Two weeks into our trip, and I am still amazed at how similar Australia is to the US. When we first arrived in Sydney, I kept forgetting we were in Australia. There were plenty of reminders (Accents, etc.), but Sydney is remarkably similar to NYC. Being a big city, it is not hard to understand why, but it surprised me nonetheless. Traveling to Canberra did not change my views, as it is very much like Washington DC. Brisbane began to provide the foreign feeling I had been expecting, although it is still a big city and thus continued to have signature city themes. Now in Cairns, I feel like we are finally beginning to understand what Australia is really about. This city, though still highly aimed at tourists, seems to be have a more Australian atmosphere. The beaches and weather provide the typical outlook on Australia, and I noticed that there are many more Aboriginal peoples walking around here than in other cities we have visited. Visiting such a variety of places, from cities to islands, is beginning to give me a true view of Australia - one much different than the portrayal in the media!
I would like to focus on a specific comparison of Australia to the US - how we treat our Natives.
I would like to commend Australia for the strong emphasis they put on their Aboriginal peoples. The many guides that have taught us always describe how important these peoples are to their history, to nature, and to what Australia is today. Whenever I have heard Aborigines mentioned, it is always with great respect. The Aborigines today are recognized for their connection to the land, for all of their inventions, and for their intelligence and creativity. Their spiritual beliefs are known and people try hard to avoid interrupting them.
Unfortunately, the Aboriginal people did undergo very rough times before Australia got to this point; times when the white men felt they were superior. Just like in America, natives were pulled from families, forced to learn the white mans way, and ignore their culture. This created a lost generation, and many languages are forever gone. However, Australia is now trying to correct these tremendous errors in judgement. Many schools teach Aboriginal languages along side English, and Aboriginal culture is now encouraged rather than buried.
On this trip, I have heard countless words of respect to the Aboriginal way of life, and have also learned many of the Dreamings. I really enjoyed hearing about the native Australians, but I realized that the natives are revered much more here than in America. I began to wonder if The Aboriginal population was very large here compared to the Native American population in America, but I learned that they make up less than 1%! I find it truly amazing that even though they make up such a small population today, the Aborigines are studied, their Dreamings are known, and their culture is respected.
Australia natives and American natives both had tremendous intelligence, invented many tools, discovered many uses of nature, respected and helped nature, practiced spiritual beliefs and ceremonies, and provided crucial characteristics to the emergence of our countries. Both were disrespected and displaced by colonists and eventually citizens of the country, and both were eventually apologized to and given back rights.
The large difference is thus the amount of acknowledgment and respect that they are given. Though in America young kids are taught in history class about the Natives role in America and their beliefs, we are quick to forget. National Parks and historical sites often mention their role in the area, but, in general, the American population does not refer to natives the way that Australians do. Most of us do not know their creation stories, we do not understand the ins and out of their spiritual beliefs, we are not working so hard to retain their culture, and they are not brought up daily in words of respect.
When I see how much Australians know about their natives, it makes me sad to know that most Americans are not as educated, caring and respectful of the people who are so important to our past, our present, and our future.
Anyway - on a lighter note - here is a song that I enjoy and find pretty funny :)
Every year since 2000, Elmira College has offered NSC 1940 The Natural and Social History of Australia to students interested in learning about this wonderful and unique land. This blog is devoted to the 2013 course.
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