'IT'S RUDE TO MAKE FUN OF PEOPLE': ABORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPHER SPEAKS OUT ABOUT 'FACE TIME' PRANK
Picture of Eric Yunkaporta Photogaphed by Wayne Quilliam
By Tangiora Hinaki and Latisha Kadabil
Wayne Quilliam, a photographer who has spent over 30 years working with the community in Aurukun, was recently faced with an unexpected situation when a photo he had taken of Eric, a respected member of the community, went viral on TikTok. Quilliam, who had long-standing relationships with Eric and his family, first learned about the image's online popularity through Eric’s cousin, Tyson Yunkaporta, an academic well-known in Melbourne. “I didn’t understand what they were using the image for,” Quilliam explains. “Tyson said, ‘It’s all over TikTok,’ and I thought, ‘What do you mean?’ I’m not really a TikToker myself.”
Seeking clarification, Quilliam turned to his daughter, who helped him understand the platform and its trending culture. Upon viewing the situation, Quilliam found the way Eric’s image was being used incredibly disrespectful. "I thought that’s incredibly rude to betray somebody, not just Black people, but anybody in that light,” he remarks, expressing disbelief at how the humor was framed around Eric’s image.
Quilliam’s initial confusion quickly turned into concern as he realized the extent of the impact this viral moment was having on the community. “We’ve all come together as a collective now to stop this,” Quilliam shares. “It’s not even racism. It’s just disrespect to another person.” While the viral TikTok moment was fueled by misunderstandings of Eric's identity and cultural background, Quilliam saw it as a teachable moment about respect.
Wayne Quillam, First Nation photographer from Tasmania
Though communication within the community isn’t always easy, with members sometimes borrowing phones and passing messages through cousins, Quilliam has remained in touch with Eric’s family. “I haven’t spoken to Eric in a little bit, but I’ve been in contact with his family online,” he says. He commends their vocal support for Eric, noting how they have stood up for him despite the challenges and misunderstandings.
Reflecting on the incident, Quilliam emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting other cultures. He recalls a powerful moment from years ago when he took a photo of Eric during a ceremony at the Laura Festival, which won the prestigious National Portrait Award. The community’s reaction was one of overwhelming pride, as Eric was portrayed in a light of strength and dignity. "We called the community right after, and they were so happy," Quilliam remembers.
However, seeing the image misused online has been painful. “It’s really disrespectful when people don’t understand our culture or the person in the image,” Quilliam observes. He stresses the importance of dialogue and understanding in a world where opinions can differ. “It’s wonderful to have different opinions, but to think your opinion is the right one is incomprehensible,” he adds.
Quilliam believes in teaching younger generations the value of kindness and empathy, especially when faced with negativity. "If you're going to troll people and be nasty, you really need to consider where you sit in this world,” he concludes.