The introduction to an ABC report on a new smoking study has sparked a backlash after listing Indigenous people among negative "stereotypical smokers".
The report, when first published on Tuesday, opened with: "If you were asked to picture a typical smoker, you might come up with the following stereotypes: someone who is unemployed, uneducated, Indigenous, and suffering poor mental health."
Malyangapa Barkindji woman and experienced journalist Jennetta Quinn-Bates shared a screen shot of the opening paragraph, expressing disbelief.
"WHAT. IS. THIS?" she wrote.
Ms Quinn-Bates listed other media organisations she said are "the worst for stereotyping Aboriginal people", then wrote "ABC: Hold my beer…".
Gomeroi man Scott Trindall criticised the "unconscious bias" of the "racist" authors.
Many others commented on the opening paragraph:
"This is how stereotypes are perpetuated. Unacceptable."
"WHO LET THEM PUBLISH THIS WHAT THE HELL."
"Oh wow, ABC really out here trying to one-up the competition on stereotypes."
"Who even allowed that through? Where are the editors?"
"What the ACTUAL.....? REVOLTING."
The story was edited to remove the reference to Indigenous people and a note included at the bottom:
Editor's note 20/02/2024: A previous version of this story referred to Indigenous people in the first paragraph. That reference has since been removed and we apologise for any offence caused.
More to come.
