Since when did monkey become a bad word?

January 8, 2008

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Harbhajan's monkey taunt 'not racist'

*January 07, 2008

*

*THE group representing Indian Australians is surprised the term " monkey "

directed at Australia's Andrew Symonds is considered racist.*

The Sydney-based United Indian Association (UIA) says it is deeply concerned

at a three-match ban imposed on Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh for using

the word.

UIA president Raj Natarajan said the group condemned racism in sport, but it

was surprising Singh's comments were viewed as racist.

" Considering that the Monkey God is one of the revered idols of Hindu

mythology and worshipped by millions, it is surprising it was considered a

racist term, " Mr Natarajan said in a statement.

" Even more surprising is that the word 'monkey' is considered by the match

referee serious enough to slap a three-match ban on Harbhajan Singh. "

Mr Natarajan said many other more unsavoury words exchanged on the field

went unnoticed.

He said UIA members felt the Australian team behaved in an unsporting way

during Australia's 122-run win over India in the second test at the SCG

yesterday.

" It has to be said that in the Sydney Test their behaviour was unbecoming of

a World Champion Cricket Team when they aimed to win at any cost, " he said.

" On the day, records seemed more important than sportsmanship and fair play.

We see this as a sour victory for the Aussies. "

The remarks made to Symonds follow extensive vilification of him by Indian

crowds during the Australian team's tour of the country last year.

Indian spectators heckled Symonds, making monkey noises and holding up

insulting placards, at least one of which blatantly referred to him as a

monkey.

The UIA represents various migrant community groups of Indian origin in

Australia.

AAP

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United against elephant polo

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