How rugby star daughter’s doll captivated Australia

AUSTRAILIA – A dark-skinned doll brought on to the pitch at the end of the Australian Rugby League final has become the talking point of the game. The doll was carried by the daughter of Johnathan Thurston, captain of the winning team, North Queensland Cowboys. Thurston is an indigenous Australian, as was, for the first time in the league’s history, his counterpart, Justin Hodges of the Brisbane Broncos. It has been seen by many as a moment of inclusion and diversity. Australian sport, in particular Aussie Rules football, has been marred by racism against indigenous players. The country has also seen heated discussion on whether it should recognize indigenous people in its constitution, and repeal clauses that prevent people of a certain race from voting and allow laws to be made based on race. (BBC)…[+]