Sally Morgan’s My Place is an autobiographical book published in 1987 detailing the discovery of her aboriginal identity and descent. The book gained worldwide success upon its publication and Morgan has established herself as a voice for the indigenous Australians though My Place. It successfully shifts the focus of the history of Australia from being solely about ‘the white man’ and also brings in a place for the aboriginals. In Australia the term ‘aboriginal’ refers to their indigenous population who existed in Australia prior to European colonization. Legally it is a three part definition referring to aboriginal people as – of aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent; identifying as an aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander; and being
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Sally also felt that although she was raised as a white, her identity as an aboriginal was passed to her in a spiritual manner too, she feels a connection to nature just like Daisy, Gladys and the aboriginal …show more content…
Despite being aware of the existence of these people, the British considered the Australian continent to be a terra nullius under English law, meaning a land belonging to no one and started their settlement in 1788. The population of the aboriginals declined significantly after British settlement due to unfamiliar diseases from Europe and also due to violent conflicts. Later, many protection policies were introduced for the indigeneous people. But instead of protecting their freedom , these policies further restricted them. People like Daisy became victims of these policies and had little control over their lives, the next generation had to suffer as well – but the abuse they endured was only in terms of being ‘different’ and having lesser opportunities. The loss of their traditions and culture is reflected in Sally’s ignorance of the aboriginal traditions. Sally was raised as a white, though she always remained curious about her descent and eventually found out. But many aboriginals unlike Sally tend to hide their identity to avoid becoming a subject of stereotypes and discrimination. We can see an evolution in the aboriginal identity from being victims due to their race to taking pride in being an aboriginal and thriving. Daisy who was ashamed of her identity and determined to take ‘the unspeakable’ into her grave, learns to
Sally also felt that although she was raised as a white, her identity as an aboriginal was passed to her in a spiritual manner too, she feels a connection to nature just like Daisy, Gladys and the aboriginal …show more content…
Despite being aware of the existence of these people, the British considered the Australian continent to be a terra nullius under English law, meaning a land belonging to no one and started their settlement in 1788. The population of the aboriginals declined significantly after British settlement due to unfamiliar diseases from Europe and also due to violent conflicts. Later, many protection policies were introduced for the indigeneous people. But instead of protecting their freedom , these policies further restricted them. People like Daisy became victims of these policies and had little control over their lives, the next generation had to suffer as well – but the abuse they endured was only in terms of being ‘different’ and having lesser opportunities. The loss of their traditions and culture is reflected in Sally’s ignorance of the aboriginal traditions. Sally was raised as a white, though she always remained curious about her descent and eventually found out. But many aboriginals unlike Sally tend to hide their identity to avoid becoming a subject of stereotypes and discrimination. We can see an evolution in the aboriginal identity from being victims due to their race to taking pride in being an aboriginal and thriving. Daisy who was ashamed of her identity and determined to take ‘the unspeakable’ into her grave, learns to