09AUSchangingcultureCGHD

Overview of the Lecture

1. The Stolen Generations and the reconciliation process

2. History Contested

3. Stories of the Nation

4. Australian National Identity

5. Australia’s relationship with Britain

6. Australian English

7. Australian values

The Stolen Generations and the Reconciliation Process

• Definition: The removal of Indigenous children from their families, known as The Stolen Generations, occurred from 1869 until the 1970s.

• Impact: Historians argue that this practice amounts to genocide.

• Discrimination Against Aborigines:

  • Aborigines were not Australian citizens until 1948.

  • They could not vote, testify in court, or be counted in the census.

  • They lived under various 'protection' laws from 1869-1969, depriving them of basic rights and opportunities.

Human Rights Movements in the 1960s

• Emergence of political activism and land rights movements.

• Key Figures: Oodgeroo (Kath Walker) and Colin Johnson.

• Significant change in historiography.

• Achievements: 1967 Referendum led to constitutional amendments to count Aborigines in the census and empower the government to legislate for Indigenous peoples.

1988 Bicentenary and Beyond

• Reenactment Not Celebrated: Aboriginal people viewed Australia Day as a Day of Mourning.

• Key Events/Cases:

  • Mabo Case (1992): High Court recognized Indigenous land rights, challenging the terra nullius doctrine.

  • Redfern Speech by PM Keating (1992) advocated for understanding Aboriginal cultures.

  • Wik Decision (1996): Indigenous land rights can coexist with pastoral leaseholders, but pastoralists' rights prevail if there’s a conflict.

• 1997: Bringing Them Home Report addressing the history of The Stolen Generations.

• 1998: Sorry Day acknowledged the wrongs done to Aborigines.

• 2008: Kevin Rudd's apology in Parliament for the Stolen Generations.

History Contested

• Geoffrey Blainey's Views:

  • Critiques the "Black armband view" of history emphasizing past wrongs.

  • Contrasts with the "Three cheers view" underscoring a positive historical perspective.

Stories of the Nation

• National Museum of Australia: Opened in 2001, focuses on representing national history amidst differing opinions.

• Exhibitions highlight Indigenous culture, Australian journeys, and the environment.

Icons of Australian Culture

• Phar Lap: Celebrated racehorse, won significant races; his remains are housed in museums.

• Evonne Goolagong: First Aboriginal tennis champion with 14 Grand Slam titles.

• The Azaria Chamberlain Case: Controversial legal case involving media bias.

The "Big" Attractions

• Multimedia display of Australia's over 150 'Big' Attractions reflecting national pride.

Australian National Identity

• Evolution: From convict origins to a national identity marked by radical nationalism in the 1890s.

• Influential Figures: Henry Lawson and A.B. Paterson shaped national narratives through literature.

Themes in National Identity

• Emphasis on mateship, egalitarianism, and sports.

• The idea of the "larrikin" reflects modern Australians' playful defiance of authority.

Australia’s Relationship with Britain

• Historical Context: Strong administrative ties evolved post-1901 as Australia sought independence and identity.

• Cultural Cringe: Shift from inferiority complex towards a proud national identity.

The Republican Movement and Referendum

• Aims: Transition towards a Republic with an Australian Head of State.

• 1999 Referendum: Proposed replacement of the British monarchy with an Australian President.

Australian English

• Origins: Combination of British English and influences from convict dialects.

• Unique features include altered meanings for words, pronunciation differences, and slang.

Australian Values

• Core Values: Hard work, solidarity, fairness, and egalitarianism.

• Diversity and Multiculturalism: Shift to embrace various cultures post-World War II, leading to modern culinary sophistication.

• Democracy and Creativity: Rooted in collective spirit with compulsory voting and innovation.

• Cultural Transformation: Evolving from a racist society marked by the White Australia Policy to inclusive multiculturalism.