conclusion

Roger Sandall’s point of view could appear as an insult to common sense. Culture can be considered as the only remnants of the dying Aboriginal civilisation, and should therefore be protected and valued at all costs. But the notion of “common sense” is very ambiguous and what make sense nowadays could be considered wrong in the past or in the future. The notion of “culture” is unstable, and the desire to maintain an “authentic”Aboriginal culture comes up against the fact, in the first place, that Aborigines do not form a homogenous cultural body. Traditional values are also profoundly transformed by the urban conditions of life. The stereotype of the Aborigine playing didgeridoo must be (re)interpreted in an urban context.

In these conditions, talking more about Aborigines, their culture and their lives, at school and in the media is a desirable means for a better comprehension among Australians. Nevertheless, the urban cartography also needs to be rethought, as the example of Redfern shows. The government must show that it is really willing to make things better for Aborigines, and not keep ignoring their condition. The issue of reconciliation is significant of this unwillingness. The government must clearly acknowledge its past responsibilities for the Stolen Generation.