Burney's Inaugural Speech
What picture does she paint of growing up in Australia being an Indigenous person? What does this suggest about the link between identity and culture?
Linda Burney is the first Aboriginal woman to be elected into New South Wales parliament, recently becoming a part of Australia’s federal government. In her Inaugural speech, for her elected role as Member for Canterbury in 2003, we gain an in depth understanding of not only Ms. Burney but her community and the people she cares for.
Throughout her speech we learn about both her Indigenous and non-indigenous upbringing. She talks about the ‘alienation’ she experienced throughout her childhood and how her culture strongly impacted her sense of self and confidence, ‘Your reflection in the mirror …show more content…
was at best ugly and distorted and at worst non-existent.’ It shows us how something so insignificant as the colour of your skin can impact the way you see yourself.
She brings up the argument of nature versus nurture. Showing how even though she didn’t have a strong connection to her Aboriginal family at a young age, she still experiences discrimination. Raised by her non-aboriginal Uncle and Aunt, Burney experienced discrimination even though she didn’t grow up surrounded by her Aboriginal culture.
I think Burney is suggesting that though Australia is a place of multinationalism there are still many flaws in our society.
For example, Aboriginal perspectives are often lost on the large scale and we don’t see Aboriginal representation of Australia that often. She is insinuating that it is important to remember the Aboriginal Australia, the first inhabitants and protectors of this land. It is important to listen to all stories of Australia no matter what race, sexuality or religion you are. While we move towards a technologically dependent future, we must not forget the heritage and importance of the past.
This speech paints a picture of the importance of culture and identity. How the two can exist individually but can also be connected. Through few words, Burney makes a large statement.
Not only does Burney’s speech tell the story of a triumph, it also shares the tale of a community conquering in unison, coming together regardless of race, gender or socioeconomic status. Through her dialogue we become a part of this tight knit collective group and have the opportunity to know the individuals within it. I think that the overall message of her speech shows how your life, identity, culture and sense of belonging can change over time.
Finding a connection to a culture or group of people can occur at any stage of life. These experiences add to individuals’ identities as they mature and constantly changing. This speech demonstrates this crucial life
lesson.
Linda Burney is the first Aboriginal woman to be elected into New South Wales parliament, recently becoming a part of Australia’s federal government. In her Inaugural speech, for her elected role as Member for Canterbury in 2003, we gain an in depth understanding of not only Ms. Burney but her community and the people she cares for.
Throughout her speech we learn about both her Indigenous and non-indigenous upbringing. She talks about the ‘alienation’ she experienced throughout her childhood and how her culture strongly impacted her sense of self and confidence, ‘Your reflection in the mirror …show more content…
was at best ugly and distorted and at worst non-existent.’ It shows us how something so insignificant as the colour of your skin can impact the way you see yourself.
She brings up the argument of nature versus nurture. Showing how even though she didn’t have a strong connection to her Aboriginal family at a young age, she still experiences discrimination. Raised by her non-aboriginal Uncle and Aunt, Burney experienced discrimination even though she didn’t grow up surrounded by her Aboriginal culture.
I think Burney is suggesting that though Australia is a place of multinationalism there are still many flaws in our society.
For example, Aboriginal perspectives are often lost on the large scale and we don’t see Aboriginal representation of Australia that often. She is insinuating that it is important to remember the Aboriginal Australia, the first inhabitants and protectors of this land. It is important to listen to all stories of Australia no matter what race, sexuality or religion you are. While we move towards a technologically dependent future, we must not forget the heritage and importance of the past.
This speech paints a picture of the importance of culture and identity. How the two can exist individually but can also be connected. Through few words, Burney makes a large statement.
Not only does Burney’s speech tell the story of a triumph, it also shares the tale of a community conquering in unison, coming together regardless of race, gender or socioeconomic status. Through her dialogue we become a part of this tight knit collective group and have the opportunity to know the individuals within it. I think that the overall message of her speech shows how your life, identity, culture and sense of belonging can change over time.
Finding a connection to a culture or group of people can occur at any stage of life. These experiences add to individuals’ identities as they mature and constantly changing. This speech demonstrates this crucial life
lesson.