Too 'PC': Ita laments the loss of the larrikin
Ita Buttrose says the ABC's latest audience research shows Australians want a greener world, even if the ABC chairwoman says it's a little too 'white'.
Speaking on the ABC on Tuesday, Ms Buttrose revealed the broadcaster had just completed a survey of 50,000 audience members and found that environmental issues were top of mind for many people.
She also said that a lack of diversity was another issue to come out of the survey results.
“Much of the media is white and we’re not all white,” said Ms Buttrose.
“Let’s look at diversity. Do we have enough Asian representation? Should we have some Asians on the board? Do we have enough Middle Eastern representation? Should we have Middle Eastern representation on the board? Many Australians are not represented well enough and it’s about time we change that.”
She added that Aussie workplaces had become too politically correct – to detrimental effect.
“I think Australians are especially good-humoured people, and we like to josh each other in the workplace, and we should be able to do that without anyone being offended or sensitive about it. We’re far too sensitive,” she said.
“We’ve sort of suppressed that side of our character. I think we need to bring back the larrikin element of Australia and be very proud of it, because it’s very unique to us. Our larrikins are pretty special.”
Buttrose added that respondents felt passionate about Indigenous issues, a fairer go for people in country areas and the climate was a significant concern.
“Anyone in government who thinks the Australian people do not believe in climate change is absolutely blinkered in their thinking,” she said.
Do you agree that we're too PC? Is there an obvious lack of diversity in the media and on television?
Australia has been consumed by political correctness which is really bowing to the wishes of a small minority. Labor wants equal representation so some good men have been stood aside to allow women to take their place to reach a "quota". Australians want a fair go and that includes putting the best person in the job, not the one who will fill a quota. Ita wants "more Asians" but how will that work? Will those Asians be Japanese, Chinese, Indonesians, Thais, Vietnamese, Indians, Arabs or Turks, all of whom can claim to be Asian. Do we really need ethnicity as a factor in deciding the best person for the job? I would like to think that those attendingto my needs are the ones who excelled at their chosen career, not the ones who are not very good but were born in the right ethnic group which is the flavour of the month. Give everyone a fair go Ita.