22nd January 2008, 10:57 AM
That's a heartwarming account Arthus, completely off-topic but it's a really interesting bit of modern british history that should be on the national curriculum, in my opinion. Following your last post, I am prepared to accept that you didn't mean any harm and to move on.
Back on topic, my mate in Perth made some comments. He's extremely dyslexic, so I've edited this a bit, hopefully without any change in meaning:
Upon arrival in Perth, I came with what I thought was a broad minded view of Aboriginals and their issues. ... This was slowly eaten away by the continual questioning as to why the many Aboiginals that lived in Perth did not help them-selves. Basically, the vast majority were piss humbuggers "to coin the phrase", though not all. I have interacted with many sound of mind and sober Aborigines. Either way, the majority seems to have a social difficulty of sorts. This questioning as to why continued until I considered that great belief of "Self-help", strongly ingrained the British Psyche. I recall it was a Victorian thought (though I may be wrong)...
[section cut in which he agrees that the 'capitalist mindset' is very different to Indigenous Peoples' thinking]
...The interesting thing I see now is that much pro-Aboriginal activism is coming for the white population, not the indigenous peoples. The propaganda that I have watched or read indicates that activism 40 years ago for the rights of Aborigines to vote came from a mixed group of white and black. Where is the black voice now? Yes, there is a handful of black voices and much credit is given to them. Though, to me, there needs to be much more.
Since it seems that there is a such a low proportion of Aborigines in power or interested in indiginous issues, they are leaving it up to the the non-indiginous peoples to push to issues. Beside, since there are so many other probems of basic health, water and food that effect many Aboringenes in their daily lives, why should they bother with some polictial stuff that is going on in an area 100's of kilometers away?
Should we leave it up to the Aborigines to deal with there problems or should they be given a helping hand? To give an analogy: sometimes one's life may get so difficult one cannot see a way forward; then it is up to a friend to help you see some light. Perhaps a rather poor example, though I think you get the idea.
In respects to indigenous Archaeology, I understand that many Elders would prefer that their stories and sacred sites never be handed over to the government and non-indiginous bodies. Well, it is they property and the right to do so. Many non-indiginous peoples would perhaps think that a little short-sighted, however there are other Aborigines that think such knowledge should be passed on to the government or to more sensitive bodies for the protection and conservation of sites and knowledge. Perhaps an example to surport this is: if it was not for the indegenous and scientific communitees involved in the Barrup Penisula, information about the issues about Woodside and the rock art there would never have been brought to light.
Interestingly, there is discussion by the new government that Rudd will say "Sorry" and there is talk of compension. In what form this compensation will come, if at all, is not known yet. Perhaps, in the form of cash to families/communities effected or as a fund set up to drive some well-structured plans (with elders'/representatives' involvement) to help tackle this multitude of issues that face the indegious populations. Whether Rudd will set in place some well-positioned/thoughtful step forward to help deal with these issues is still to be seen. It is still early days. I am hopeful. Besides, I believe it was time for Howard and the liberal/national coalision to move on. I think that was a good step
Amen to that last point. A few things to consider there, particularly about ownership and use of knowledge.
Back on topic, my mate in Perth made some comments. He's extremely dyslexic, so I've edited this a bit, hopefully without any change in meaning:
Upon arrival in Perth, I came with what I thought was a broad minded view of Aboriginals and their issues. ... This was slowly eaten away by the continual questioning as to why the many Aboiginals that lived in Perth did not help them-selves. Basically, the vast majority were piss humbuggers "to coin the phrase", though not all. I have interacted with many sound of mind and sober Aborigines. Either way, the majority seems to have a social difficulty of sorts. This questioning as to why continued until I considered that great belief of "Self-help", strongly ingrained the British Psyche. I recall it was a Victorian thought (though I may be wrong)...
[section cut in which he agrees that the 'capitalist mindset' is very different to Indigenous Peoples' thinking]
...The interesting thing I see now is that much pro-Aboriginal activism is coming for the white population, not the indigenous peoples. The propaganda that I have watched or read indicates that activism 40 years ago for the rights of Aborigines to vote came from a mixed group of white and black. Where is the black voice now? Yes, there is a handful of black voices and much credit is given to them. Though, to me, there needs to be much more.
Since it seems that there is a such a low proportion of Aborigines in power or interested in indiginous issues, they are leaving it up to the the non-indiginous peoples to push to issues. Beside, since there are so many other probems of basic health, water and food that effect many Aboringenes in their daily lives, why should they bother with some polictial stuff that is going on in an area 100's of kilometers away?
Should we leave it up to the Aborigines to deal with there problems or should they be given a helping hand? To give an analogy: sometimes one's life may get so difficult one cannot see a way forward; then it is up to a friend to help you see some light. Perhaps a rather poor example, though I think you get the idea.
In respects to indigenous Archaeology, I understand that many Elders would prefer that their stories and sacred sites never be handed over to the government and non-indiginous bodies. Well, it is they property and the right to do so. Many non-indiginous peoples would perhaps think that a little short-sighted, however there are other Aborigines that think such knowledge should be passed on to the government or to more sensitive bodies for the protection and conservation of sites and knowledge. Perhaps an example to surport this is: if it was not for the indegenous and scientific communitees involved in the Barrup Penisula, information about the issues about Woodside and the rock art there would never have been brought to light.
Interestingly, there is discussion by the new government that Rudd will say "Sorry" and there is talk of compension. In what form this compensation will come, if at all, is not known yet. Perhaps, in the form of cash to families/communities effected or as a fund set up to drive some well-structured plans (with elders'/representatives' involvement) to help tackle this multitude of issues that face the indegious populations. Whether Rudd will set in place some well-positioned/thoughtful step forward to help deal with these issues is still to be seen. It is still early days. I am hopeful. Besides, I believe it was time for Howard and the liberal/national coalision to move on. I think that was a good step
Amen to that last point. A few things to consider there, particularly about ownership and use of knowledge.