Aboriginal boxer Anthony Mundine's first music video shows the Union Jack and a photo of Prime Minister John Howard being burned together.
The openly political video for Mundine's hip-hop single Platinum Ryder, filmed in Sydney's notorious The Block, shows indigenous residents tearing Howard's photograph and tossing it into
a barrel of flames. A union jack meets the same fate.
The former WBA world champion and rugby league footballer says the act symbolises justice.
"This ain't being racist, it's not signifying that cause ... it's the politicians that are keeping us oppressed, not the public," said the 31-year-old, who is a hero to thousands of young Aboriginal people.
"It signifies politicians and the structure of the Government and its foundations. What they have done to my people in the past and what they are still doing today, mentally and psychologically.
"It's not to start a race riot. The union jack - that's the Government - that's what it was built on and it's a symbol of oppression. It's a fight for justice, we have to stand up and be counted."
Mundine said Australia should have a new flag to reflect Australia's multi-culturalism.
"We should have a new flag all together," he said. "Why can't we all combine so we can unite for peace?"
The clip also features Aboriginal rugby league stars Amos Roberts and Nathan Merritt, and indigenous musician Archie Roach.
Mundine explains: "Platinum Ryder is a rags to riches story.
"People, in general, whether you're black, brown, white, whatever are normally good, it's the Government that does this divide and conquer.
"Especially with Aboriginal people, they want to see us in the gutter ... they want to make sure we feel inferior. Platinum Ryder says no matter what the obstacles we can still be successful and rise above it."
Mundine ends the song in front of the Aboriginal flag, saying: "To all my people in the struggle, keep your head up, don't let 'em keep you down.
"You can do and be whatever you want to be ... platinum, I have made it, you can too."
Mundine's album, Dreams, will be launched following his WBA super middleweight world title fight against Australian rival Sam Soliman in Sydney on March 7.
- AAP
