Introduction The United States civil rights movement and the Australian Aboriginal activist movement have played a significant role in making a difference in the lives of other racial or ethnic groups by fighting to put an end to discrimination and gain the equal rights deserved by marginalised communities. Moreover, both efforts challenged racial segregation and discriminatory practices by denying these groups citizenship, basic rights, freedom of movement, access to education, and ownership of land. As we further discuss the impact of these movements, we will pose the question “Is Australia a racist country?”. Civil Disobedience Civil disobedience among Aboriginals has historically served as a potent tool for highlighting systemic racism.
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Civil disobedience played a crucial role in both the US civil rights movement and the Australian Aboriginal Civil rights movement. While the US Freedom Riders confronted segregation laws, the Australian First Nations people fought against systemic discrimination. The Day of Mourning The Day of Mourning, a protest held on the 26th of January by Aboriginal Australian activists, emphasises the discrimination and injustices that Indigenous people faced. Using civil disobedience, they publicised the ongoing oppression and racism that had been encountered since colonisation. It was a way of forcing recognition of the rights of Indigenous people, their rights to the land and their cultural sovereignty. By raising awareness through their peaceful protests, they advocated for change by challenging the systemic racism entrenched in Australian society. The celebration of Australia Day is challenged by the Day of Mourning because it marks the arrival of the first fleet. Rather than a day of celebration, it is seen by Aboriginal Australians as a day of invasion and …show more content…
In the United States, the civil rights movement began with the actions of one African American woman, Rosa Parks. Rosa helped to initiate the US civil rights movement after refusing to abdicate her seat to a white man on a Montgomery, Alabama bus in 1955. Motivated by a desire for freedom, Rosa once said, "I believe we are here on the planet Earth to live, grow up and do what we can to make this world a better place for all people to enjoy freedom". Freedom was central in addressing the widespread racism that limited access to education, employment, housing, the right to vote and legal rights. Freedoms that white people took for granted. Likewise, the Australian civil rights movement was about freedom, because freedom is a fundamental human right. Freedom is about being able to make decisions without outside interference. This was something not available to Aboriginal people. In fact, their lives were controlled by the Aborigines Protection Board, established in 1883. The Board was responsible for discriminatory policies such as the removal of aboriginal children from their families. These children are known as the stolen generation. Both the Australian and US civil rights movements were about freedom and the fight for recognition and access to equal
Civil disobedience played a crucial role in both the US civil rights movement and the Australian Aboriginal Civil rights movement. While the US Freedom Riders confronted segregation laws, the Australian First Nations people fought against systemic discrimination. The Day of Mourning The Day of Mourning, a protest held on the 26th of January by Aboriginal Australian activists, emphasises the discrimination and injustices that Indigenous people faced. Using civil disobedience, they publicised the ongoing oppression and racism that had been encountered since colonisation. It was a way of forcing recognition of the rights of Indigenous people, their rights to the land and their cultural sovereignty. By raising awareness through their peaceful protests, they advocated for change by challenging the systemic racism entrenched in Australian society. The celebration of Australia Day is challenged by the Day of Mourning because it marks the arrival of the first fleet. Rather than a day of celebration, it is seen by Aboriginal Australians as a day of invasion and …show more content…
In the United States, the civil rights movement began with the actions of one African American woman, Rosa Parks. Rosa helped to initiate the US civil rights movement after refusing to abdicate her seat to a white man on a Montgomery, Alabama bus in 1955. Motivated by a desire for freedom, Rosa once said, "I believe we are here on the planet Earth to live, grow up and do what we can to make this world a better place for all people to enjoy freedom". Freedom was central in addressing the widespread racism that limited access to education, employment, housing, the right to vote and legal rights. Freedoms that white people took for granted. Likewise, the Australian civil rights movement was about freedom, because freedom is a fundamental human right. Freedom is about being able to make decisions without outside interference. This was something not available to Aboriginal people. In fact, their lives were controlled by the Aborigines Protection Board, established in 1883. The Board was responsible for discriminatory policies such as the removal of aboriginal children from their families. These children are known as the stolen generation. Both the Australian and US civil rights movements were about freedom and the fight for recognition and access to equal