An Indigenous woman has made a desperate plea for change after her shattered nephew was reduced to tears because of racist taunts he received from his own teammates at footy training. Heartbreaking footage of nine-year-old junior Jarmiles in tears was posted earlier this month by his aunt Shaylee Matthews, who took to her LinkedIn page to make a stand. WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Young Indigenous boy in tears over constant racism.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today “I hate it when you call me black,” the boy says while crying in the video, published with permission from the family. “I hate when you call me monkey. It’s got to stop.
” Matthews, who works for the ACT government, said Jarmiles’ example is representative of a theme that continues to dog First Nations youth. “This post and videos shared is of my nine, soon to be 10-year-old nephew’s experience at AFL training (playing a game he loves) which highlights the harsh reality of racism that persists in our society, especially during National Reconciliation Week (with the theme being Now More Than Ever),” she wrote on the video post. “It’s a call to action for us all to confront privilege, challenge learned racism, and dismantle the systemic issues that perpetuate injustice for Indigenous youth.
“The hurtful comments and behaviours faced by Jarmiles not only reflect individual ignorance but also contribute to larger systemic inequalities.” The proud Anawain Gamilaroi woman says it’s par.
