Combating racism, reclaiming patriotism

In this speech at the Australian National University, Race Discrimination Commissioner, Tim Soutphommasane, reflects "on the state of racism in Australian society – in particular some of the emerging challenges we face in combating prejudice, bigotry and discrimination. "For example, as made clear by the ongoing controversy involving Adam Goodes, racial vilification and the AFL, there remains an immense challenge in getting a section of the community even to recognise racism when it so clearly occurs. "Among other things, I’d also like to say a little about the way in which the language and symbols of patriotism are being used by some groups to exclude others. It is important that we do not surrender patriotism to fringe or extremist sections intent on spreading fear and hatred. Patriotism should not be a weapon of division; it should be an instrument of unity. Patriotism should in fact stand as a bulwark against racism.