Follow the Rabbit Proof Fence
After reading Rabbit Proof Fence, I thought it was an exceptionally eye opening story of the ways in which aboriginal people in Australia were viewed during this time period. The book tells the story of Molly Craig who was deemed to be a ‘Half Cast “ by the Australian government. As a result of this Molly was taken by police officers from her mother and her family, in the name of eugenics. The main goal of the eugenics movement in Australia at his time was to essentially attempt to eliminate the genes of aboriginal people by forcing half casts to be assimilated in to white Australian culture, and copulate with white individuals, there by drastically reducing the aboriginal blood line in subsequent generations. Molly along with her sister Daisy and cousin Gracie were all taken well over one thousand kilometers across the continent to attend a Native Settlement. In this settlement the main goal was to achieve assimilation. That is, the government attempted to strip these children of their cultures, and forcefully introduce them to the ways of the western world. Shortly after their arrival in sometime in 1931, these three young women successfully escaped from this settlement and tried to navigate the Australian terrain in an attempt to return to their homes, which was over one thousand miles away. It is absolutely amazing that these three girls were able to navigate such a long distance without any sort of map. They used to rabbit proof fence, which was constructed, as a means of keeping rabbits and other animals that could prove detrimental to agricultural production, out of Western Australia. It is almost unbelievable that these three girls were successfully able to return home by using this fence as their guide. Even more amazing was that the author of this novel. Doris Pilkington wrote this story in response to her mother’s story: Molly Craig. It is quite apparent that the events of this time period and the actions taken by the Australian government were directly responsible for tearing apart countless families in the name of race. In class when we viewed the apology, I initially thought it was sincere, but at that time it was hard to visualize the extraordinary effect these policies had on families; therefore, looking back on the apology I now feel it was rather inadequate. I really don’t think that after what the government has put these people through, that simply saying “I am sorry” is enough. The fact that the government deliberately tried to destroy the culture of native Australians, and to essentially breed their genes out of the population’s gene pool will resonate with these people for countless generations.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Week 5
Code Noir
This is basically just a long list of laws imposed by the French. Many of these laws seemed harsh and ridiculous. I really did not understand why evicting the Jews from the land was such a priority, and why they were declared enemies of the Christian religion it really did not make any sense to me. I also thought it was interesting that the laws kept consistent with the religion, as they observed Sundays as a rest day. After reading over many of these very specific rules, I wonder in what ways were these laws enforced. In a region where there were so many slaves, it seems like a daunting task to attempt to enforce all of these laws.
Description of French Port of Saint-Domingue
I found it interesting that this description was first published in Philadelphia. It makes sense that people in the U.S. would be interested in how slave labor was being conducted and maintained in another part of the world. I still find it weird that mulattos were to be in slavery up until they were twenty-one. I think the Vaudoux was very intriguing. It seemed that these were in a way puppets to those who hold power. Their opinions and beliefs seemed to be created and shaped based upon what was consistent with what the king and queen and their interests.
Letter to those who love mankind
I thought the message of this letter was to warn the against slave rebellion. As the number of slaves increase in near exponential fashion, the skewed ratio between slaves and their masters can prove to be detrimental. The statistic cited was that in a period of eight years the population people of color more than doubles, while France’s population grew by one-ninth. Obviously if you have such a difference in population size, the likelihood of a successful slave rebellion increases.
Observation on Origin and Progression
This was written by someone who would be considered a Gen de Coleur. I found it interesting that the colonists would rather copulate with women of color as appose to the women who were from their homeland. I was shocked that the white men in this time period were able to make that decision, in the midst of all the racial inequality of the time.
History of Revolution of Saint-Domingue
I can see why this document would have been of particular interest to the U.S., as Dalmas wrote this account after he had left Saint-Domingue, and took up residence in the U.S. I thought the religious ceremony that was described was hard to understand. I don’t quite understand why such an event would take place the night before the planned revolt; I guess it was intended to prepare the rebels. From the description the revolt was very brutal and deadly, I found it interesting that some slaves spared their masters.
Reports of the Insurrection
This is a series of entries, which describes the slave revolt on Saint-Domingue. It discusses the roles of some of the whites among the insurgents as well as the roles played by people of color as well as some tactics that were used. At the beginning of the insurrection the Negroes made attacks that were random and sporadic. It mentioned that their weapons usually consisted of the tolls of their labor. It makes sense why the Spanish supplied the Negroes with uniforms as well as arms, it the revolt was a success then it would be much easier to spread Spanish beliefs, as well as easier to colonize the region.
Abolition of Slavery
In this section, it is clear that the French wanted to free the slaves. I kind of got a sense that the French were in a way apologizing for having these slaves, and trying to make amends. As the French abolish slavery, it seems like this is a drastic time of change in France. It seems like the long push by these people for equality was rewarded, in the sense that they were no longer slaves. In that respect this must have been an extremely meaningful event for these people.
Letters
This is a series of letters written by Thomas Jefferson. For the most part it talks about slavery in America as well as possible problems what may arise from it. Most notably the concern is that as the news of the Saint-Domingue slave revolt has spread across the world, this may inspire the slaves in the U.S. to also attempt to revolt. The letters discuss methods and ways certain states can try to diminish the possibility that such a revolt would occur. Some of these tactics include, exporting slaves back to Africa, as well as encouraging leaving the country. I think that the letters suggests that in the wake of the revolt in Saint Domingue, the Americas were concerned that such an event could occur in the U.S. and they wanted to do all in their power to ensure that such a revolt did it occur.
Constitution of French Colony of Saint Domingue
This document was created as a result of Napoleon Bonaparte’s proclamation of France’s new constitution. I thought most of the laws were for the most part were good. The constitution guarantees individual liberty and security, no one can be arrested except by virtue of a formally expressed order. This is a large step forward from slavery. I did think that article ten was interesting. It states that divorce will not be allowed. It seems like at this time this particular article may have sparked some debate.
Haitian Independence
It is clear that after the revolt the people in this region, as expected, have an intense hatred toward the French. This document clearly states separation from the French and Haiti, also states that there will be “Eternal hatred of France”. I found that to be quite interesting.
Haitian Constitution
This stresses the changes that the people of Haiti wanted most notably the freedom of religion. I did notice that many laws were really strict. For example Article 11 under the Preliminary Declaration states that every citizen must know mechanical trade. I think that that law would be rather difficult to enforce along with many other of these laws.
This is basically just a long list of laws imposed by the French. Many of these laws seemed harsh and ridiculous. I really did not understand why evicting the Jews from the land was such a priority, and why they were declared enemies of the Christian religion it really did not make any sense to me. I also thought it was interesting that the laws kept consistent with the religion, as they observed Sundays as a rest day. After reading over many of these very specific rules, I wonder in what ways were these laws enforced. In a region where there were so many slaves, it seems like a daunting task to attempt to enforce all of these laws.
Description of French Port of Saint-Domingue
I found it interesting that this description was first published in Philadelphia. It makes sense that people in the U.S. would be interested in how slave labor was being conducted and maintained in another part of the world. I still find it weird that mulattos were to be in slavery up until they were twenty-one. I think the Vaudoux was very intriguing. It seemed that these were in a way puppets to those who hold power. Their opinions and beliefs seemed to be created and shaped based upon what was consistent with what the king and queen and their interests.
Letter to those who love mankind
I thought the message of this letter was to warn the against slave rebellion. As the number of slaves increase in near exponential fashion, the skewed ratio between slaves and their masters can prove to be detrimental. The statistic cited was that in a period of eight years the population people of color more than doubles, while France’s population grew by one-ninth. Obviously if you have such a difference in population size, the likelihood of a successful slave rebellion increases.
Observation on Origin and Progression
This was written by someone who would be considered a Gen de Coleur. I found it interesting that the colonists would rather copulate with women of color as appose to the women who were from their homeland. I was shocked that the white men in this time period were able to make that decision, in the midst of all the racial inequality of the time.
History of Revolution of Saint-Domingue
I can see why this document would have been of particular interest to the U.S., as Dalmas wrote this account after he had left Saint-Domingue, and took up residence in the U.S. I thought the religious ceremony that was described was hard to understand. I don’t quite understand why such an event would take place the night before the planned revolt; I guess it was intended to prepare the rebels. From the description the revolt was very brutal and deadly, I found it interesting that some slaves spared their masters.
Reports of the Insurrection
This is a series of entries, which describes the slave revolt on Saint-Domingue. It discusses the roles of some of the whites among the insurgents as well as the roles played by people of color as well as some tactics that were used. At the beginning of the insurrection the Negroes made attacks that were random and sporadic. It mentioned that their weapons usually consisted of the tolls of their labor. It makes sense why the Spanish supplied the Negroes with uniforms as well as arms, it the revolt was a success then it would be much easier to spread Spanish beliefs, as well as easier to colonize the region.
Abolition of Slavery
In this section, it is clear that the French wanted to free the slaves. I kind of got a sense that the French were in a way apologizing for having these slaves, and trying to make amends. As the French abolish slavery, it seems like this is a drastic time of change in France. It seems like the long push by these people for equality was rewarded, in the sense that they were no longer slaves. In that respect this must have been an extremely meaningful event for these people.
Letters
This is a series of letters written by Thomas Jefferson. For the most part it talks about slavery in America as well as possible problems what may arise from it. Most notably the concern is that as the news of the Saint-Domingue slave revolt has spread across the world, this may inspire the slaves in the U.S. to also attempt to revolt. The letters discuss methods and ways certain states can try to diminish the possibility that such a revolt would occur. Some of these tactics include, exporting slaves back to Africa, as well as encouraging leaving the country. I think that the letters suggests that in the wake of the revolt in Saint Domingue, the Americas were concerned that such an event could occur in the U.S. and they wanted to do all in their power to ensure that such a revolt did it occur.
Constitution of French Colony of Saint Domingue
This document was created as a result of Napoleon Bonaparte’s proclamation of France’s new constitution. I thought most of the laws were for the most part were good. The constitution guarantees individual liberty and security, no one can be arrested except by virtue of a formally expressed order. This is a large step forward from slavery. I did think that article ten was interesting. It states that divorce will not be allowed. It seems like at this time this particular article may have sparked some debate.
Haitian Independence
It is clear that after the revolt the people in this region, as expected, have an intense hatred toward the French. This document clearly states separation from the French and Haiti, also states that there will be “Eternal hatred of France”. I found that to be quite interesting.
Haitian Constitution
This stresses the changes that the people of Haiti wanted most notably the freedom of religion. I did notice that many laws were really strict. For example Article 11 under the Preliminary Declaration states that every citizen must know mechanical trade. I think that that law would be rather difficult to enforce along with many other of these laws.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Week 4
Bogadi
This reading provides letters that argue about the bogadi. From the beginning of the reading it is clear that the British have started to spread Christianity to South Africa. This reading begins with an example of Adam and Eve, which suggested that these people were familiar with main ideas and themes of Christianity. Essentially this is a back and forth argument based on many aspects of the bogadi. With the introduction of Christianity many of the people of this region are starting to critically look at their own cultures and customs. The point is that there were people on both sides of this argument. As the bogadi is a crucial part of the marriage ceremony for these people, many argue that regardless what Christianity tells them it should continue to be of that importance to these people. I think this reading really shows the kind of influence that the British had over the people of southern Africa, especially with regards to the ways in which they view religion.
Intro words of Batswana
It is quite interesting that within the last twenty years people of southern Africa are just becoming interested in studying personal experiences of colonialism. I wonder what types of political changes occurred to spike an increase in this subject. I wonder why it took so long for people to want to understand the history of the area and what kinds of information can be learned from understand and studying these stories. I found it interesting that the London Missionaries translated the Bible into Setswana, yet another indication that Christianity is spreading rapidly into this part of the world.
Kgabo Letter
I thought this letter showed the importance of language to a culture. In many cases people of a group are identified by the language they speak, it is a means part of their identity. I think that they consider their own language to be not only a means of communication, but also that it is part of themselves. I also think that the people the letter talks about, while they strongly appose losing their own language, I think they begin to see the advantages of learning new languages, thus allowing them to be more informed and able to understand the people around them.
Letter from March 1890
In this letter the author is talking about the obligation that parents have to teach their children about Christianity. It seems like many people at this time did not really include their children in religious events. The author says that while many adults attend church services many children are being left in the dark. I really don’t quite understand why that would be.
Pass Laws
The whole concept of these laws to me seems really strange. It doesn’t seem right to pass a law and not inform the population about it, then arrest people for breaking a law they did not even knew existed. These laws really just seem like a really good way for these big companies to get free labor, which in turn leads them to be much more profitable. And these compounds that people were forced to live in sound just like prisons, the picture we looked at in class really made these places appear very cramped, it kind of reminded me a picture of a concentration camp from the holocaust. I thought the watchtower was a very interesting feature that you would not expect to b there. These compounds did serve a purpose as they allowed for these mining companies to have more control over their employees, and the convicts that worked for them.
This reading provides letters that argue about the bogadi. From the beginning of the reading it is clear that the British have started to spread Christianity to South Africa. This reading begins with an example of Adam and Eve, which suggested that these people were familiar with main ideas and themes of Christianity. Essentially this is a back and forth argument based on many aspects of the bogadi. With the introduction of Christianity many of the people of this region are starting to critically look at their own cultures and customs. The point is that there were people on both sides of this argument. As the bogadi is a crucial part of the marriage ceremony for these people, many argue that regardless what Christianity tells them it should continue to be of that importance to these people. I think this reading really shows the kind of influence that the British had over the people of southern Africa, especially with regards to the ways in which they view religion.
Intro words of Batswana
It is quite interesting that within the last twenty years people of southern Africa are just becoming interested in studying personal experiences of colonialism. I wonder what types of political changes occurred to spike an increase in this subject. I wonder why it took so long for people to want to understand the history of the area and what kinds of information can be learned from understand and studying these stories. I found it interesting that the London Missionaries translated the Bible into Setswana, yet another indication that Christianity is spreading rapidly into this part of the world.
Kgabo Letter
I thought this letter showed the importance of language to a culture. In many cases people of a group are identified by the language they speak, it is a means part of their identity. I think that they consider their own language to be not only a means of communication, but also that it is part of themselves. I also think that the people the letter talks about, while they strongly appose losing their own language, I think they begin to see the advantages of learning new languages, thus allowing them to be more informed and able to understand the people around them.
Letter from March 1890
In this letter the author is talking about the obligation that parents have to teach their children about Christianity. It seems like many people at this time did not really include their children in religious events. The author says that while many adults attend church services many children are being left in the dark. I really don’t quite understand why that would be.
Pass Laws
The whole concept of these laws to me seems really strange. It doesn’t seem right to pass a law and not inform the population about it, then arrest people for breaking a law they did not even knew existed. These laws really just seem like a really good way for these big companies to get free labor, which in turn leads them to be much more profitable. And these compounds that people were forced to live in sound just like prisons, the picture we looked at in class really made these places appear very cramped, it kind of reminded me a picture of a concentration camp from the holocaust. I thought the watchtower was a very interesting feature that you would not expect to b there. These compounds did serve a purpose as they allowed for these mining companies to have more control over their employees, and the convicts that worked for them.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Week 3
Commonwealth of Thieves
This novel tells the story of Arthur Phillip, who was put in charge of an English voyage to establish a penal colony on the coast of Australia. At this time in England crime was on the rise and the prisons in the country were rapidly being filled to capacity. As the novel begins by introducing the reader to many different characters who are all alike in the sense that they are considered criminals, yet their crimes did not seem to be too severe. Most of these crimes stemmed from the extreme unequal distribution of wealth seen in this region during this time period. Most of the people that were imprisoned at this time, were put there for doing very minor things, it kind of seems like the British wanted many people in their jails so they would have the benefits of free labor which could be utilized on endeavors such as this journey to Australia. In the midst of the American Revolution taking place in North America at his time, the British decide on transport of these prisoners to Australia. They were to settle on Botany Bay off the Western Coast of the continent, as they set out on their voyage. As expected during the journey the crew has to deal with the severe conditions with disease rapidly the crew and poorly stocked supplies.
I thought that Keneally really portrays Phillip in a positive way. Phillip always seemed that he knew, even from the beginning, exactly what the members of his crew needed and the best way that they would succeed. He also seemed like he really was interested in the well being of the aboriginal people, he did not want them to be harmed. When I first began reading this book I thought Phillip would have wanted to colonize these people in the manner, which we have read about in “Discourse on Colonialism”. This was not the case and Philip actually ended up befriending some of the natives. I was surprised that Phillip took Bennelong back to England.
Overall I would have to say that this book was difficult to read. I think that much of this stems from the fact that there is just so much repetition in this book. At times it almost feels like your reading a textbook, mostly due to the high density of material. This was much different than all other novels that I have read in the past. That’s not to say that this was not a great story, it was very interesting to see and read about many of the obstacles that leaders face when they are trying to settle a region, and to establish a colony. This novel touched on many roadblocks that Phillip and his crew eventually would pass to achieve the success they would come to realize. Most of these problems were lack of supplies and scarcity of food, but there were also many diseases, such as small pox, that claimed the lives of many during the course of this story.
My favorite quality of this book was the detailed list of sources that is included at the end of the book. I also found the index to be quite useful, since their was so much going on, it was very convenient to have a quick reference guide of sorts which allowed you to quickly find exactly were a character was introduced or mentioned to help better piece together this story. The long list of primary and secondary sources that Keneally consulted really gives you’re a sense of just how much research and time Keneally dedicated to creating the most accurate and most detailed retelling of the story that he could achieve.
This novel tells the story of Arthur Phillip, who was put in charge of an English voyage to establish a penal colony on the coast of Australia. At this time in England crime was on the rise and the prisons in the country were rapidly being filled to capacity. As the novel begins by introducing the reader to many different characters who are all alike in the sense that they are considered criminals, yet their crimes did not seem to be too severe. Most of these crimes stemmed from the extreme unequal distribution of wealth seen in this region during this time period. Most of the people that were imprisoned at this time, were put there for doing very minor things, it kind of seems like the British wanted many people in their jails so they would have the benefits of free labor which could be utilized on endeavors such as this journey to Australia. In the midst of the American Revolution taking place in North America at his time, the British decide on transport of these prisoners to Australia. They were to settle on Botany Bay off the Western Coast of the continent, as they set out on their voyage. As expected during the journey the crew has to deal with the severe conditions with disease rapidly the crew and poorly stocked supplies.
I thought that Keneally really portrays Phillip in a positive way. Phillip always seemed that he knew, even from the beginning, exactly what the members of his crew needed and the best way that they would succeed. He also seemed like he really was interested in the well being of the aboriginal people, he did not want them to be harmed. When I first began reading this book I thought Phillip would have wanted to colonize these people in the manner, which we have read about in “Discourse on Colonialism”. This was not the case and Philip actually ended up befriending some of the natives. I was surprised that Phillip took Bennelong back to England.
Overall I would have to say that this book was difficult to read. I think that much of this stems from the fact that there is just so much repetition in this book. At times it almost feels like your reading a textbook, mostly due to the high density of material. This was much different than all other novels that I have read in the past. That’s not to say that this was not a great story, it was very interesting to see and read about many of the obstacles that leaders face when they are trying to settle a region, and to establish a colony. This novel touched on many roadblocks that Phillip and his crew eventually would pass to achieve the success they would come to realize. Most of these problems were lack of supplies and scarcity of food, but there were also many diseases, such as small pox, that claimed the lives of many during the course of this story.
My favorite quality of this book was the detailed list of sources that is included at the end of the book. I also found the index to be quite useful, since their was so much going on, it was very convenient to have a quick reference guide of sorts which allowed you to quickly find exactly were a character was introduced or mentioned to help better piece together this story. The long list of primary and secondary sources that Keneally consulted really gives you’re a sense of just how much research and time Keneally dedicated to creating the most accurate and most detailed retelling of the story that he could achieve.
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