David Glazebrook

The colonials took the land. This was done through violence, stealth, and deliberately causing sickness and death. They also believed that Aboriginal people were ‘less’. Not equivalent humans. That caused immediate trauma to those it immediately impacted on, and that trauma resonated throughout the following generations. I think it is only in recent history that we know that trauma is passed on from generation to generation. Years ago, I thought it was time that people stopped being sooks and got on with things. I know differently and we have to allow the time and make the resources available to heal. That will be generational as well.

I am 70 years old. My education as a young kid in Country Victoria ranged from nothing, to weren’t we (The white colonials) terrific in bringing our civilization and much better ways to the Aboriginal people. Aboriginals were the people who made the boomerang, (the one I had was probably made in Japan) and they added ‘color’ to the occasional event. With what I know now, ignorance and avoidance of fact reigned supreme. I learnt in the 50’s and 60’s that all good things were done by white blokes and women were there to cook and raise kids. Anyone of color was there to work for the white blokes. We weren’t even taught about the outstanding things women did. My education was comprehensive in keeping everything that really happened a secret.

The history has to be taught, the good, the bad and the ugly. We need to teach about those who fought back, (for years I never knew and thought all Aboriginals were 100% compliant, but I was so wrong) the clever Aboriginals who worked the system the best they could to help their families. Their stories need to come alive, the humor they have and the horror they had to endure. I know we have these stories, but unless you really look, you never know. We need to celebrate the many wonderful things done by excellent people and not be surprised that an Aboriginal did this, rather revel in being grateful and amazed that this person is part of our country doing this magnificent thing. There needs to be a way to get to the average middle class Aussie bogan who doesn’t give a shit. The ones that only care about themselves. They have to come along on the learning journey.

We have to stand up to those who say this is a waste of time, and the others with their derogatory language and excuses, the ones they use to protect their privilege and ignorance. We need to educate people about trauma and that it lasts, we need to talk about being decent people, promote we are all equal. When we do this, we need to entertain people. There are times to be serious, but when we are entertained, we listen, and we absorb. Wouldn’t it be nice to have the decent persons, the equality driven, solutions for all version of, and a 180-degree flip to the ignorant harpy bastard Sky News. A pox on them and their stupidity.

We have to stand up to those who say this is a waste of time, and the others with their derogatory language and excuses, the ones they use to protect their privilege and ignorance. We need to educate people about trauma and that it lasts, we need to talk about being decent people, promote we are all equal. When we do this, we need to entertain people. There are times to be serious, but when we are entertained, we listen, and we absorb. Wouldn’t it be nice to have the decent persons, the equality driven, solutions for all version of, and a 180-degree flip to the ignorant harpy bastard Sky News. A pox on them and their stupidity.