Robert Isaacs, a Nyoongar elder, a member of the Stolen Generation and a JP for more than 30 years told the annual Indigenous Justice Forum that "Young Aboriginal offenders have an increasing tendency to claim they are seeking revenge for the mistreatment of their parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles when they lash out at society...". Mr Isaacs is further reported as saying that "..the disadvantage faced by Aboriginal people - including poverty, ill-health, continuing discrimination, cultural differences and stressful home lives which were influenced by conflict and drug and alcohol use - should be recognised, but not used as an excuse for young people to continue to behave outside society's laws". (See the article: Banks, Amanda, "Don't play the race card: Isaacs", The West Australian, Thursday 19 May 2011, p9)
I recall many years ago that incarceration was reported from Queensland jails as being seen as a badge of honour by many Aboriginal offenders. Was this somewhat the same as Mr Isaacs perceives where indigenous persons feel a need to right historical wrongs perpetrated on their ancestors and on their contemporary indigenous society by committing offences against the descendants of the wrongdoers?
The high levels of incarceration of Aboriginal youth and adults is frequently reported and there are cries to fix the problem. A lot is being done and Mr Isaacs is reported as saying that "...education, mentors and respect were the keys to overcoming the cycle of offending". I hear people saying when a spate of robberies is reported: : "I bet they were Aborigines!" Often they weren't, but this is what I hear people say. We have to worry when this perception rears its head over and over. It could be one of a number of serious obstacles to the removal of prejudice between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians. With the 2013 referendum looming all Australians, indigenous and non-indigenous, must be engaged together in talking these things through resulting in an outcome of solution and understanding. The discussions must not be judgemental.
A discussion of this matter will not be easy because it centres around ideas like the necessity of contemporary non - indigenous guilt, like revenge and/or like some indigenous Australians maybe secretly or not so secretly wanting non-indigenous Australians to go back to the lands of their forebears. Let's get it all out and maybe it will be seen as an issue that will be resolved as more indigenous persons achieve higher levels of education and employment yet maintain a strong indigenous cultural platform that is respected as a norm in Australian society.
If the latter is the way then come on to this blog and say so in very strong terms so that all Australia knows. Just imagine if this were a widespread view across the country how the validity of the vote in the 2013 referendum would be enhanced. Maybe you have a contrary view or some constructive comment on this view. If so make a comment on this blog and let Australia know.
I can think of other issues like the one above that need urgent conversational clarification amongst all Australians. I have been thinking long and hard before composing this post. For better or worse, you be the judge?
