As the referendum on a Voice to Parliament approaches, conflicting information surrounding its function and impact on First Nations peoples is increasing.
But how can you tell what’s truthful and what’s not?
In this episode of Blak Matters, Teela Reid and Michael ‘MC’ Christian sit down with lawyer, researcher, and Griffith Law School lecturer Eddie Synot.
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Eddie discusses the distinction between misinformation and disinformation, and what you can do to make sure you’re getting the facts you need.
“One of the biggest problems that we’re facing is that misinformation and disinformation has taken up such a hold of the space that that’s all they’re kind of hearing,” Eddie explains.
“It becomes very easy for people to just turn off from that point, and that’s what we don’t want. We don’t want people turning off and ignoring it.
“We want them engaged and being able to find out the right information. But that’s being made so hard because of all of that nonsense that’s been going on.”
Homing in on Eddie’s point about the role the media plays in the portrayal of First Nations people in a negative way, Teela and MC say it’s up to Australians to “be critical thinkers and look beyond the headline”.
“Parts and particular sections of the media are totally down for derailing a really positive opportunity we have here as a nation to begin to real heal and nation build and make sure the voices of First Nations people are front and centre in determining the issues,” Teela says.
“Because right now, what we do have is sections of the media buying into stowing of fear. We really need the people of Australia to continue what they’re doing on the ground which is having amazing conversations.”
You can hear more of Eddie’s chat in part one of his conversation with Teela and MC on Blak Matters on the LiSTNR app now.