Australia Day. For some, it’s a day of reflection, understanding, and conversation. For others, it’s the hill they’re prepared to die on—flags flying, barbecue smoke rising, and disclaimers ready. The ultimate disclaimer? “I’m not racist, but…”

We’ve all heard it. That trusty little phrase people whip out as if it’s a hall pass for whatever follows. Maybe it’s “I’m not racist, but people should just stop complaining.” Or “I’m not political, but why change something that’s been this way forever?” Whatever the preface, it’s usually a prelude to a sentiment that, let’s be honest, isn’t doing the speaker any favours.

It’s like saying, “I’m not tone-deaf, but here’s my ukulele solo,” or “I’m not a bad cook, but I did burn the pavlova.” These verbal disclaimers are boomerangs—they swing right back and hit the person who said them square in the face.

Here are some classics we all know too well:

• “I’m not racist, but if people don’t like it, they can leave.”
• “I’m not political, but it’s our history, and it should stay that way.”
• “I’m not against change, but why does everything have to change?”

It’s the conversational equivalent of saying, “I’m not wearing sunscreen, but let’s sit in the sun for hours!” Nobody’s buying it, and it’s as see-through as your neighbour’s Australia flag singlet after a dip in the pool.

The thing is, we all carry biases, whether we want to admit it or not. They’re baked into our upbringing, our schools, and the culture we’ve inherited. But the real trick—the real way forward—is to be aware of them and pause before blurting out something that gives the game away.

Next time you feel an “I’m not anything but…” bubbling up, take a breath. Ask yourself: Am I about to contradict myself? Am I about to sound like that one uncle who still complains about seatbelt laws? If the answer is yes, it might be time to leave that sentence unsaid.

Or better yet, skip the disclaimer entirely. Say what you mean—but think about it first. Who knows? You might actually surprise yourself by making sense. And wouldn’t that be a plot twist worthy of Australia Day?