Sexy Pirates Of Reconciliation
Reframing Colonial History To End Colonial Guilt About Aboriginal Genocide: Reconciliation Ahoy
Mar 27, 2006
"Sorry!" Sorry Day. Reconciliation. There has been a lot of talk for a long time now about the Australian government apologising to the Aboriginal community for the horrors of the last two centuries, such as Stolen Wages, Stolen Generation, massacres, war crimes, Aboriginal Deaths in custody, human rights violations, and the list goes on.
That would be nice, but it's probably never going to happen. A step has been missed. Before apologising for something, first you have to admit to having done it. But the atrocities upon which our nation has been built are still denied or diminished in the public eye today. So how can any kind of real apology occur? First, the dominant culture needs to take ownership of past deeds.
But who wants to build their identity on atrocities? Who wants to shoulder the burden of guilt for the brutal offences of their ancestors and fellow civilians? Masochists, perhaps. So what's the solution?
Maybe we need to dress up the invasion a bit, give it a bit of romance and piratical flamboyance. Colonialism needs a sexy new image. For example, everybody loves a pirate. The reality of piracy is horrific, but the romantic adventure archetype is something else altogether. The Aussie colonials had it all - three cornered hats, red coats, stockings, puffy shirts, swords, muskets - the works. They even came in sailing ships, for goodness' sake. The Union Jack flag should seem as dangerous and sexy as the Jolly Roger skull and crossbones.
The Aboriginal people might then be seen as the valiant foes they were, warriors who defended their territory to the death. The respect (and dare I say treaty) that was earned in that long covered up war may then follow. At worst, Aborigines may be seen as dastardly villains - even that would merit a measure of respect and dignity.
So, Australian people, be proud of your pirate ancestry. Swagger a bit. You beat us fair and square (poison blankets and massacres of women and children aside), so be proud. Has anybody ever been ashamed of winning a war? Why start now? Slap on an eye patch and give us a "Haarrrrr!" Stand up for your ancestors - don't be ashamed. They won this land for you at the cost of their sweat, blood and honour. Don't turn your backs on them. As the victors, you have the right to punch the air and whoop, "Yeah! We totally kicked their butts!"
Only after this occurs will it then be possible to progress to the next step. A bit of mutual respect and admiration might occur, a bit of, "Hey, you had us on the ropes there for a bit with that Pemulwuy Rainbow Warrior fella!" and "Oooh, a stroke of genius there with the ambush at Murdering Creek - never saw that coming, eh bro?" After that it might only seem natural to say, "Hey, sorry about all the dirty stuff. We had the wrong idea about you mob. Can we help clean up a bit?"
Is it really possible? Probably not. But in fantasising about it, you can see how counter-productive white shame can be, and how there may be some positive outcomes from embracing the past. What do you think? Begin a discussion on this article and share your views.
