Struggle for Truth : Aboriginal reviewers contest disabling prejudice in print.
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to examine the discourse of Aboriginal reviewers to discover what they regard as important ideas to be resisted and contested. By means of documentary analysis of their book reviews this paper brings into focus the language which legitimises action against Aborigines. It is argued that disabling prejudice in print serves broader social functions, particularly the justification for the status devaluation of Aboriginal Australians. However, there is room for optimism in the realisation that Aborigines are gaining the skill to engage in ideology critique, and the emergence of socially critical literature. Throughout this paper teachers and librarians will find criteria for selecting books for (rather than against) Aborigines, while the appendices list resources according to the recommendations of Aboriginal reviewers.
References
Caulley D, 1983: Document analysis in educational program evaluation. Australian Association for Research in Education: Education Research for National Development: Policy, Planning and Politics. Canberra, AARE.
Centre for Black Books, 1985: 1985/86 Blackbooks Catalogue. Glebe, The Centre.
Cook J., 1981: Selection and acquisition of print and non-print materials for school libraries. In Cook J. (Ed.): School Librarianship. Sydney, Pergamon Press. 51–89.
Kemmis S., Dawkins D., Brown L., Cramer B., Reilly T., 1983: Transition and Reform in the Victorian Education Program: The Final Report of the Transition Education Case Study Project. Melbourne : Transition Education Advisory Committee.
Kretovics J., 1985: Challenging the assumptions of mainstream educational theory. Journal of Education, 167, 2, 50 –62.
Lippmann L., 1981: Generations of Resistance: The Aboriginal Struggle for Justice. Melbourne: Longman Cheshire.
McQueen H., 1986: Cultures and illiteracies: history? we’re making it. Australian Society, 5, 1, 16– 21.
Miller J., 1985: Koori: A Will to Win - Heroic Resistance, Survival & Triumph of Black Australia . London: Angus & Robertson .
QATSICC Reviews, 1980: Reviewpoint, 9, 6–10.
Sherwood J., 1984: Multiculturalism: including or excluding Aborigines. In Phillips D., £ Houston J. (Eds): Australian Multicultural Society: Identity, Communication and Decision Making. Blackburn: Dove Communications, 95–102.
Sherwood J., 1981: What is multicultural education?. In Sherwood J. (Ed.): Multicultural Education: Issues and Innovations. Perth : Creative Research, 37– 50.
Smith B., 1980: The Spectre of Truganini (The Boyer Lectures). Sydney : Australian Broadcasting Commission.
Watson M., 1984: Kaiyu’s Waiting. Richmond: Hodja .
Williams R., 1983: Towards 2000. London: Chatto § Windus.
