Lidia Thorpe: "Not My King" During Charles Visit

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Post on Oct 21, 2024

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Lidia Thorpe's "Not My King" Shout: A Moment That Shook the Nation

The arrival of King Charles III in Australia was met with both fanfare and controversy, but nothing could have prepared the nation for the dramatic moment when Senator Lidia Thorpe, an independent from the state of Victoria, yelled, "This is not my King!"

Thorpe, a proud Indigenous woman, made her feelings crystal clear: she does not recognize the British monarchy and sees the visit as a painful reminder of colonization. Her protest, a powerful expression of her beliefs, went viral, sparking nationwide debate about the future of the monarchy in Australia.

A Divided Nation: "Not My King" Divides the Country

The event triggered a storm of reactions across the country. Many Australians, particularly those of Indigenous descent, echoed Thorpe's sentiment, seeing the King's visit as a painful symbol of a colonial past. Others, however, felt that Thorpe's actions were disrespectful and undermined the significance of the royal visit.

This wasn't simply a case of disagreeing about a king's visit. Thorpe's protest highlighted a deep-seated division within the nation, exposing the raw wounds of a colonial history that many Australians refuse to acknowledge.

History Repeats Itself: A Colonial Past Still Haunts Australia

Thorpe's "Not My King" protest was a powerful reminder of the complex relationship between Australia and the British monarchy. Many Australians, particularly Indigenous communities, feel that the monarchy represents a painful legacy of colonization, displacement, and cultural suppression. The King's visit was seen by some as a celebration of this history, which they find deeply offensive.

Thorpe's courageous act challenged the status quo and forced many Australians to confront a history they'd rather forget. It also highlighted the need for reconciliation and a deeper understanding of Indigenous perspectives.

A Call for Change: "Not My King" Sparks a Debate

The "Not My King" incident served as a catalyst for conversations about Australia's future. Should Australia remain a constitutional monarchy, or should it embrace a republic? This question, long debated but often hushed, is now being spoken about openly across the nation.

Thorpe's courageous act, although controversial, has ignited a much-needed dialogue. It's a conversation that must continue, one that seeks to address the legacy of colonization, the complexities of Indigenous history, and the future of Australia as a nation. Whether or not the monarchy remains, the impact of Thorpe's powerful words will be felt for years to come.