Sunrise shame: Breakfast show faces backlash after “racist” segment
Sunrise has copped a flood of backlash on social media after running a controversial segment on Aboriginal children yesterday morning, with many viewers accusing the morning program of “blatant racism” and “bottom feeding”.
The discussion in question was prompted by controversial comments from Federal Children’s Minister David Gillespie, who said white families should be allowed to adopt indigenous children to protect them from assault and neglect.
Sunrise host Samantha Armytage said: “Post-Stolen Generation, there’s been a huge move to leave Aboriginal children where they are, even if they’re being neglected in their own families.”
Panellist Prue MacSween didn’t hold back, saying removing the kids was a “no-brainer” and that there was a “conspiracy of silence and fabricated PC outlook that it’s better to leave them in this dangerous environment.”
MacSween, who has be criticised for stoking controversy in the past, added, “Don’t worry about the people who decry and handwring and say, this will be another Stolen Generation.
“Just like the first Stolen Generation, where a lot of children were taken because it was for their wellbeing, we need to do it again, perhaps.”
But if viewers thought they were going to get a balanced view from the other panellist, Ben Davis, they were mistaken, with the Brisbane radio host claiming Mr Gillespie’s proposal was, spelling out “what a lot of politicians are afraid to say.”
“We need to be protecting kids, we need to be protecting Aboriginal kids and putting them back into that culture, what culture are they growing up seeing?” he addeds.
“Well, they’re getting abused, they’re getting hurt and they’re getting damaged.”
Armytage wrapped up the segment by saying, “let’s hope some sense prevails there.”
But the response on social media has been swift, with many viewers accusing the breakfast program of skewed reporting and at worst out and out racism.
@sunriseon7 is someone going to be held responsible for the appalling comments made during this incredibly offensive and nationally shameful piece of breakfast television?
— Emma Pegrum (@emma_pegrum) March 13, 2018
Viewers also asked why there were no indigenous voices on the panel.
Ummmm...... what. Is. Happening. Here? Where are the indigenous voices for this topic? #mindblown
— mama bear (@Ngaireb) March 12, 2018
James Dean, an Aboriginal ABC Alice Springs reporter, wrote: “I see the horrible conditions some of these kids live in. But the suggestion that ONLY white families should take them, is a terrible inference that suddenly EVERY Aboriginal family is bad.
“Also the reference at the end it the video that Warren Mundine supports the idea, incorrect as well, Mundine does not support white families taking in abused Aboriginal children, he agrees with the consensus that these children need to be removed from these abusive environments.”
Seven has responded to these claims, with a spokesperson telling Fairfax Media, “Editorial opinions, either written or articulated are a vital part of journalism.
“At all times on Sunrise, respect for others and their values and opinions is a foundation principle in debates.
“The issue raised by the page one article in today’s newspapers around the country warranted a discussion in a fair and reasonable forum, as undertaken by social commentators Prue MacSween and Ben Davis.”
What are your thoughts? Does the segment go to far? Or is it a case of political correctness gone mad?