Demonstration of Critical Thinking (Film Discussion-1st Post)

This movie, based on a true story, was an excellent portal through which we are able to get an accurate look at the effects of 'othering' on a race of people. It clearly presented severe difficulties for the aboriginal children being able to hold on to their culture and identity. Apart from being ripped (literally) from their culture and families and being forced to be absorbed into a 'white' way of living, thinking, and speaking (not allowed to "jabber" at the camp), they were then funneled back into mainstream society as 'servants', stifled in the ability to develop and express who they are as an individual or even to have the freedom to pursue equality.

We can see specific comments and situations portrayed in the film that give a look at the 'us' and 'them' mentality that was driving the laws regarding this generation of aboriginal people. The comments made by Mr. Neville, who served as the Chief Prosecutor of the Aborigine people for 25 years are quite telling. "We face an uphill battle with these people.." and "The problem with half-caste won't simply go away, and these children are that problem. If we don't deal with it now, it will just fester." We also see it in Molly's comment before escaping, "These people make me sick."

The film created a great deal of sympathy for the victims of the 'stolen generation'. Molly was the 'hero' of our story. She was bucking a system that offends us due to it's lack of humanity. I don't think any person would desire to be in Molly's situation, nor her mother's. Yet, what happened to this generation of people is not uncommon when we consider the big picture. It has been repeated over and over in the history of man. I can't help but wonder if we, as the human race, are learning and growing from these unfortunate clashes in society or if it will play out again and again..different people, different place, different time, but the same lack of love and dignity toward our fellow man. I also consider that from the white government's point of view, they quite likely believed (in their ignorance, in my opinion) that they were truly doing a 'good' work toward these people. We see this in Neville's comment "...if only they could understand what we are trying to do for them." I see such a strong element of 'control' in his comments.