Hi guys,
For my first blog I've decided to focus on the stereotype that exists about Aboriginal people. Unfortunately the stereotypical view of Aboriginal people is that they are violent, lazy, alcoholics who do not want to work and receive special treatment from the Australian Government. Whilst this stereotype may fit some Aboriginal people as it would fit some of any other group of people it is certainly not true of all Aboriginal people (please read article). The effect of such a negative stereotype is that Aboriginal people are judged before they are even given a chance and can have an impact on how the Aboriginal people view themselves.
In my essay/report I am going to discuss how this stereotype developed, why it continues to exist and how it can be changed. In my opinion and from what research I've done the mass media has played a strong role in the formulation and maintenance of this stereotype and can help to change it. Changing stereotypes is a long and difficult task as they are so widespread and have existed for so long but it can be done!
Feel free to comment, ask questions, argue or lead me to any useful resources!
5 comments:
Excellent topic - look forwarding to hear more about this develops.
Good topic Jaimee.
I was just thinking that the perception of Indigenous people is changing as we see an increase in those who are well educated and contributing positively to society.
but than I was thinking...while this is good it would be good to view the traditional Indigenous people and communities in a positive way also.
I just think it would be good to be proud of the Indigenous people who remain strong to their traditional culture and still live on the land. It seems a shame if the only way we can reduce the stereotype is by having experience with Indigenous people who share the same westernised social system.
This will take some time as those that would be good to meet or interesting to see are not in the public eye, or just wondering around cities for us to meet. Unfortunately the stereotype of the Indigenous people does grow or is strengthened as we are often only exposed to the negative publicity in the media.
Maybe in your assignment you could look at the Indigenous people in New Zealand? You could compare how the country became so proud of their Indigenous people and embrace their history and culture more positively than many Australians.
Hope this makes some sense anyway :p
Hi Jaimee,
This sounds like a really interesting topic to explore, and I agree with the points that you have started to discuss. I lived up in Darwin for some six years, and in that time, I became more aware of Indigenous culture and traditions. While I am aware that some Indigenous individuals do engage in excessive drinking and become aggressive and violent, this is by no means true of all Indigenous individuals.
This is a very pertinent stereotype which exists in Australia, and by generalising certain negative behaviours to a particular group, in this case, Indigenous Australians, society is adding fuel to the fire and encouraging the upkeep of this stereotype. As mentioned in this weeks lecture, one way to reduce prejudice and stereotyping is to become more familiar with different cultural groups. Before living in Darwin, I was also guilty of making negative generalisations about Indigenous individuals. However, I since have realised what a fantastic and spiritual culture it is. Exposure is definately a way in which society can overcome stereotypes. I look forward to reading more on your opinions on how stereotyping of the Indigneous population could be reduced.
Thanks for the comments everyone...
I agree with you Fiona that how Aboriginal people are perceived in Australia is slowly changing. More effort is being made by the media to portray Aboriginal people in a more positive light. Stories about Aboriginal people who contribute considerably to society are more common. And yes we should be proud of those who are maintaining their culture and traditional way of life, I believe this would occur if Australians were educated more about Aboriginal culture and the communities who still on the land. if this were to happen it might aid in removing or even improving the negative stereotype.
And Jessica,
Thank you for sharing your experiences. I think one of the main reasons why this stereotype exists is because the Aboriginal people are a minority in this Country and those of the majority do not come across indigenous people in their everyday lives. the stereotype grew because people are more likely to take notice and remember negative events, and since the media has in the past tended to only report negative images of Aboriginals, the greater community held onto the negative and generalized it to the entire Aboriginal community. It will take a long time to remove this stereotype and will take a lot of work. As you said, your perception of Aboriginal people changed after you were exposed to more Aboriginals and experienced their culture which demonstrates that the way to remove this stereotype is through education. If children were taught in school more about what the Aboriginal people have been through and everyone was exposed to the positive rather than the negative, eventually the stereotype would change.
Hi Jaimee
I am also looking at the stereotype viewing Aboriginal people as alcoholics for my first blog.
I have found the topic very interesting to research. Your blog sounds like it will be very informative. Goodluck with it!!
Jane
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