The term ‘Stolen Generation’ was devised by Australian historian Peter Read in the early 1980’s. It refers to those Aboriginal children who were forcibly removed from their families by government and non-government agencies under racialist assimilation policies and laws. The removals of these tens of thousands of Aboriginal children occurred throughout the late 1800’s to the 1970’s.
The reasoning for this situation arose when the public felt that the Aboriginal children were disadvantaged in their communities and if the children were removed they would be placed in a loving family with a better education for a more civilized upbringing. The merciless reality was that the event only decreased the chances of passing the Aboriginal language, …show more content…
Debra Hocking is that of a woman removed from her family and transferred to that of another. “We share our stories so that others may understand what the legacy of child removals has left behind. It is not about blame or guilt now, as that takes us to a negative space which I consider produces destructive behavior. It is about considering the ways we can make sure this never happens again. If we become forgetful, the injustices of the past could very well be repeated.” Ms. Hocking talks of her journey, she remembers everything and in repeating her journey she talks of the emotions she felt. Many mention the anger they felt, but in ending talk of how they want to make sure that the ‘Stolen Generation’ isn’t ever repeated.
I feel that the impact of the ‘Stolen Generation’ scarred millions of lives. The people stolen, the people that had someone stolen from them, the people steeling other people, and those that fought against it, and those who stood by and watched. I believe that the event of the ‘Stolen Generation’ is a tragedy in Australian history and has been used as an example for those in other nations around the globe. The ‘Stolen Generation’ is something that remains as a reminder towards the destruction people can create and how we can evolve beyond taking away people’s
The reasoning for this situation arose when the public felt that the Aboriginal children were disadvantaged in their communities and if the children were removed they would be placed in a loving family with a better education for a more civilized upbringing. The merciless reality was that the event only decreased the chances of passing the Aboriginal language, …show more content…
Debra Hocking is that of a woman removed from her family and transferred to that of another. “We share our stories so that others may understand what the legacy of child removals has left behind. It is not about blame or guilt now, as that takes us to a negative space which I consider produces destructive behavior. It is about considering the ways we can make sure this never happens again. If we become forgetful, the injustices of the past could very well be repeated.” Ms. Hocking talks of her journey, she remembers everything and in repeating her journey she talks of the emotions she felt. Many mention the anger they felt, but in ending talk of how they want to make sure that the ‘Stolen Generation’ isn’t ever repeated.
I feel that the impact of the ‘Stolen Generation’ scarred millions of lives. The people stolen, the people that had someone stolen from them, the people steeling other people, and those that fought against it, and those who stood by and watched. I believe that the event of the ‘Stolen Generation’ is a tragedy in Australian history and has been used as an example for those in other nations around the globe. The ‘Stolen Generation’ is something that remains as a reminder towards the destruction people can create and how we can evolve beyond taking away people’s