that these words do hurt and can affect people. It's completely inappropriate for professionals in their workplace to have to put up with this sort of moronic abuse.

 

[martinson]

It is the bigoted minority that gets highlighted and rightfully so, but that then perpetuates the narrative that bigotry is rampant in society and a larger percentage is bigoted than is the reality.

IMO the vast majority of people certainly now but even in the 70s when I grew up couldn't care less who you slept with or what race you are.

There are so many things in the world that should be stamped out. If you hit on one of this generation's touch points then apparently it's far more important than anything else.

Obviously some people shouldn't do or say a lot of things , but as BrainofMoribus highlighted people get bullied and socially outed more regularly for reasons other than homophobia.

So maybe players on the field shouldn't be allowed to call anyone anything. Is foul vicious language highlighting a physical deficiency or some other feature of a player's appearance acceptable ? That would be hurtful.

 

[western royboy]

It is the bigoted minority that gets highlighted and rightfully so, but that then perpetuates the narrative that bigotry is rampant in society and a larger percentage is bigoted than is the reality.

IMO the vast majority of people certainly now but even in the 70s when I grew up couldn't care less who you slept with or what race you are.

Maybe in the city that is the case, but not in rural, regional areas where I live.

Casual racism, homophobia and bigotry are still rampant unfortunately particularly amongst the 40+ bracket.

There has been sone improvement but it’s a slow burn.

Most gay kids in my age cohort left as soon as they could for the city - few have been back

 

[McIvor]

I remember when playing footy was a brutal sport, clearly that’s not the case anymore and I honestly don’t recall one person stopping because it was too rough or there feelings got hurt with what was said which let’s be honest was nothing more than banter.

Who’d have thought a player gets five weeks for saying one word yet blokes can openly belt players and not get any suspension.

What a time to be alive.

 

[Nathan Barley]

I remember when playing footy was a brutal sport, clearly that’s not the case anymore and I honestly don’t recall one person stopping because it was too rough or there feelings got hurt with what was said which let’s be honest was nothing more than banter.

Who’d have thought a player gets five weeks for saying one word yet blokes can openly belt players and not get any suspension.

What a time to be alive.

Oh dear

Must be tough not being allowed to do racist and homophones slurs. How will life go on?

 

[notliondown]

So the thing that irritates me most in these discussions is the idea that if the player it's said to isn't gay (in this case) then what's the issue. Actually no it really shits me.

That's the smallest minded position on this - and any other hate speech or act - that you can take. That along with the "it wouldn't worry me" schtick.

It doesn't matter one bit if the hate speech is "applicable"... it's hate speech. It's leaning on the history of speech that was used to denigrate, insult, belittle, weaken and break people. It was used to remind people that they were less than, inferior, different and wrong. It's caused suicides, self harm and mental health scars that some never get over and carry for life. It affects people directly and daily decades after.

Do not dismiss this just because in your - and I hate to use the word ignorance because it seems like an insult and that's not my intent - ignorance or inexperience, you think it's harmless. It most definitely is not.

There are many many words we are trying to educate people about - and all highlight the "deficiency" of difference or minority, be it race, sexuality, religion or whatever is the new hurt is defined as - and we should.

It doesn't make us better to tolerate this. Or excuse it. And it certainly doesn't help those younger or weaker or more vulnerable of us that still feel it's brunt today even after all this.

Respect for each other should be a simple concept to understand. We as individuals all like to receive it so do everything in your power to ensure you, and those around you, give it.

Don't minimise it, don't trivialise it, don't brush it off. Even if it doesn't affect you be aware that it still affects others.

 

[martinson]

Maybe in the city that is the case, but not in rural, regional areas where I live.

Casual racism, homophobia and bigotry are still rampant unfortunately particularly amongst the 40+ bracket.

There has been sone improvement but it’s a slow burn.

Most gay kids in my age cohort left as soon as they could for the city - few have been back

That's very true . In fact it wasn't just gays. There's been a huge influx into the cities in Aus. particularly over the last 15 years and many rural areas are dying. Although the boutique ones have prospered since covid. and the work out of the office option.

What has surprised me is the amount of bullying stories I hear from parents of young professionals in the workplace. Especially in the competitive environments. Changed a lot since my day. Or so it seems to me from heresay.

 

[notliondown]

So maybe players on the field shouldn't be allowed to call anyone anything. Is foul vicious language highlighting a physical deficiency or some other feature of a player's appearance acceptable ? That would be hurtful.

I don't want to let this whole discussion get out of hand but mate I seriously hope you are joking? Of course it's ****ing hurtful.

Just because the perpetrator doesn't think it is doesn't mean that the victim doesn't - that's the whole point. I know people who have had surgery to correct "issues" that they were bullied about. My partner has a level of self consciousness about his ears that is completely unwarranted simply because he was insulted and bullied about it as a child.

Please try and understand this... words have power. Especially when you feel vulnerable and different.

 

[martinson]

So the thing that irritates me most in these discussions is the idea that if the player it's said to isn't gay (in this case) then what's the issue. Actually no it really shits me.

That's the smallest minded position on this - and any other hate speech or act - that you can take. That along with the "it wouldn't worry me" schtick.

It doesn't matter one bit if the hate speech is "applicable"... it's hate speech. It's leaning on the history of speech that was used to denigrate, insult, belittle, weaken and break people. It was used to remind people that they were less than, inferior, different and wrong. It's caused suicides, self harm and mental health scars that some never get over and carry for life. It affects people directly and daily decades after.

Do not dismiss this just because in your - and I hate to use the word ignorance because it seems like an insult and that's not my intent - ignorance or inexperience, you think it's harmless. It most definitely is not.

There are many many words we are trying to educate people about - and all highlight the "deficiency" of minority, be it race, sexuality, religion or whatever is the new hurt is defined as - and we should.

It doesn't make us better to tolerate this. Or excuse it. And it certainly doesn't help those younger or weaker or more vulnerable of us that still feel it's brunt today even after all this.

Respect for each other should be a simple concept to understand. We as individuals all like to receive it so do everything in your power to ensure you, and those around you, give it.

Don't minimise it, don't trivialise it, don't brush it off. Even if it doesn't affect you be aware that it still affects others.

No one said it's ever harmless or brushing it off. But everyone's different and their responses and emotional reactions are different.

Of course we want the world to be better in the way you describe. Everyone's feelings get hurt . Most people will suffer some form of depression or mental trauma in their lives , sometimes because of what someone said or did to them.

There are many worse things happening in the world than homophobic slurs . That's not trivialising it. It's not acceptable .

I don't tolerate homelessness , violence , family violence which is seriously underrated in this country for a start but there's not much as a society we're doing about those things . Nor that get attention like a footballer making a homophobic slur.

I don't want to let this whole discussion get out of hand but mate I seriously hope you are joking? Of course it's ******* hurtful.

Just because you don't think it is doesn't mean that the victim doesn't - that's the whole point. I know people who have had surgery to correct "issues" that they were bullied about. My partner has a level of self consciousness about his ears that is completely unwarranted simply because he was insulted and bullied about it as a child.

Please try and understand this... words have power. Especially when you feel vulnerable and different.

You've misinterpreted my post Notliondown. My point was that's just as hurtful as a homophobic slur. But would someone get 5 weeks for that ? Probably not even a fine.

 

[Dalions]

I haven’t heard what has been said and it was strange that with this particular case that no one seemed to know about it at all until a suspension was handed down.

 

[martinson]

So my observation and experience with people who are homophobic , racist ,or just plain nasty and bullying to others is that I wonder what their parents did to them to make them like that.

Because that's where it all starts.

 

[notliondown]

No one said it's ever harmless or brushing it off. But everyone's different and their responses and emotional reactions are different.

Of course we want the world to be better in the way you describe. Everyone's feelings get hurt . Most people will suffer some form of depression or mental trauma in their lives , sometimes because of what someone said or did to them.

There are many worse things happening in the world than homophobic slurs . That's not trivialising it. It's not acceptable .

I don't tolerate homelessness , violence , family violence which is seriously underrated in this country for a start but there's not much as a society we're doing about those things . Nor that get attention like a footballer making a homophobic slur.

You've misinterpreted my post Notliondown. My point was that's just as hurtful as a homophobic slur. But would someone get 5 weeks for that ? Probably not even a fine.

Oh... so sorry mate, I did misinterpret it if that that's how you meant it - my apologies. And no they wouldn't.

That's the difficulty here right - the perceived imbalance in the suspension because of all these other issues and acts that need penalties too.

The same with the other things you mention that we as a society should be better at - you're right there are many issues we need to work on.

But that's the point here in a way... you have to start somewhere. The AFL is a tightly controlled environment, it can have rules that society doesn't. It can set examples and lead social discourse. This might be the tip of the iceberg but it tells the thousands of children who idolise these players to learn now... be better now. It's probably too late for many but its a start.

Despite the many misgivings of our current teens and school leavers, they are better than we ever were with this stuff. They do respect each other more, they are more tolerant. And they won't stand quietly by injustices - they want the world to be better.

Are they perfect - no. But these examples by the AFL and the changes in schools etc are working.

 

[notliondown]

I haven’t heard what has been said and it was strange that with this particular case that no one seemed to know about it at all until a suspension was handed down.

From what I can understand Wil Powell self reported it.

Despite his saying it in the first place, to me it says a lot about him.

 

[martinson]

Oh... so sorry mate, I did misinterpret it if that that's how you meant it - my apologies. And no they wouldn't.

That's the difficulty here right - the perceived imbalance in the suspension because of all these other issues and acts that need penalties too.

The same with the other things you mention that we as a society should be better at - you're right there are many issues we need to work on.

But that's the point here in a way... you have to start somewhere. The AFL is a tightly controlled environment, it can have rules that society doesn't. It can set examples and lead social discourse. This might be the tip of the iceberg but it tells the thousands of children who idolise these players to learn now... be better now. It's probably too late for many but its a start.

Despite the many misgivings of our current teens and school leavers, they are better than we ever were with this stuff. They do respect each other more, they are more tolerant. And they won't stand quietly by injustices - they want the world to be better.

Are they perfect - no. But these examples by the AFL and the changes in schools etc are working.

I don't disagree at all.

Homophobia is the low hanging fruit for the AFL. It's easy to identify if reported . Easy to slap on a suspension. I would strongly doubt it would be prevalent on an AFL field anyway these days so obviously they'll be successful in stamping it out.

As far as generations go I've now observed 4 . My parents ,mine , my children's and grandchildren. My parents went through the depression and the war. I never understood how that really affected them ,lots of things ,until they were gone and I got older myself. And I'm sad that I didn't appreciate that. I don't think any of these generations are much different tbh. We all get shaped by events and circumstance . Every generation in Western societies like to think they're better and more tolerant than the prior one but they're actually not. It's just greater affluence ,education , and the nature of what we perceive as progress. I thought my parents were bigoted in many ways. I know now they weren't.

Sorry to derail this thread.

 

[SizeMatters]

I can understand not liking the Gold Coast as a place for whatever the personal reasons are but to take whatever the miniscule numbers of GC footy supporters think and label the place with philosophical bankruptcy whatever that is is too big a stretch for me.

The people there are the same as people anywhere as far as I can tell .

Was a BIG comment. Been living here for 6 months and I feel it’s not different to Greater Brisbane. Maybe TBD got whipped up in a frenzy of the BNE v GC narrative and wanted to show their loyalty. Fair enough.

 

[McIvor]

Oh dear

Must be tough not being allowed to do racist and homophones slurs. How will life go on?

Who said anything about racism or homophobic slurs. A lot was said in the footy field about girlfriends, mothers, sisters, your appearance and whatever; and?

I can’t say I’ve heard racist language but a few people from European and probably Lebanese backgrounds used to regularly call people skips and what white people used to do to native animals quite commonly; don’t recall anyone taking offence to that though.

 

[Gadzorks]

I haven’t heard what has been said and it was strange that with this particular case that no one seemed to know about it at all until a suspension was handed down.

I wondered if zorko was involved. Clearly they have gone after him many times, and he has previously responded.

 

[Happy_Neale]

Who said anything about racism or homophobic slurs. A lot was said in the footy field about girlfriends, mothers, sisters, your appearance and whatever; and?

I can’t say I’ve heard racist language but a few people from European and probably Lebanese backgrounds used to regularly call people skips and what white people used to do to native animals quite commonly; don’t recall anyone taking offence to that though.

Sounds like a shithouse experience to be honest.

 

[McIvor]

Sounds like a shithouse experience to be honest.

What, banter that no one cared about or new was remotely true or feelings getting hurt about someone saying something about what crap tatt someone has or choice words about anything, let your imagination go? I can’t help you if you don’t think anything like this goes on and went on footy fields but it does .heard it at Noosa last week , most of the time it’s actually quite funny but I get how sensitive types might take it to heart, although you don’t see many sensitive types in country leagues.

 

[Happy_Neale]

What, banter that no one cared about or new was remotely true or feelings getting hurt about someone saying something about what crap tatt someone has or choice words about anything, let your imagination go? I can’t help you if you don’t think anything like this goes on and went on footy fields but it does .heard it at Noosa last week , most of the time it’s actually quite funny but I get how sensitive types might take it to heart, although you don’t see many sensitive types in country leagues.

I’ve played footy and worked in footy for over 20 years, yes there is banter but it is ludicrous to suggest things were better when you could say whatever you want without punishment or regard for what you were actually saying

 

[knaf]

This quote has stuck in my mind far longer than the rest of the movie.

“You ever kill anybody?" "I hurt somebody's feelings once." - Robert Dinero as Sam (Ronin)​

Is the moral imperative to minimise emotional harm the same as the moral imperative to minimise physical harm? If so any statement that causes emotional harm should be sanctioned. Difficult, as a statement that one person finds highly offensive will be shrugged off my another, or have a different affect given the context and relationship.

I find I can’t decide whether or not a 5 weeks penalty for this act is reasonable given other penalties handed out.

 

[The Flying Belgian]

Golden rule of comedy is "don't punch down". It can pretty much apply everywhere really.

 

[The Flying Belgian]

There was a report on AFL Tonight last night where it was stated Powell apologised directly after the slur, several times during the game subsequently and via text message after the game. Says a lot, if true.

Has anyone been able to explain why he got 5 weeks and Finlayson only got 3? Different word, or just the Qld tribunal tax?

 

[Happy_Neale]

There was a report on AFL Tonight last night where it was stated Powell apologised directly after the slur, several times during the game subsequently and via text message after the game. Says a lot, if true.

Has anyone been able to explain why he got 5 weeks and Finlayson only got 3? Different word, or just the Qld tribunal tax?

The story I read said they took all that into account but went with a more severe penalty as it was so soon after the Finlayson incident