http://www.theguardian.com/media/2014/aug/17/andrew-bolt-declared-racist-craig-emerson
In my best attempt to refrain from defaming anyone or tainting my future career by sharing potentially controversial opinions, I will simply open this post by stating I do not always agree with Andrew Bolt.
In recent years I’ve taken up a new hobby in which I follow every article, blog post and controversial opinions published in the public media by Bolt. To say the least I find him to be an interesting character with some bizarre thoughts and ideas on Australian culture and world events.
On the weekend a new interesting Bolt event took place in which a former Labor MP labelled him as racist. This isn’t exactly exciting news, there’ve been many to make similar accusations in the past. However I don’t want to get in to the nitty gritty of certain morals, beliefs or opinions of Bolt nor any other prominent personalities.
Rather I wanted to touch on the many ways audiences can interpret a statement or a viewpoint you express – whether it be in the media as controversial journalists and personalities do so or even just as we students can do so on social media. Bolt clearly did not write his articles with the intention of being racist, yet the Labor MP has interpreted the articles among many other of his actions as a demonstration of his “racist” attitudes. This makes me wonder how people may have perceived rather outlandish remarks I have made in past, or statements I will undoubtedly make without thinking in future. It’s a dangerous game trying to please and impress everyone!