Big Ideas Who can we become? Thomas Mayo and Ray Martin speak Black and White about Australia's future
Mar 3, 2026
Ray Martin, veteran journalist and reconciliation advocate, reflects on confronting Australia’s past and practical paths to change. Thomas Mayo, Kaurareg and Torres Strait Islander author and human rights advocate, explores racism, media narratives and collective action. They debate truth-telling, policy, education, philanthropy and who Australia might become.
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Media Stereotypes Numb Empathy
- Racist stereotypes in mainstream media numb public empathy and enable injustices against First Nations people.
- Thomas Mayo cites political cartoons and persistent name-calling as examples that normalise dehumanisation and justify harmful policies like the 2007 Intervention.
The Intervention As State Violence
- The 2007 Intervention legally suspended protections and targeted remote Aboriginal communities under the guise of child safety.
- Mayo describes mobilisation of the Army and expanded powers as a performed assertion of white superiority with little public protest.
Take Practical Steps To Resist Media Harm
- Actively resist inflammatory media and algorithmic feeds by blocking, hiding, and supporting campaigns to change platforms.
- Mayo recommends joining Fix Our Feeds, supporting a strong ABC, and pushing for media accountability and limits on big money in politics.
