I’m Not Racist But…
The forum with a provocative name AND an ambitious mandate.
Overview
Not only does this interactive forum have one of the more provocative names you are likely to encounter, but it also has one of the more ambitious mandates: open and honest discussion about racism in Australia. For an issue that is too often shrouded in political correctness and empty rhetoric, this joint initiative by Sydney Ideas and the NSW Reconciliation Council panel is hoping to cut through the usual BS in order to get to the heart of Australia's race issues.
I'm Not Racist But... will feature the personal reflections of four diverse Australians who have a serious stake in this issue: MC, producer and hip hop artist Joelistics; writer and eco-fashionista Yatu Widders Hunt; writer and editor of Going Down Swinging Geoff Lemon; and solicitor, activist and radio host Tasnium Saeid. Each speaker will get an open mic for 10 minutes, followed by a panel discussion and audience Q&A session, all under the direction of the ever-watchable Alex Dyson (of Triple J's Tom and Alex).
With a performance by the beguiling Indigenous artist Radical Son, I'm Not Racist but... looks set to be an entertaining and insightful tour into the issues that make up the very fabric of everyday Australian life.