Week 3 lecture 2

Introduction

• Lecture overview of the chapter "Being Woke to Indigenous Resistance and Futures" by Professor Bromwan Carlson and Dr. Matti Day.

• Focus on the impact of anti-intellectualism, particularly anti-woke sentiment, on Indigenous studies and the struggle for Indigenous rights in Australia.

Anti-Intellectualism

• Definition: Deeper hostility towards intellectual pursuits, critical thinking, and expert knowledge.

• Relevance: Used to delegitimize Indigenous knowledge and resistance.

• Historical Context: Occurred during COVID with distrust in experts, leading to misinformation.

  • Example: The history wars in Australia during the late 90s and early 2000s.

The History Wars

• Definition: Debates over the interpretation of Australian history, particularly colonization's impact on Indigenous peoples.

• Government Influence: Howard government's portrayal of history as the 'Black Armband view' minimized critical scrutiny and Indigenous voices.

  • Consequences: Justified ignorance about ongoing injustices and supported colonial mindsets.

• Examples:

  • Reframing colonization as "peaceful settlement" rather than invasion.

  • John Howard's replacement of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination with Harmony Day (1999).

Stolen Generations

• Discussion of the Royal Commissions and the Bringing Them Home report.

• Ongoing denial of the impact and existence of the Stolen Generations by some historians.

Rise of Anti-Woke Culture

• Definition of 'Woke': Originated in Black American culture, symbolizing awareness of social injustices.

• Misappropriation: The term "woke" has been co-opted by conservatives to dismiss left-leaning views.

  • Impact: Discourages conversations on social issues, instills fear in activists.

  • Labeling: "Politically correct" has become associated with offense, hindering open dialogue.

Critical Race Theory (CRT)

• Definition: An academic framework analyzing systemic perpetuation of racial inequality.

• Misrepresentation: Portrayed as anti-white or anti-Australian, distorting its true purpose of systemic understanding, not individual blame.

• Attacks on CRT: Efforts to ban discussions on race and power further exemplify anti-intellectualism.

Indigenous Studies

• Emergence as a discipline: Arise from Indigenous activism seeking recognition and self-determination.

• Features:

  • Challenges colonial narratives and centers Indigenous knowledge.

  • Interdisciplinary: Incorporates Indigenous ways of knowing across fields.

  • Focus on Indigenous resistance and cultural survival.

Anti-Racist Pedagogy

• Definition: Teaching methods that actively challenge racial power structures.

• Importance: Reveals white supremacy's impact on Indigenous lives.

• Challenges: Resistance in classrooms when discussing race and racism.

Indigenous Sovereignty vs. Western Concepts of Social Justice

• Definition of Indigenous sovereignty: Inherent rights to self-determination and governance.

• Conflict: Government initiatives framed as social justice might undermine Indigenous sovereignty without addressing colonial roots.

• Need for truth-telling and reconciliation with the past.

Antiwoke Awakening and Online Spaces

• Online Battlegrounds: Anti-woke movements gain traction on social media, fostering far-right ideologies.

• White Supremacy: Defined as institutionalization of whiteness and white privilege.

• Rise in abuse targeting Indigenous peoples online.

• "Great Awakening": Refers to increased awareness of far-right ideologies online.

Indigenous Futurism

• Definition: Reclaims and reimagines Indigenous cultural knowledge to challenge settler futurism.

• Goal: Create a decolonial reality where Indigenous peoples thrive, denouncing colonial structures.

Key Takeaways

• Vigilance against anti-intellectualism and settler colonialism is crucial for Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

• Develop critical literacies and solidarity networks to challenge injustices and support Indigenous self-determination.

• Wokeness extends beyond Indigenous issues; it encompasses rights for LGBTQI+, disabled communities, women, and people of color.

Discussion Questions

1. What are the harms associated with being "woke"?

2. Can you provide examples of anti-intellectualism encountered personally?

3. In what ways can we challenge the misuse of terms like "woke" and "PC"?

4. Why is it vital to center Indigenous voices in discussions regarding Australian history and society?

Conclusion

• Importance of engaging with the full reading for deeper understanding and context in upcoming classes.