Mark Fine: “Thank you for reminding me that words can hurt and that being thoughtful is a lifelong commitment.”

The following is the text of an email we received recently at Footyology. Below it is Mark Fine’s response.

We have decided to publish it, obviously with the permission of the correspondent, in the interests of bringing awareness to the need for sensitivity in our use of language.

Howdy gents,

Long time listener, first time email correspondent.

Always look forward to the bi-weekly podcast recordings, not just for your passion and knowledge, but for the dynamic between your good selves too.

Particularly enjoy it when RoCo gives Finey a spray for going off on a tangent, before inadvertently following him down the same rabbit hole for a few minutes. Funny stuff indeed.

I did, however, want to alert you to a derogatory term that has been used (inadvertently, I’m tipping) on a number occasions in recent recordings.

You are likely unaware of the origin of the term “nuffy”, which is highly offensive to some members of the community. Nuffy, Nuffies or Nuff-Nuff, are references to folks with intellectual disabilities, who are perceived to have “nuffin’ up top”.

Having worked in the intellectual disability sector for 15-plus years, I am passionate about changing societal perceptions regarding people with intellectual disabilities.

Just as racist and sexist slurs are no longer tolerated, displaying dignity and respect towards people with disabilities (an often overlooked and highly marginalised sector of the community) is paramount if society is to be truly inclusive.

People with disabilities don’t have the valued status within the community that you and I are afforded, yet continue to be discriminated against physically, emotionally and verbally on a daily basis.

There’s an old adage “it takes a village to raise a child”. The same applies to people with disabilities in my opinion.

“Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me” couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to those encountering discrimination on a daily basis.

So whilst I’m sure it was innocent, I’d greatly appreciate your support by reconsidering the use of that “other N word” in the future.

I have been in correspondence with Sarah Albon, general manager community at Geelong Football Club recently regarding the same topic, and have been delighted that Cameron Ling and Scott Gullan have seemingly dropped the term from their vocabulary, if recent recordings of their Cats’ podcast are an indication.

Language is a powerful tool, so I just wanted to spread awareness and express the need to be mindful of what we say and the impacts that negative labels can have upon individuals.

I fondly recall Finey responding to my text and relaying my concerns on air whilst at SEN and committing to screening his talkback callers on the use of similarly offensive language. If you wanted to use your podcast platform to educate your audience, there’d be no objection at this end.

Keep the hits coming guys. Can’t wait for the next instalment.

Cheers,
Matt Walsh

Hi Matt,

Firstly, please accept my most sincere apology, not for offending you directly, but for allowing a lesson you taught me some years ago to fade from my consciousness.

I’m unsure who used the term “nuffy”, but there is no hiding from the fact it caused distress to many listeners.

Actually, it’s irrelevant who uttered the word, as we are a team, and regardless of who said it, the other host should have recognised it as an inappropriate term and immediately pointed that out and offered an apology.

I certainly know better and I’m sure Rohan feels the same.

Over my 14 years on radio, I have become acutely aware that words, labels and colloquialisms that demean and stereotype a person are not only hurtful, but for dedicated listeners, must be so disappointing coming as they do from someone they have regularly tuned into.

Furthermore, as I enjoy the many “pleasures” that come with being a father of four, I have learnt that different is by no means lesser. Learning disabilities, physical differences, mental health issues and a range of other challenges affect all of us directly, or indirectly.

I believe that our finest qualities are most often hidden and have nothing to do with being “normal”. (There’s another ‘n’ word to avoid!)

I put a high price on decency, empathy, honesty and a joy for living, and can tell you from personal experience that they are easy to list but much harder to achieve

So to label someone a “nuffy”, or any derogatory term based on perceived intelligence or social standing, totally ignores what really matters.

I can be a smartarse, childishly bawdy and quick to pigeon-hole footy fans based on the colour of their scarves. I make no apology for being prone to the above. It’s what I do.

I am, on the other hand, mortified if I cause any distress by using hurtful or demeaning language when referring to, or describing, a fellow human being.

Even worse is using a word or derogatory expression that someone has had to put up with their whole life.

A word like “nuffy” has become so commonplace that it is regularly used in the mainstream media. It’s a term that with overuse seems so benign that even miked-up footy heroes use it. (Of course I’m not referring to myself when I say hero, rather your “Lingy” reference).

I now understand that “nuffy” may be just a word when said, but it can be a soul-destroying putdown to many when heard. Whilst we may be discussing the word “nuffy” this time, there are countless words on an ever-growing list that stand ready to take its place.

Matt, once again thank you for reminding me that words can hurt and that being thoughtful is a lifelong commitment.

Yours gratefully,
Finey