This biography attempts to inform the reader as to the limitations of biographical work: the records of First Nations peoples in Australia is limited, partly through oral cultural tradition, partly through the destructive colonial policy of ‘assimilation’. However it is vital the reader ‘fill in the blanks’ when reading about our Indigenous people’s lives. WhileContinue reading “Multuggerah (c. 1820-1846)”
Wraenna
Perhaps the fourth time through will work, thought Nevanthi. She had taught many charges through the years but this one demonstrated clear signs of disconnection: while she was quite versed in herb lore, this student seemed to lose the thread during invocations. Keeping her gaze averted so as not to unnerve the apprentice, Nevanthi quicklyContinue reading “Wraenna”
Gramma Disasta
Frighteningly, the icy tentacle caressed her cute pink nose and she began to quiver. She wasn’t sure she could even wriggle; she wasn’t sure she could even blink! There was a hideous gleam in the vile creature’s eyes; eyes which seemed to neither focus nor blink. Her home, which until now had been her innerContinue reading “Gramma Disasta”
Broken Boundaries
This is one of the most horrific images I’ve ever seen: What is it? It’s just a pool of water on a polar ice cap in Greenland. Not threatening unless you fall into it, but it does represent a boundary crossed in climate change. Whatever you believe the cause of atmospheric warming to be, theContinue reading “Broken Boundaries”
Climate Action
Way back on the 4th of May, 1493, the Catholic church came up with a brilliant idea for justifying genocide: the Doctrine of Discovery (1). This religious sanction of theft, enslavement, murder and genocide still forms the basis of White Culture today. As capitalism combined with individualism, enhanced with concepts of cultural and racial superiorityContinue reading “Climate Action”
Comparing Indigenous Cultures
Section 1 Part A: Pre-Contact Aboriginal Maori Sami Pre-Contact The Dreamtime:Human, physical and sacred worlds exist throughout all time; all things are connected physically, socially and spiritually (Aboriginal Art and Culture 2021). The Matauranga:Intergenerational observations continuously extended: psychology, astronomy, philosophy, science, ecology and justice (Dell 2021). Paganism:All things have a spiritual force; polytheistic: Father, Mother,Continue reading “Comparing Indigenous Cultures”
What is Masculinity?
Mod 8 or 9 Reflective Blog Alternatives Connell explores the definition of masculinity as a social order related to biological reproduction (p. 71 1995) and white heterosexuals as the default of patriarchy (p. 77 1995). Connell (p. 78 1995) also notes that being gay is a detraction from being a real man, due to itsContinue reading “What is Masculinity?”
Creative Professional
I’ve always considered myself to be creative, but until 2019, I never considered becoming a creative professional. And it wasn’t until 2021 that I began investing in the education relevant to supporting this endeavour. I’ve applied my creative skills in landscape gardening, bicycle and home repairs, and teaching English as a second language, but somehowContinue reading “Creative Professional”
Vested Self-Interest
10,000’s of years ago, groups of people began arriving in Australia. 200 years ago, more groups began arriving, and a third group over the past few decades. These three immigrations waves represent three distinct and very generalised cultural value systems. One dominates the others to everyone’s peril. Balance must be implemented to ensure survival. ProtectingContinue reading “Vested Self-Interest”
Leaves and Coincidences
~ a short memoir ~ Late December, 2019 His large belly hangs over his knee-length shorts and he stands there, staring at me, as we wait for the elevator to arrive. ‘How’s your day been?’ His Canadian accent wanders through his full beard. My internal processors fail to generate a response. He seems to radiateContinue reading “Leaves and Coincidences”
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