Or: Drunken LJ post cross posted for the fuck of it
So I've seen a few "remember tomorrow is ANZAC Day and remember those who died" posts pop up on my flist tonight. I probably wouldn't be posting this here if I hadn't had a few drinks, but...
... you should know that these kind of admonitions really grate on those of us who are Indigenous. Who spend ANZAC weekend after ANZAC weekend seeing our dead ignored and overwritten by those of white Australia, whether out of ignorance, racism, or simple preference for the "standard" ANZAC narrative that doesn't include Indigenous men dying for a country that didn't even recognise them as people, let alone citizens.
Please, include reference to Indigenous Australians in your acknowledgement of this day. And no, referring to "Australians (in general)" or "our nation's history" doesn't count. If you don't do so, don't admonish your fellow Australians for not sticking to the preferred narrative as though you speak for us all, or as though your lecture to your country-men includes those of us who have only recently been considered "Australian".
Posts
Well....
11 hours ago
4 comments:
i don't know how to say this without sounding stupid! i just wanted to say that your angry rant wasn't calling into a void, it totally brought me to a realisation today.
I happened to be a Redfern today, and arrived at the park at the tail end of an event celebrating Indigenous Australians who had served. Although most people were dispersing the atmosphere was lovely.
Thank you for this post, it seems that the ANZAC myth continues the whitewashing of Australian history by ignoring the contribution and mistreatment of Indigenous soldiers.
Stephie: Well, it sparked a near flame war on LJ :)
Rayedish: I didn't go this year, but I've been to similar events in the past.
i have nothing to add, but i wanted to thank you for this post.
Post a Comment