INS100001 Assignment 1 Research Essay

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Assignment 1: Research Essay Eliza Ryan 623576x INS10001: Connecting with Culture: Indigenous Australian Experiences Due date: 18 th August 2023 eLA: Dr Samuel Teague Learning Group: 04 Word Count : 1500 words

The issue of the ‘Stolen Generation’ is controversial in contemporary Australian society. Discuss the history of this issue, including the role of colonialism, and whether these factors are still current. Introduction The history of Australia’s ‘Stolen Generations’ runs deeps; there is a painful and dreadful chapter in the nation's past, resulting in the forced removal of Indigenous children from their families, cultures, and communities (Haebich, 2011). "Forgetting Indigenous Histories: Cases from the History of Australia’s Stolen Generations" by Professor Anna Haebich highlights Australia’s shameful history and the ongoing repercussions of colonisation (Haebich, 2011). Bianca Nogrady's article, "Trauma of Australia’s Indigenous ‘Stolen Generations’ is still affecting children today," highlights the enduring consequences of this dark period, the mistreatment and forced removal of Indigenous children from their families, known as the Stolen Generations (Nogrady, 2023). Robert van Krieken's article delves into the traumatic impact of this historical atrocity and its resonance in contemporary times (Krieken, 2010). Clare Bradford’s article, “The Stolen Generations of Australian: Narratives of Loss and Survival” provides insight into the experiences of the Stolen Generations and the enduring effects of colonialism on Indigenous communities (Bradford, 2020). One of the critical debates that continues to shape Australian society is whether colonialism still maintains its dominance within Indigenous cultures (Bradford, 2020). This essay attempts to unpack the deep-seated trauma of the Stolen Generations and the far reaching implications of cultural genocide (Krieken, 2010).This essay explores the historical context of the Stolen Generations, shedding light on the role of colonialism, and examines whether these factors continue to exert influence on present-day Indigenous communities. This essay examines the inter-generational trauma caused by the Stolen Generations, examining the challenges faced by children living with adults who were forcibly separated from their families and the factors within society today (Nogrady, 2023). This essay will examine the historical context of the Stolen Generations, examining the role of colonialism in their creation, and examining whether the factors contributing to this injustice still remain present (Haebich, 2011). This essay sheds light on the persistence of these challenges and underscores the urgent need for comprehensive interventions to overcome the repercussions (Nogrady, 2023). The Stolen Generations and the Role of Colonialism. Australia’s Stolen Generations were characterised by government policies aimed at assimilating Indigenous children into Europe (Haebich, 2011). From the late 1800s to the mid-20th century,

Australian government policies aimed to reintroduce Indigenous children into European culture by removing them from their families (Nogrady, 2023). This systemic practice was fuelled by a colonial approach that sought to eliminate Indigenous cultures and promote European dominance (Nogrady, 2023). The consequences of this brutal policy, however, are far beyond the time frame when it was enforced (Nogrady, 2023). This approach was rooted in the wider context of colonialism, which sought to eliminate Indigenous cultures and establish dominance over the land (Haebich, 2011). The European settlers viewed their culture as superior, resulting in a deliberate effort to eliminate Indigenous languages, traditions, and ways of life (Haebich, 2011). Such perspectives underpinned policies that led to the forced removal of Indigenous children from their families, this systemic removal aimed at assimilating these children into white society, erasing their culture identity and perpetuating colonial dominance (Bradford, 2020). The Stolen Generations were a manifestation of this colonial mentality, aiming to sever Indigenous children's ties to their heritage and forcibly integrate them into Western society (Haebich, 2011). As highlighted by Nogrady, the Stolen Generations' trauma has transformed generations, affecting the well-being and development of the descendants of those who were forcibly removed (Nogrady, 2023). These effects are based on the concept of intergenerational trauma, whereby the psychological and emotional scars of one generation are transmitted to subsequent generations through various mechanisms, such as family dynamics and cultural disparity (Nogrady, 2023). The Stolen Generations' trauma can contribute to higher rates of mental health disorders among their descendants, resulting in a cycle of emotional distress and instability (Nogrady, 2023). The forced removal of children meant there was a disconnection to Indigenous culture, language, and traditions in an attempt to force Indigenous children into European culture (Nogrady, 2023). This disconnection continues to impact subsequent generations' sense of identity and belonging (Nogrady, 2023). The trauma and cultural dislocation experienced by descendants may hinder educational attainment and socioeconomic advancement, perpetuating systemic inequalities (Nogrady, 2023). The Stolen Generations emerged from a complex network of colonial ideologies, racial hierarchies, and cultural supremacy (Krieken, 2010). As European powers exerted their power on Australian soil, they sought to assert control over the Indigenous population (Krieken, 2010). The Continuing Legacy of Colonialism. Although the Stolen Generations officially ended in the mid-20th century, the colonial legacy persists in various forms, affecting the lives of Indigenous people today (Krieken, 2010).

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Critics contend that the effects of colonialism persist through socioeconomic disparities disproportionately impacting Indigenous communities (Haebich, 2011). High rates of poverty, unemployment, and limited access to education and healthcare are viewed as enduring repercussions of historical marginalization (Haebich, 2011). Van Krieken's article highlights a significant aspect that the forced removal of children disconnected Indigenous Australians from their cultural practices, languages, and connections to their communities which amounted to a systematic attempt at cultural annihilation (Krieken, 2010). This deliberate act of cultural genocide profoundly affected the Indigenous communities, resulting in a lasting scar on their social fabric and self-respect (Krieken, 2010). This control was marked by the forced removal of Indigenous children, a practice rooted in the colonial view that Indigenous cultures were inferior and needed to be eradicated. The Stolen Generations represented a catastrophic attempt to assimilate Indigenous children into Eurocentric norms, obliterating their cultural identity and family ties (Krieken, 2010). Despite significant efforts towards reconciliation, certain factors suggest the continued relevance of colonialism, including Indigenous communities continue to experience higher rates of poverty, unemployment, and limited access to education and healthcare (Krieken, 2010). The loss of Indigenous languages, practices, and knowledge due to colonial policies has led to an ongoing struggle to preserve and revitalize Indigenous culture (Haebich, 2011). Against the Continuing Legacy of Colonialism. Although Australia has a dark, shameful history, advocates contend that significant efforts have been made in recent years to rectify past mistakes (Haebich, 2011). Government initiatives aimed at recognizing the Stolen Generations, granting formal apologies, and providing reparations are efforts to address historical injustices (Haebich, 2011). Despite the oppressive forces of colonialism, Indigenous communities demonstrated remarkable resilience Bradford, 2020). Bradford’s analysis of “Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence” exemplifies how Indigenous individuals resisted the narrative of victimhood and fought to reclaim their identities and land (Bradford, 2020). Today, many Australians are actively engaged in reconciliation efforts, displaying a greater understanding of and respect for Indigenous cultures, changing attitudes suggest a departure from the colonial mindset (Haebich, 2011). While it is true that Australia has taken steps toward acknowledging the injustices of the past and promoting Indigenous rights, the enduring socioeconomic disparities and cultural challenges faced by Indigenous communities indicate that the legacy of colonialism is far from being eradicated (Haebich, 2011).

Conclusion. The Stolen Generations continue to cast a long shadow over Indigenous identities and aspirations. Genuine reconciliation requires ongoing efforts to address systemic inequalities, preserve Indigenous cultures, and empower Indigenous communities (Haebich, 2011). The legacy of colonialism and the policy of forced removals has made a lasting impact that resonates through generations (Nogrady, 2023). In conclusion, the history of Australia's Stolen Generations is intertwined with the deep-rooted legacy of colonialism, shaping the lives of Indigenous individuals and communities (Haebich, 2011). Although colonialism persists in various forms, the effects of colonialism persist in various forms, necessitating ongoing efforts to dismantle systemic barriers and promote true reconciliation (Haebich, 2011). In conclusion, for Australia to achieve meaningful reconciliation and empowerment, Australia must confront the ongoing repercussions of this dark history and work collaboratively to address the inter-generational trauma that continues to shape the lives of Indigenous individuals and communities (Nogrady, 2023). The historical context, shaped by colonialism's desire for dominance, persists in the present-day struggles of Indigenous peoples (Krieken, 2010). While efforts have been made to acknowledge these injustices, the ongoing socioeconomic disparities and cultural challenges suggest that the legacy of colonialism still has a negative impact (Krieken, 2010). The journey towards healing and understanding remains an essential undertaking for all Australians, as the nation seeks to forge a future that respects, honors, and embraces its Indigenous heritage (Haebich, 2011). The responsibility to rectify these injustices remains a shared responsibility, requiring continued efforts to heal, reconcile, and empower Indigenous people and communities (Krieken, 2010). The question of whether colonialism remains the dominant social paradigm in Australian society today is complex, while significant strides have been made towards reconciliation of Indigenous culture, acknowledging Australia’s dark history and its continuing impact on Indigenous communities is crucial for fostering a more inclusive society (Bradford, 2020).

References Bradford, C. (2020). The Stolen Generations of Australia: Narratives of Loss and Survival. International Research in Children's Literature. Vol. 13 Issue 2, p242-258. 17p. Haebich, A. (2011). Forgetting Indigenous Histories: Cases from the History of Australia’s Stolen Generations. Summer2011, 44(4), 1033-1046. Krieken, R. V. (2010). The "Stolen Generations" and Cultural Genocide: The Forced Removal of Australian Indigenous Children from their Families and its Implications for the Sociology of Childhood. Sociology, 44(4), 623-638. Nogrady, B. (2023). Trauma of Australia’s Indigenous ‘Stolen Generations’ is still affecting children today. The Guardian.

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