or so they say?
However in the next day or so, the newly-elected Prime Minister, is about to say “Sorry” to the Aboriginal “stolen generation” and their descendants, on behalf of all preceding Governments, and the people of Australia.
My associate and fellow Redbubbler, Robert Knapman wrote Australia says Sorry and that got me going, initially with my response/comment:
Interesting, and for many pertinent and timely… though as an Aboriginal/Australian I feel somewhat a bit late in coming, but heh, that’s just me.
I’m reminded of the “walk across the Bridge” rallies, a few years ago, when a couple of 100,000s nationally, joined numbers and had a great day walking across significant bridges throughout Australia … note I said, a couple of 100,000s, in a population of 21mill Plus…. and whilst it was a grand statement (so I’m led to believe) they really didn’t have to “give” anything at all, and even fewer can/would rate an Aboriginal/family amongst their close friends… we’re talking minorities here folks, in the mainstream supporting even a smaller minority!
As for the “Sorry” Statement from a Govt that supports cover-ups and deceit and mismanagement of Aboriginal values and culture… its called “white-washing” and again means little, as They have covered theirs and the Nation’s arse by saying, here’s the words and the sentimental gesture… but don’t forget to assimilate, educate, work, and “join us” if you want to get along in this country… we shall indoctrinate but we won’t “give” back anything that reinforces your (1) unique Aboriginal culture, (2)spirituality, (3) country (sacred site), (4) self-determination, (5) Cultural revival/survival… it seems to me its all about “being seen to be doing” but not actually “giving-back” and/or real reciprocation and not just as compensation.
Anyway, this space is too brief to further explain/clarify… hope you don’t mind Robert, and b4 any one wants to slam my apparent cynicism, I am a 3rd generation Aboriginal survivor of such discrimination and assimilation policies, and the grandson of of Lali re Linden Girl, as well as a father of a child who was literally taken from the hospital and given away, which took me 18 years to “track him down”.
Sorry folks, this isn’t a pleasant nicety, its reality for a few that have survived with our sanity attacked.
PS: according to a News poll I did this AM, more than 70% of about 8000 responses, believe that this “SORRY” want change a darn thing… maybe I’m not a minority survivor after-all
Further to this, is my reason for the Journal entry, as there are a lot of Comments generated from Robert’s post (and yes, he has a large following)...
After all is said and done, not one bit difference in practical, real terms will be resulting…
I live in and represent a dying culture — one of the last remaining, truly unique and indigenous, on this planet… apart from a few sentimental and emotional responses from a select few individuals comparatively speaking — life will still be a struggle for the majority of Aboriginal people (against all the odds); the social indicators and morbidity stats will continue to be grim; the Aboriginal industry will still be perpetuated at the manipulative machinations of the “clever few”; and many people will continue to make incredibly prestigious and some-what well-paid and influential career opportunities upon the sufferance of the dwindling few who hold-out to their Aboriginality in the most genuine and spiritual manner… diseased and disinherited, maligned and constantly misunderstood…
I am willing and able to expand and discuss any points I raise herein, with anyone who feels so inclined ... Happy Sorry Day ... perhaps not!
Oh yeh, all most forgot, for those further interested read what Aboriginal author, Kevin Gilbert (wrote in Grandfather Koori here
Crowmanic
Love is never having to say "Sorry"
Written by:
Crowmanic
February 11, 2008
dawndavies, 8 months ago
I agree with the plight of your people, how can any government put right past injustices without causing more disquiet, this self same thing happened in the USA with their native people, no one can turn back time, but they can and should unite now and into the future as one Austrailian/American indian nation.
Crowmanic in reply to dawndavies’s comment, 8 months ago
Interesting thought Dawn, (lovely name by the way, the mother of my son was called Dawn) though as with all cultural differences, the differences must be recognised and respected. By the way, have you ever heard of the “friendlies and the hostiles” analogy?
dawndavies, 8 months ago
no sorry i have not
Crowmanic in reply to dawndavies’s comment, 8 months ago
If u-r interested, one day soon, I’ll share it with you… and you really don’t have to be “sorry’ ... not too many have heard of it … I got the original gist of it from an article I read many years ago, from the Hopi (U.S. Indians) situation / experience.
Dave Sandersfeld, 8 months ago
RedBubble friends: I have a real life example of “Friendlies and the hostiles” concept in a Journal in my Bubble titled “Oregon 150th Celebration” The Oregon First Cavalry (circa 1860-65) paid Reservation Tribals to track down and kill Non-reservation Tribals?
This long-overdue respect for indigineous tribes is a world-wide problem. Interesting challenge! I am working to help the Siletz Tribe to regain part of their promised Reservation taken from them thrice along Oregon’s Coast!
Crowmanic in reply to Dave Sandersfeld’s comment, 8 months ago
Appreciate your sharing regarding “hostiles and friendlies” ... and yes as I said, I 1st came across this from a Native American issue many years ago, and as I understood it, it helped me to further understand the “separateness” within the Aboriginal experience here in Australia… least I’m not alone on this one ;-) Thx.
Dave Sandersfeld, 8 months ago
Whites have been using the psychological game “Let you and Him fight” for centuries all around the world.
I am German-Americans; but history shows the Catholic church and Roman Empire tried this technique on ancient Germanic tribes – but they did not play!
In 6 A.D. the “barbarians’ or Germanic tribes destroyed the Roman Armies (7 regiments!) in a swamp chosen by tribes for a battle. Thus Rome gave up conquering this area of Europe forever!
I have fought for tribal rights in America when ever I get the opportunity.
CROWMANIC, I have a ‘Shaman Stone” in Jade from the Shoshone Tribe (Idaho) and many other tribal awards that mean more to me than my BS Degree at Oregon State University in “Communications”! Let me know if I can help your cause? Your 10 reasons Sorry is not enough is simply brilliant! very well done!
botanicali, 8 months ago
Hi CROWMANIAC, I’m finding it hard to respond properly to your journal entry, and wish you were here so we could have a proper conversation. :) Basically I can understand your cynicism and I do find it odd that as a nation we’re only too happy to ‘display’ our Indigenous people for celebrations but in other areas insist that they participate on our terms. You’re right, it’s all take and no give (or give what isn’t wanted?)
But I’m still hopeful that saying sorry for stealing Indigenous children will be the start of a proper process of building respectful relationships… and that the health statistics etc will reflect the positive changes. Thanks for being so open about your views.
Ali
Crowmanic in reply to botanicali’s comment, 8 months ago
Another “maniac” namer, it’s “manic” as in crow-manic… now about that chat… hmmm … cynic, hmmmm … experienced in such matters, more so than most… absolutely … probably been “in the game” way pass my use by date ;-) ... then again, perhaps not… mayhap privy to more info than the average citizen, and just maybe can see a little beyond the smoke and mirrors, the chicanery of flattery …. now dear “friend”, about that chat?
botanicali, 8 months ago
I’d like to be able to see behind the smoke and mirrors too, and know that with that knowledge can come a great tiredness in the face of others ignorance. Is that what it’s like for you?