Antinuclear

Deep cultural divide between Australia’s whites and Aboriginals

Why was there a clash of culture between white and black and what was the nature of the clash? http://17ryanc.blogspot.com.au/2014/08/why-was-there-clash-of-culture-between.html I share and learn by Chelsear 28 Aug 14 Ever since the Europeans settled on the shores of Australia in the late 17th century, the differences in white and black cultures, has been notable both physically and emotionally. The contrast between aboriginal and European people ran deeper than the colour of their skin and what they wore, the gulfs existing between both cultures, seemingly irreconcilable. Relationships between the Europeans and Aboriginies deteriorated quickly due to these differences.

When the whites sailed to Australia, their journeys were recorded in diaries, with pen and paper. Their memories and findings were documented in these for personal pleasure and safe-keeping. The Aboriginies recorded their history orally. With no need for pen and paper, stories and skills were passed down from generation to generation by words only.

Another difference noticible, is the fact that the Europeans were a strictly individualistic race. This was the polar opposite to the Aboriginies, who relied completely on eachother to survive, and helped any tribe members in need, putting others first. The white peoples concept of land was determined by how much wealth or status the person had. The land was divided and given to the richest of people, giving them the rights to the property. The Aboriginies on the other hand, shared their land, and had no concept of individual ownership. This lead back to their spiritual beleiefs, of having a harmonious relationship with the land and environment around them. I believe it was these beliefs and differences, that created a great divide between these two cultures, and eventually led to violent confrontations, along with the unnecessary deaths of many innocent people from both cultures.

August 29, 2014 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | General News