h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Aboriginals 2007.


I just saw and heard at BBC – world news that the prime minister of Australia had taken the initiative to interfere in the situation of the Aboriginals, as far as widespread alcoholism by young and old and sexual abuse often as a result.

Watching it, I thought the old and bold man finally discovered that the world community is more than white middle class conservative Christians.

The situation is indeed alarming, as it also is at some other places on the globe concerning indigenous, native peoples; Kalahari in Southern Africa, some locations of American Indians in the USA, etc.

It is absolutely clear that their health and position in society is related to discrimination and disdain by the majority of the former settlers and squatters (Australia). England once dumped it’s criminals in Australia and The Netherlands is the last country in the world that stopped slavery.

The mix of disdain, territorial frustrations, great differences with the dominant inhabitants, differences in diseases, no integration in the job market, etc. created very low self-esteem, apathy and addiction and violence/criminality.

This is not soft flower power talk, this is trying to use our brains and memories and refusing to push these aside with cheap answers/excuses.

Of course they’re just as strong, wise, stupid and criminal and caring as all the other creatures on this globe.

So I was surprised in a pleasant way to hear that the federal government of Australia is planning to take action, although I hardly could imagine such a turning point by Mr. Howard, although he finally, suddenly agreed to welcome the Dalai Lama, despite pressure of China.
That’s a good thing after all.

First I heard him talking about the problems and what they are going to do.
No alcohol sales in home grounds of Aboriginals for six months and a few other rules related to alcohol and sexual abuse.

“Well”, I said to myself, “you’ve got to start somewhere although it’s naïve to believe it will help, but without any kind of repression nothing can be done in this world”.

“So, what’s the next thing” I said in my mind.
BBC-world news already went on with a different item.
“O.K. I’ll see at their news one hour later and at the internet” was my commitment to understand the full plan of integration and development.

End of story, complete silence.
It’s either completely unprofessional or plain stupid racism.

I fear I know the answer.

I want to invest in a culture that has the common self-respect from which it respects others equally.
It is already difficult enough.
With good intention it will take at least two generations.

I feel ashamed


Amsterdam

I think that what you are getting in the news is a very simplified version of a long and complex problem.

One vital point to remember at this time is that there is an election around the corner in Australia and John Howard and his party are down in the polls.

He has recently "discovered" global warming too and is almost turning green in an effort to win votes.

On the aboriginal question - he is the man who has consistently refused to say "Sorry" for the historical stealing of aboriginal children from their parents (the "Stolen Generation") He is also responsible for the disolving of ATSIC (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission)- a very controversial action. This was an organisation run (some would say badly) by the aboriginal community - but it has not been replaced. .

The meassures suggested recently are in response to situations which have been reported to the governments for many years and are still being debated- there has been no action for many years - why now? There is talk of medical exams for all indigenous children although there are insufficient medical staff to do so. There is talk of no alcohol and of withholding benefits - but no talk of assistance for alcoholics in the communities. Can you imagine an alcoholic's response when his supply is suddenly discontinued?

There has been no talk from the government of involving the communities in any of these actions and I think that that is the biggest problem. There has been no talk about providing meaningful work in remote communites or of assisting aboriginal organisations that are providing programmes for their people.

It is a complex and worrying problem - and most Australians acknowledge this - but our present government has been ignoring the problem for so long forgive us if we are (or at least I am) a little suspicious of all this sudden "interest"

Personally, I believe that we must give the aboriginal communities more tools to assist themselves in self determination - I agree with the aboriginal leaders who decry the welfare mentality, but without support, education and assistance it's going to be a very difficult path.

Thanks for your reply. You surely gave it a thought.

Quote; Personally, I believe that we must give the aboriginal communities more tools to assist themselves in self determination - I agree with the aboriginal leaders who decry the welfare mentality, but without support, education and assistance it's going to be a very difficult path."


I fully agree with that !


Greetings from Amsterdam

I have thought about it for many years.

Thare are lots of people in Australia who are concerned with the whole situation and many organisations doing great things like providing scholarships, mentorships, medical and social services.

Unfortunately most of these people and organisations work without government backing, assistance or support.

It's a terrible situation but general awareness and concern is growing .... we all live in hope.

I haven't looked too closely at the policy (mainly because it's just too, too depressing), but I don't believe that this initiative will help Australian Aboriginal peoples. It will most likely make things much worse. Howard and co are still on a path committed to white supremacy and this latest set of actions smacks of the same old same old - it's about applying white solutions to the wrong people.

The Australian government is STILL stealing aboriginal land (The Block in Redfern). Not that here in NZ we're that much better (the government here is still stealing native land too).

It's something that non-indigenous peoples have a hard time understanding (although the English don't get it either and they still have their own land): land is central to indigenous identity, culture and survival. Native peoples don't experience themselves as separate from the land. When you steal the land you devastate the people.

I agree with Feisor that supporting self-determination is the most useful thing we can do. Redressing land theft is vital also.

Giving them the same social respect and tools by which they cantry and start to help themselves to cope with their situation that has become complex by the millions of new inhabitants

hmm, well Australia is a big place, there is a lot of land there to share, and Australia is not a poor place financially. I think it's less to do with the size of the white population, than to do with the cultural imperialism of that white culture and the inherent racism.

and the fact that some of the land that the aboriginals claim have mining resources or commercial value.