Colours (Part 2) : A new act for the Big Day Out

In light of Mr West’s remarks on banning the Australian Flag as “a symbol of hate” and that”It was racism disguised as patriotism and I’m not going to tolerate it” (and his subsequent backdown) – the promoters of the Big Day Out are proud to announce the inclusion of a new act that they think will be suitable for the Australian people.

Colours

Dear Readers–

From this morning’s News.com.au:

THE Australian flag has been banned from this year’s Big Day Out in Sydney after organisers branded it a “gang colour” and symbol of hate. Organisers of the Aussie rock festival at Homebush will confiscate any flag or bandana bearing the national symbol at the gate.

Labelling Sydney a hot bed of racism, producers of the Sydney Showground event said it will be the only city in the nationwide event to be subject to the draconian action.

Promoters have already moved the event from the traditional Australia Day gig to a day earlier to avoid nationalistic overtones.

and also

Event producer Ken West said the use of flags last year after the Cronulla riots and recent clashes between Serb and Croatian fans at the Australian Open tennis had forced his hand.

“I didn’t like the behaviour of last year and we have moved the event from Australia Day this year partly because of the way the flags were used,” Mr West said.

“The Australian flag was being used as gang colours. It was racism disguised as patriotism and I’m not going to tolerate it.

“I am telling people not to bring flags – they are free to get them out at midnight on their way home when it is Australia Day.”

Gangs use colours and symbols to distinguish them from rival groups.

Mr West added the ban was also in part trying to be respectful to the Aboriginal community, who view Australia Day as invasion day.

“This is about giving people the opportunity to think about it and what the flag means to them,” he said.

Imagine that, People on Australia Day, waving Australian Flags - how dreadfully brutish.

In honour of Mr West -

Yours Sincerely,
Mild Colonial Boy, Esq.

P.S. Some additional apoplectic reactions here, here and here.

P.P.S. Hardened gang members looking for a “rumble”