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Is There A 'White Australia' Policy On TV? Posted by Geoff Field 16 February, 2012 - 3:25 PM

(Firass Dirani / Getty Images)

Home and Away star Jay Laga'aia has caused a storm of controversy claiming Channel 7 is racist after dumping him from the top-rating soapie.

Jay, who's of Samoan descent insists it dumped him because the show already contained a character of ethnic background played by Ada Nicodemou.

(Jay Laga'aia / Getty Images)

His attack comes only days after Underbelly star Firass Dirani asked commercial TV to drop its "White Australia" policy and cast the different flavours of contemporary Australia.

Maybe both men have a point, but I hope the industry TV isn't racist, and compared to the top shows in the 70's and 80's like Number 96 and Prisoner it's certainly moved on to reflect the changing face of Australia.

I would like to think the reason most popular local shows are dominated by anglo-Aussies, is because it represents the majority of Australians, not because of any motives to shut out other races and cultures.

A lot of actors, entertainers and people on screen do portray or represent their original roots. Some that come to mind include Carbo (George Houvardas) on Packed To The Rafters, Sophie Wong (Melanie Vallejo) on Winners and Losers, plus Alex Dimitriades, Nick Giannopoulos and Pia Miranda.

On a more disturbing note is the lack of indigenous Australians on our TV shows, I can't think of any at the moment apart from Deborah Mailman.

Do you think our TV shows are a good representation of Australians today?

What Should Australia (And Australia Day) Mean To Us? Posted by Geoff Field 25 January, 2012 - 1:23 PM

(Getty Images)

Australia Day.

It raises so many emotions.

For me it's a day to celebrate all that is good about the country we live in, although I do reflect on the plight of the original Australians who no doubt have a different outlook on our national day.

But for the most part, it should be a day to celebrate the fact that Australia is an amazing place, where most people get a fair go and co-exist in peace and harmony.

High profile brain surgeon Dr Charlie Teo has caused a bit of a stir with his Australia Day address after revealing his daughter and an Indian friend had been the victims of racial abuse.

Good on him for speaking the truth, because there is still a small minority of people who are racist in this country, and they should be exposed.

But Mr Teo shows us what a fair and considered man he is, when he criticises some ethnic communities who have failed to embrace our values.

He also adds that Australia is the best country in the world to live in.

After reading the full contents of Mr Teo's speech, I agree with what he says and I have 100 percent faith that new generations of Australians will continue to ensure the subject of race becomes an issue that doesn't inflame hatred and intolerance.

Enjoy Australia Day and celebrate the fact that we are a nation that has an distinct identity, but is also open to new ideas and people.

VIDEO: Natalie Portman Weighs In On Galliano Racist Clip Posted by Carlie 2 March, 2011 - 1:00 PM

Oscar winning actress Natalie Portman has issued a statement on the Galliano racist video doing the rounds at the moment.

The face of Dior's Miss Dior Cherie perfume has come out all guns blazing, sticking up for her Jewish heritage saying:

"I am deeply shocked and disgusted by the video of John Galliano. In light of this video, and as an individual who is proud to be Jewish, I will not be associated with Mr. Galliano in any way. I hope at the very least, these terrible comments remind us to reflect and act upon combating these still-existing prejudices that are the opposite of all that is beautiful."

Galliano has since been sacked by Dior, with many wondering if this is the end for the 50-year-old designer.

WATCH: John Galliano's drunken racist rant in Paris.

WATCH: Natalie Portman in sexy Miss Dior Cherie commercial.