National identity
Thursday February 14, 2008
I had the most crap day today. And the worst part is that it wasn’t even because something bad happened – it’s because I was in a negative frame of mind. Sigh. I’ll move on…
Yesterday the Prime Minister apologised to the Indigenous Australia people who were removed from their homes and placed with white families, between 1910 and the early 1970s.
But what interests me are these statistics:
In one online poll 36 per cent were in favour of the apology and 64 per cent against, while another had the number at 44 in favour to 56 opposed. (article)
I’m actually in the 64/56 percent group. Maybe that makes me a spoiled and over pampered child. Or maybe it makes me a pessimist.
I just find the whole thing quite hypocritical and exclusive.
The Government wants today to be a day of triumph.
It’s a day which for many Australians merely increases their sense of loss and abandonment, and perpetuates the notion that there are rules for some which don’t apply to others. (2GB.com – The Apology 13 February 2008)
I just don’t like feeling so culturally confused. And I don’t like feeling as though I should feel guilty for something I had nothing to do with. I hope this isn’t interpreted as racism… sigh. Political correctness…
15.02.08 - Amy - #
Ugh, this reminds me of when we had some people in the states apologize for slavery. I think slavery was cruel and unnecessary, but I don’t feel like we need to apologize for something that never affected us directly. I don’t know… Maybe I’m just cruel too. :)
Happy Valentine’s day.
15.02.08 - Kimberly - #
Happy Valentine’s Day.
I don’t think that would be interpreted as racism although I would be in favor of an apology. I understand that the people now had nothing to do with it but the indigenous/aboriginal peoples now aren’t affected by it either (or at least in Canada). However, the people before that DID make it happen, are our forefathers so I guess…I don’t know, in a way, I would feel guilty. I guess I think of it as like, if my dad killed someone else’s dad, I think I would apologize to that person’s kids.
Anyways, don’t mind me, I’m weird. lol