Is Racism the New Black? Review - a light approach to Australia's dark side
A panel of Australian comedians dissect race relations, but their razor-sharp wit can't mask the sheer weight of the topicRacism and comedy has never been easy bedfellows. When they're good together, they're very good, but when they're bad, they're awkward. It's clear that the audience is all too aware of this complicated relationship as they shuffle into Storey Hall for Melbourne's exclusive comedy event, "Is Racism the New Black?"
"Australia is very diverse," croons filmmaker and activist Richard Frank land, an Indigenous Australia.
The relief is palpable when it becomes clear this is going to be one of racism and comedy's better nights out. Joining the badinage at the event hosted by Indigenous health researchers.
They're an odd bunch to throw together, underdogs-done-good, but their kaleidoscopic mix of razor-sharp intellect, anecdotal farce and passion for equality hold up a bold conversation about the First Peoples of Australia and the subsequent immigrants and refugees who've joined them since the multicultural period of the 1970s.
There are two key messages, the first of which is: look, we're all Australians down here, so let's get together and use the power of comedy to appropriate our respective heritage and rip down the stereotypes and suspicions that separate them.
That part is delightful, and the bursts of passionate applause give the warm feeling that comes from knowing you're among people who want to make the world a better place.
The second message, however, isn't so easy to get down with. As the only aboriginal on the panel, Richard Frank land repeatedly champions his people's sense of humour as the glue that binds them through high mortality rates, dehumanisation, crippling poverty and a struggle to be visible on their own stage.
Summary -
Aboriginal people are believed to have arrived as early as 60,000 years ago, and evidence of Aboriginal art in Australia dates back at least 30,000 years. This is one of the oldest surviving culture traditions in Australia. In 2006, the Indigenous population was estimated at 517,000 people. And this has increased ever since then. Conflict and reconciliation between indigenous and non - indigenous Australians has been a source of much talked Art & Literature. Various Aboriginal artistic styles and iconic inventions such as the boomerang and the Indigenous Australian music have become symbols of modern Australia.
The main feature of today's modern Australia is not only its diversity of people and language but at the same time they are also united by common and unifying self - commitment for their nation. All the Australians have the right to express themselves with their culture and their own beliefs to participate freely in Australia's national life. At the same time, everyone is expected to uphold the principles and shared values that support Australia's way of life.