Having lived for some time in The Alice, I understand what you are saying, however I still find the last para unnecessary. Of course, I know the slurs, the talk and the un-funny jokes. It is all not needed.

Regarding “black” as a word, I have a long way to go before I accept this word as an adjective describing living, breathing people. As a white person in contact with the racial divide, I have had to cross a few bridges myself. Frequently, I have been insensitive and aggressive. Certainly, not socially acceptable.

however, as a start, I now refuse to use racial epithets in the same way as I have become unable to describe any female as a c_nt. We, as a society, have to move beyond out adolescent vulgarities and towards a more accommodating and understanding view of those around us.

No, Bob, I no longer use sexually or racially derogatory names for other people. This is not because I have been bashed into an understanding that this will get me into trouble. It is because I have a greater respect for those I know and for the language I speak.

I view being described as “Whitey” with the same concern and disappointment as another would view being called “black”. Not nice, not worthy and not acceptable.

And certainly not worth adding as a postscript to an already emotive and sad story.

We all know the racial background of the NT police’s words, without needing this to be explicit.

I am sad that this is so. It did not need confirmation, because the behaviour described is just as unnaceptable whatever the race of the victim.