Rob Thomas is not usually a divisive figure, and his brand of radio-friendly rock is about as radically offensive as lukewarm vanilla custard.
While the majority of things that come out of his mouth are utterly harmless, his tonedeaf “joke” at the apparent expense of Indigenous Australia was not one of those things.
Not at all.
Following the Matchbox 20 frontman’s apology yesterday, he offered a further explanation of his tonedeaf quip:
“I said I drank until I thought I was Australian. Then I drank so much that I thought I was a black Australian and then I drank so much I thought I was a little Australian girl.
These were 3 things I chose at random to represent 3 things I’m not. I’m not Australian. I’m not black and I’m not a little girl.
Again, if I had any idea of the stereotype I would have chosen another example. There was absolutely no malice even in jest.”
Following that, Aboriginal photojournalist Barbara McGrady tore into the performer for his “hurtful, ignorant and derogatory comments,” before offering an opportunity to work together.
Rob Thomas – Global superstar performer. You say you have apologized, and you are completely gutted by your insensitive…
Posted by Barbara McGrady on Saturday, 20 February 2016
Thankfully, Thomas, for all intents and purposes, is all about it.
Will do Rob Thomas.
— Barbara McGrady (@BarbsMac2144) February 21, 2016
Rob Thomas has agreed to a meet up in Sydney. https://t.co/K8Tw3f9pPJ
— Barbara McGrady (@BarbsMac2144) February 21, 2016
Since then, he’s also responded to an Aussie blogger who personally looked past his apparent ignorance.
Siv Parker. thank you so much for this blog. for the history lesson, as well as finding the rest of my “joke” online to…
Posted by Rob Thomas on Sunday, 21 February 2016
As insensitive as the original comment was – and boy fkn howdy, was it insensitive – it looks like the dude is actually trying to ensure he never says anything so bereft of cultural context ever again.
Source: The Age.
Photo: Kevin Mazur / Getty.
