Shades of Racism - Aboriginality and Sport in Australia
Shades of Racism
Overt Racism
Since Australia’s inception in 1788, racism has been ever-present; the basis of modern Australia was the controlled subjugation of the original Aboriginal people. This gross marginalisation culminated in the ‘stolen generation’; a process of eugenics in order to inter-breed half-caste aboriginals, assimilating them into European appearance.1 We need only look to the existence of the ‘White Australia’ policy, which essentially denied residency to non-Europeans immigrants, to contextualize the intolerance that has permeated Australia’s history.2
This seems quite an accusatory and abhorrent way in which to begin a paper, but the purpose in doing so is to illustrate both the basis of disdain a lot of aboriginal people seem to hold towards ‘white’ Australian’s on a visceral level,3 and also the ground Australia has made in trying to restore equality, and our obligation in which to continue to do so.
Australia has a long, rich history of organized sport, though not one of purity and freedom from belligerent intolerance. Organised sport may be seen to have been a positive influence in the eradication of racism in Australia, elevating the demographic that has been so marginalized and improving their perception in the eyes of mainstream society.
Historically, participation of Aboriginal Australian’s in organised sport was heavily restricted; racial barriers and systemic prejudice meant that missionaries determined participation levels arbitrarily.4
Traditionally, games played indigenous Australian’s were those that would teach their youth life skills, preparing them for adulthood and the responsibilities that come with it. These ‘games’ would focus on incorporating self-reliance, discipline and also teamwork as they prepared for life tasks of hunting and gathering.5
The missionaries used European organised sport within the community as a way of encouraging ‘civilisation’ amongst what was viewed as an inferior race. Cricket in
Overt Racism
Since Australia’s inception in 1788, racism has been ever-present; the basis of modern Australia was the controlled subjugation of the original Aboriginal people. This gross marginalisation culminated in the ‘stolen generation’; a process of eugenics in order to inter-breed half-caste aboriginals, assimilating them into European appearance.1 We need only look to the existence of the ‘White Australia’ policy, which essentially denied residency to non-Europeans immigrants, to contextualize the intolerance that has permeated Australia’s history.2
This seems quite an accusatory and abhorrent way in which to begin a paper, but the purpose in doing so is to illustrate both the basis of disdain a lot of aboriginal people seem to hold towards ‘white’ Australian’s on a visceral level,3 and also the ground Australia has made in trying to restore equality, and our obligation in which to continue to do so.
Australia has a long, rich history of organized sport, though not one of purity and freedom from belligerent intolerance. Organised sport may be seen to have been a positive influence in the eradication of racism in Australia, elevating the demographic that has been so marginalized and improving their perception in the eyes of mainstream society.
Historically, participation of Aboriginal Australian’s in organised sport was heavily restricted; racial barriers and systemic prejudice meant that missionaries determined participation levels arbitrarily.4
Traditionally, games played indigenous Australian’s were those that would teach their youth life skills, preparing them for adulthood and the responsibilities that come with it. These ‘games’ would focus on incorporating self-reliance, discipline and also teamwork as they prepared for life tasks of hunting and gathering.5
The missionaries used European organised sport within the community as a way of encouraging ‘civilisation’ amongst what was viewed as an inferior race. Cricket in