Aboriginality and Representation

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the theories of representation, cross-cultural representation between Aboriginals and non-Aboriginals, and representations within the Aboriginal community. The author points out that representations between Aboriginals and non-Aboriginals form the basis of the dialogue between them. However, each group's level of understanding of the other is dependant on their interpretations of these representations. The paper concludes that, as the intersubjective dialogue through representation continues, each group should gain a greater understanding of the other. This is not a fixed, state of affairs, but rather, an ongoing, evolving process.

From the Paper:

"Furthermore, Aborigines really had no choice in Europeanising themselves as it was thrust upon them in the colonial days. On top of this, their culture was suppressed by white domination. Nowadays, Aborigines make use of technology to spread their identity and culture. ABC occasionally aired five-minute programmes that would retell old Aboriginal dream time stories. These programmes had a specific Aboriginal flavour in that the pictures were still, much like their rock-painting, and the story was told through the use of a narrator, as is the Aboriginal tradition of oral story-telling."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bhabha, H. K., 1994, The Location of Culture, Routledge, New York and London.
• Cavallaro, D., 2001, Critical and Cultural Theory, The Athlone Press, London and New Brunswick, NJ.
• Charnon, Lou, 2000, 'Racial Fetishism in the Nineteenth Century Illustrated Magazine' full text online at State University of New York Website http://www.sinc.sunysb.edu/Publish/hiper/num1/art/lou.htm accessed in 16/09/02.
• Dauber, C., 2000, 'Stand Up The Real Elizabeth Durack' in Marcus, J. (ed.) Picturing the 'Primitif': Images of Race in Daily Life, LHR Press, pp. 239-261.
• Hartley, J. and A. McKee, 2000, The Indigenous Public Sphere, Oxford University Press, New York.

More papers on Aboriginality and Representation:

• Analytical Essay # 130516 : "Representation of Canada's Aboriginals"
• Essay # 87613 : "Aboriginal Peoples and Canadian Institutions"
• Term Paper # 100287 : "Canada's First Nations and the Mass Media"

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