The media clearly think that cracking some disgusting, insensitive joke about petite Asian doctors is not really news-worthy. Sure, it made the news. Then he apologised, and just like that, it wasn't an issue any more. When I googled, the only articles that came up were at least 5 days old.
But it IS an issue. The partner of our 'leader' is a joke! How can that not be a reflection on the Prime Minister herself?
Just in case you missed it (and you could have, it wasn't on the news nearly enough) Julia Gillard's partner, Tim Mathieson took it upon himself to suggest to a whole crowd of people at a West Indies cricket team reception, that when getting prostate checks, you should "Look for a small, Asian, female doctor" as the best way to get examined.
Later, an apology was made and he said it was in "poor taste". Julia agreed, confirming that at least he recognised it was just that. Is that all it was though? Poor taste? They are going to get away with it as being just poor taste?
I wonder if it was a joke said about homosexuality. My imagination tells me that would of been a huge act of discrimination in the media and would of made major news. That's because homosexuals would have been in uproar! (And rightly so). But who is speaking for the 'small, Asian, doctor'? Nobody. I can't find anyone that has stood up to this dope. So if you find someone who has, let me know.
I know many of us have made the odd racist or discriminatory comment before. I'm guilty of it myself. And it's not something that should be excused by any means. But this is the partner of our country's leader! These are words that should have been planned, prepared and practised. For they were said out in the public eye and were said by our leader's 'other half'.
I watched Barak Obama's Inauguration in awe. That man can speak. He sounds like the leader of a country and his wife sounds like a First Lady. They demand respect and they speak with respect. They hold a dignity that is nowhere near equal to the way our politicians or their partners speak. They would never make ridiculous comments like Tim did. It just wouldn't happen.
I think both him and Julia got off lightly on this one. Frankly, I'm disturbed by the fact that our country is being governed by someone whose partner makes comments like that. How can you respect someone with a partner that makes such sexist, racist comments in the media?
I'm feeling for all the Asian, women doctors who have to put up with leery, sleazy men that are knowingly choosing them for a prostate check. It might of been a joke to him, but I bet it happens. And to go and encourage it is just downright wrong.
