The "Stolen Generation"

I mentioned briefly an Australian apology called Sorry Day. This is a day when many activists march as a means of recognizing what had been done to the aboriginal people of Australia. It is a way for white Australians to apologize. Some people argue that it is not enough. Others argue that the deeds of the past must be put in the past and that people should just "get over it." Any thoughts? Is it enough? Is it a step in the right direction? Should more be done? Like what?

The Long Journey

The girls risk their lives to go home. Was it worth the risk? Would it have still been worth the risk had one or all of them died on the journey?

Morals/ Ethics

Describe the morals of the aboriginal women in the film (grandmother/mother/daughters/cousin). Describe the values of the whites (Mr. Neville, the nuns/the ration keeper). Are their values so much different? How or Why?

Cousin

Do you understand the cousin's choice to split from the group and try to find her mother? Why does Molly first go on without her, but then return?

Men in Rabbit Proof Fence

The only aboriginal man in the entire film is the Tracker. Why? What is the purpose of showing only aboriginal women?

women's business

Upon the return of the girls, the aboriginal women are heard singing in the bush. The men at the posting station call this "women's business." Explain this. What is meant by "women's business?" And how does it help the girls get home?

Mr. Neville

At the end of the film, Mr. Neville cannot afford to continue the search for the girls. He is quoted saying, "If they would only understand what we are trying to do for them." What does he mean? What do you think about what he is saying/meaning?

Rabbit Proof Fence

When the girls are first taken, the grandmother beats her own head with a stone in agony. Why does she do this? Explain.

Rabbit Proof Fence

The officer sent to pick up the girls when they make it home, goes to check out the "women's business" in the bush. He is intimidated my Molly's mother. How does she intimidate him without threats, without words, and while he is carrying a gun?

Tracker

"Tracker" is a very serious person. He doesn't show emotion. In class I suggested that perhaps there was a hint of a smile when he was tracking the girls. They were already over 1000 miles from where they first ran away. What are your thoughts? Did Tracker let the girls escape? Why may he have done so?

Tracker

The "tracker" at the camp is the father of one of the girls there. He wants to return to his home, but is told by Mr. Neville that he may not. He says he must remain for another "year or so." What are your thoughts about him tracking down runaways? Do you feel this is "traitor-like"?

Rabbit Proof Fence

The film starts out with an eagle soaring above Molly and her mother. Later, an eagle soars about the bodies of Molly and her sister when they are passed out in the desert. What is the significance? What does the eagle symbolize?

Rabbit Proof Fence

The British people in the film, led by Mr. Neville, thought they were doing good by "breeding the Native out of them." Them, being the aboriginal people, of course. He felt that by not allowing these "half castes" to marry full aboriginal people, eventually, they would become "useful" to society. Because they believed they were doing good, can they be blamed?

Rabbit Proof Fence

Here is a spot for you to just discuss your reactions to the film. Discuss anything you'd like.

In the Shadow of War

I wasn't here when you all read "In the Shadow of War." I'd like to hear any reactions you have to the story.

Ilunga's Harvest

Comment on Tidwell's revelation: "And perhaps it was just as well Ilunga and the others weren't in a hurry to become the kind of producers I wanted them to be. They might develop along Western lines with time, but why push them? The local system worked. Everyone was taken care of."

Ilunga's Harvest

We read and discussed Ilunga's harvest in class, but didn't have time finish the story. After finishing, comment on Tidwell's assertation: "Like everyone else in Kalambayi, Ilunga needed badly the help fish culture could provide. What he didn't need, however, were lessons on how to stay alive. And that, I eventually grew to understand, was what all the sharing was really about. It was a survival strategy, an unwritten agreement by the group that no one would be allowed to fall off the societal boat no matter how low provisions ran on board....everyone stayed afloat."

Is this different than what you see in America? How? Which way is better?

Can you think of an example?

The End of Skill

Vanessa loved Kente cloth and she seemed to know so much about it. However, she obviously used it in a manner that showed ignorance. Do you think it is possible to have a love for something, and yet ignore its true cultural significance?

End of Skill

Because Jimmy paid for his father's surgery, are his actions justified?