Why Warriors Lay Down and Die

Steve,

you are right, an interesting read which will help all to gain an understanding and insight into indigenous australians, that is, if their mind is open to such things.

I have just finished using this book for a unit at uni, and it was of good help. I will one day sit down and read from front to back.

Australia is quite young, and still has some work to do on intercultural relations, especially when we look at education and health care. (I personally find the whole methodology used within australia quite hypocritical, but that is for another day). A good doco that demonstrates Australia's shortcomings in healthcare provision is one called "rites of Passage' which is a contrast between Indigenous Australian and Indigenous Canadian health care. This put alot in perspective for me.

Mike

Thanks Steve

The prologue is interesting enough. I will endeavour to get the book.

It is not only the clash of the cultures throughout Australia but that of cultures across the world. Firepower has been the conqueror over those who had not advanced that far in warfare and then the conquerors set about decimating and subjugating the populations of the indigenous peoples with little thought or care or understanding.

Later generations have continued that trend and we are all a tad intolerant of others by virtue of our education and what was drummed into our heads when we were kids. I am not blameless but I am trying to have a balanced approach to these matters.

Cheers

It is an excellent book. A few years back I made it required reading for my staff. It generated a lot of discussion and exposed some interesting values that in turn led to more discussion. I'm glad to hear it is required reading at one uni. It would go well with 'Rabbit Proof Fence'

BruceV

The real problem in our society is people lack empathy. There is no profit in understanding.

To put yourself in someone else's shoes and to truly try to understand what choices and the realities of what their life is about is a seemingly impossible task for the majority of people.

It is much easier to use the blame game to explain away someone's position in life. It is easier because it negates any need to do anything to help.

It is much easier to see a homeless alcoholic and blame them for there horrible lot in life and choosing their lot, NOT to realise that the poor guy was concussed in a pedestrian accident and has no idea of who he was, now suffers depression and no desire to keep on living. - Why help, when the stupid idiot chooses to drink?

The saddest part about WWLDADie is that the same mistakes are still being made now. Nearly 10? years later. I read it in 2000.

There is too quick a turn over in the people who make the decisions which means that they never face the repercussions of their mismanagement.

There are also even larger wages available to the managers of the decision makers - a classic Catch 22, fix a problem and they lose their livelihood - they would have to return to mainstream employment where their incompetency would soon be discovered.

Empowerment is a rare and dangerous word out here.

Hi Steve
I look forward to reading the book you suggest
Many years ago during a trip in the Kimberly's I came across a book "Raparapa" stories from Fitroy Aboriginal drovers. I have lent this book to several people who agree that if books like these should be taught in schools
Like you my comments regarding the book are the same "should the book be read" YES.....................
Why isn't our culture/heritage taught in schools ??????????????????
I learnt nothing of our culture in school (1960's)
Hopefully my grand daughter (1yr old) will learn a "HELL" of a lot more about Australian Culture.
As Parents and Grandparents we should be demanding that our culture be taught in schools
All us "Tourists" - "Grey Nomads" are visiting the "CULTURE" sites about Aboriginals/Explorers/ Shearers/ This great land of Australia, but our kids don't know anything unless they are fortunate enough to travel this great land of ours and learn from experience.
It's time that we as parents/grandparents sent a message to the "governments" that we need our culture taught in schools.
I'll get off my soap box now
But read "Raparapa" edited by Paul Marshall - Published by Magabala Books
ISBN 0 7316 3328 8
Kind Regards
Bazza 2
Ps sorry Steve if I took over

Thanks for that Steve, will follow that up.

other good reads on my shelf that should be in schools, are those of Kevin Gilbert.

I think the closest I came to blackfella studies in schools was "The Chant of Jimmy Blacksmith" but once I got out there and yarned and learnt more about the complexity and yet the simplicity of their culture, I was hooked. Language and country, critical to their survival.

After moving to the east coast 11 yrs ago, I used to visit elders in Refern's "Block." Listening to them talk about family etc. was a humbling experience to be honest. Certainly contrasting surroundings to NW communities and towns yet the spirit was still there inside.I felt similar when I visited the Oglala Sioux in the Dakotas.

I have a friend who had not seen a whitefella until she was 13 yrs old. Now she has kids who she is bringing up in law and ensuring they learn the language. A strong woman indeed, very strong. Her kids will reflect this as they grow.

that'll do......

kind regards,

Jeremy.

Steve

Well done!!

Your post has prompted some very positive responses

Tjilpi