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Aliantha · 10-10-2006, 10:02 PM

What a weird post foot.

Rabbit Proof Fence is an awesome movie and from my own knowledge and that of critics and historians, a fairly accurate depiction of actual events.

Tensions between indigenous australians and white australians are quite high at the moment due to the death of a man in police custody a couple of years ago. Recently the officer in charge was found to be responsible for the mans death and yet he's not been charged with anything. This of course is outrageous and the man should be charged with manslaughter if not murder in my opinion and he certainly should not still have a job in the police force.

Historically Aboriginal people have caught the rough end of the stick and it continues to be so. In some ways I believe the culture here is changing for the better, but in others not. I don't believe the structures put in place by white governments are appropriate and I don't believe Aboriginal people have enough right to self determination and that the Howard government are reducing those already minimal rights slowly but surely by closing official agencies which have traditionally acted on and made decisions for the Aboriginal community at large.

One of the greatest challenges facing Aboriginal people is that some live in the cities and have ordinary jobs like everyone else, while others live either in missions or what you call reservations relying on handouts or payoffs from the government while others live a tribal existance and are working at creating and renewing a culture which has dwindled sadly over the last 200 years. Trying to bring these different groups together is very difficult and unfortunately means that the process of having a voice is almost impossible for the aboriginal people - who like indigenous americans come from different tribes with different customs, beliefs and laws.

My mum used to love Rolf Harris. He's a legend in Australian television and entertainment, mostly for his wobble-board and folk style songs. I doubt anyone wishes he'd died instead of Steve Irwin although I suppose there may be some.

10-10-2006, 10:02 PM	#2
Aliantha trying hard to be a better person Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 16,493	What a weird post foot. Rabbit Proof Fence is an awesome movie and from my own knowledge and that of critics and historians, a fairly accurate depiction of actual events. Tensions between indigenous australians and white australians are quite high at the moment due to the death of a man in police custody a couple of years ago. Recently the officer in charge was found to be responsible for the mans death and yet he's not been charged with anything. This of course is outrageous and the man should be charged with manslaughter if not murder in my opinion and he certainly should not still have a job in the police force. Historically Aboriginal people have caught the rough end of the stick and it continues to be so. In some ways I believe the culture here is changing for the better, but in others not. I don't believe the structures put in place by white governments are appropriate and I don't believe Aboriginal people have enough right to self determination and that the Howard government are reducing those already minimal rights slowly but surely by closing official agencies which have traditionally acted on and made decisions for the Aboriginal community at large. One of the greatest challenges facing Aboriginal people is that some live in the cities and have ordinary jobs like everyone else, while others live either in missions or what you call reservations relying on handouts or payoffs from the government while others live a tribal existance and are working at creating and renewing a culture which has dwindled sadly over the last 200 years. Trying to bring these different groups together is very difficult and unfortunately means that the process of having a voice is almost impossible for the aboriginal people - who like indigenous americans come from different tribes with different customs, beliefs and laws. My mum used to love Rolf Harris. He's a legend in Australian television and entertainment, mostly for his wobble-board and folk style songs. I doubt anyone wishes he'd died instead of Steve Irwin although I suppose there may be some. __________________ Kind words are the music of the world. F. W. Faber