Overview / Gliederung:
Title:
Australia’s “Stolen Generation” mapped in Doris Pilkington’s “Rabbit-proof-fence”
About the author: Doris Pilkington Garimara
Short summary of her book “Rabbit-proof-fence”
Facts about the “Rabbit-proof-fence” in Australia
History of the Aborigines
Definition of the “Stolen Generation” in Australia
European Settlement and its effects on Australia
1. Colonisation
1.1 Which motives did the English have for colonization?
1.2 Consequences for the indigenous people in Australia:
2. Removal of Aboriginal children
2.1 Reasons for the removal
2.2 Living conditions of the abducted children
2.3 Far-reaching consequences for these infants
2.4 The current situation of stolen kids / now adults
The rise of Aboriginal rights
1. National Sorry Day in Australia
2. Compensations and apologies
3. Important rights and official end of discrimination
Further media which include the topic of the “Stolen Generation”
Is the fate of the Molly, Daisy and Gracie typical for children from that time?
Vocab
Table of Contents
1. Colonisation
1.1 Which motives did the English have for colonization?
1.2 Consequences for the indigenous people in Australia
2. Removal of Aboriginal children
2.1 Reasons for the removal
2.2 Living conditions of the abducted children
2.3 Far-reaching consequences for these infants
2.4 The current situation of stolen kids / now adults
3. National Sorry Day in Australia
4. Compensations and apologies
5. Important rights and official end of discrimination
Objectives and Topics
This work examines the historical background and the traumatic consequences of the "Stolen Generation" in Australia, specifically analyzing the impact of forced removals of Aboriginal children on their lives and subsequent generations, as illustrated by Doris Pilkington's book "Rabbit-proof-fence".
- Historical context of British colonization in Australia.
- Government policies regarding the removal of Aboriginal children.
- Living conditions within the mission settlements.
- Long-term psychological and social consequences for the affected individuals.
- The process of national reconciliation, including Sorry Day and formal apologies.
Excerpt from the book
Short summary of her book “Rabbit-proof-fence”
The book is based on the true story of three Aboriginal girls named Molly (14), her sister Daisy (8) and their cousin Gracie (10) who ran away from a Native Settlement in south Australia. They have been taken away from their mothers by the government because they are half-caste children. The cabinet wanted to integrate the half-caste infants into the white society. At Moore River Native Settlement they were told to forget their native language and traditions and taught them how to live like white people. One day Molly, Daisy and Gracie walked away from the settlement into the outback in hopes of finding the rabbit-proof-fence, which would lead them back home to Jigalog (north Australia). The girls reached indeed the fence and walked 1,500 miles back home to their families. In fact they moved for almost nine weeks. Police and the government looked everywhere for them, however, without success.
Summary of Chapters
1. Colonisation: Describes the arrival of the British and the beginning of colonial rule in Australia, focusing on the displacement and exploitation of the indigenous population.
2. Removal of Aboriginal children: Explains the systemic government policy of separating half-caste Aboriginal children from their families, detailing the motivations and the harsh realities of life in mission camps.
3. National Sorry Day in Australia: Documents the establishment of a memorial day to recognize the systemic removal of Indigenous children and the formal apology by the Australian government.
4. Compensations and apologies: Discusses the "Bringing Them Home" report and the subsequent political efforts to provide financial reparations and public acknowledgement to the victims.
5. Important rights and official end of discrimination: Outlines the key legislative milestones that led to voting rights, legal equality, and the recognition of land rights for the Aboriginal population.
Keywords
Stolen Generation, Aborigines, Rabbit-proof-fence, Doris Pilkington, Colonisation, Mission camps, Half-caste, Human rights, National Sorry Day, Bringing Them Home, Reconciliation, Discrimination, Assimilation, Indigenous children, Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary subject of this publication?
The work focuses on the history of the "Stolen Generation" in Australia, exploring the systematic forced removal of Aboriginal children by the government and the lasting consequences of this policy.
What are the central themes addressed in this study?
The central themes include colonial history, state-sponsored assimilation, child removal policies, the traumatic experiences of victims, and the struggle for official recognition and human rights.
What is the main goal or research focus of the work?
The objective is to analyze how the "Stolen Generation" was formed through historical policy and to reflect on its lasting impact on individuals and Aboriginal culture through the lens of literature and historical reports.
Which scientific or analytical methods are applied?
The work utilizes a descriptive analysis of historical documents, government reports (e.g., "Bringing Them Home"), and a literary analysis of Doris Pilkington's factual account "Rabbit-proof-fence".
What is covered in the main body of the document?
The main body examines the history of colonization, the reasons for child removals, the living conditions in mission camps, the long-term psychological consequences, and the path toward legal equality and national apologies.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Stolen Generation, Aborigines, Assimilation, Colonialism, Human Rights, and Government Policy.
How did the concept of "half-caste" drive government policy?
The government feared a rise in a mixed-race population and, led by administrators like A.O. Neville, sought to use assimilation policies and marriage controls to "breed out" Aboriginal characteristics.
What were the typical conditions in the Moore River Native Settlement?
Conditions were characterized by overcrowding, lack of proper education, forced labor, physical abuse, and an intentional disconnection from the children's original culture and families.
How does the "Bringing Them Home" report contribute to this topic?
It provides empirical evidence and over 1,000 personal testimonies regarding the treatment of removed children, serving as a catalyst for the government's formal apology in 2008.
- Quote paper
- Sandra Bosnic (Author), 2012, Australia's Stolen Generation mapped in Doris Pilkington's "rabbit proof fence", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/191502
