Leb and Wog Bashing Day
The documentary ’riot and revenge’ was telecasted on the 13th of March 2006. Four corners’ presenter Liz Jackson, showcased the discriminating behaviour of young Australians. This documentary was regarding what happened on the 11th of December 2005. The presenter, Liz Jackson highlighted events and the aftermath of conflict between Middle Eastern and young Australians groups. It showed us that Australians are believers of monoculturalism.
The documentary started with the circulation of a text message among thousands of young Australians, encouraging them to meet at Cronulla beach, Sydney. They described it as ‘Leb and Wog bashing day’. Approximately 5000 young intoxicated Australians ran on the streets of Sydney, bashing anyone of Middle Eastern appearance in sight. The presenter, Liz Jackson showed video clippings of drunk young Australians bashing, shouting and cheering with pride, in the riot and revenge documentary. She also showed young Australians running after Lebanese and people of Middle Eastern appearance.
Liz Jackson also interviewed many people of ‘Leb and Wog’ ethnicity and the so called purebred Australians, to present us the story from both sides of the community. It showed us about how both communities think about the reclaiming of Cronulla beach, and the discriminating behaviour against ethnic groups that visit Cronulla beach. The wording of the text message sent appeared to be racist and mentioned the pride of young Australians, this resulted in the amplification of this conflict.
This Four corners’ documentary showed us the other side of the behaviour of young Australians. They were drinking, singing the Australian National Anthem and reciting Waltzing Matilda. It was represented as the monocultural civilisation of Australia. The interviews with young Australians in this documentary showed us how Australians feel about having different morals compared to Lebanese and other Middle Eastern ethnic groups. A few of the issues raised by Australians were, the differences in the approach towards respect for women and views regarding