The Language of Separation

Reading a newspaper recently, I noticed an advertisement for a leadership program for "Aboriginal and non-aboriginal leaders". I wondered how different Aboriginal leaders were to perhaps Asian leaders, Caucasian or perhaps African leaders. Why was it necessary to make this difference?

It's this habitual and invariable use of labelling and classification that affects the national sub-conscious. It exacerbates the idea of them, descendents of First Australians and us, descendents of the other four races. If you must know what race I am to provide me with a service, instead of writing on your forms "Are you indigenous or non-indigenous?" why not "What is your race?"

While governments spend millions on so-called reconciliation programs, they defeat themselves (and the people) by perpetuating a system of entrenched apartheid ... racist programs for a small minority of our population; separate schools, birthing units, health centres, job programs etc.

As long as we continue to tell people they are special, different and disadvantaged, they will remain special, different and disadvantaged and never become equal with mainstream Australia. As Governor General Sir Paul Hasluck said perhaps 30 years ago, "We've homogenised the milk, but not the people."

We need to eradicate this language of separation, racist policies and laws and use inclusive language that demonstrates a united Australian. Who really gives a rat's if someone's ancestors 30,000 years ago lived on the plains of Mongolia when there is so much to do today?

Until we begin to treat all Australians as Australians and provide help to people based on need and not genes, Australia will remain a country of division struggling to free itself from its history. The first step is to use language of inclusion and unity instead of language of separation.