Dear Aka,

When you write:

" .... the issue in contention is not about whether it is good that Indigenous Australians claim victim status, or if they have a positive way of coping with racism. Anthony refuses to accept that racism is a lived reality for many Indigenous Australians."

And then Anthony responds,

" .... 'but first it has to be acknowledged that racism exists.' I agree 100% and have never said otherwise."

That pretty much resolves that issue.

Now, let's get back to the gist of what he suggests: that regardless of what history, or policy, or economics or whatever throws at Aboriginal people, they don't have to take the advice of their social workers and buckle under it. They can rise above it. People have done that throughout history.

I would add: who wins when people DO buckle under the pressures of history or policy or social workers or whatever ?

You know the answer.

Who wins when people say 'NO' and RESIST buckling under the pressures of history or policy or whatever ?

The people.

Am I wrong ? And isn't this what Anthony is saying ?

So, with respect, Aunty, whose approach are you supporting, inadvertently, when you defend people who buckle, who give in to the pressures of racism that Anthony talks about ? We can all understand why they might, but where does it get them ?

I'm sure that both Anthony and I have great respect for you, your expertise, your experience, and your good heart, but what do those aspects of your life tell you that people should do, in spite of their pressures on them, on the one hand, and the opportunities available to them, on the other ?

Respectfully,

Joe
joelane94@hotmail.com

Anthony,
while working, I found the quotes I have used of yours from 2008.

Forgiveness does not mean forgoing the right to justice, or forgetting past wrongs, (Dillon, 2008) …
forgiveness does not mean forgetting, nor does it mean absolving, but it is “about spiritual or emotional healing” which can lead to physical healing (Dillon, 2008, p6).

I do not mis-quote your article.

Like I said, your earlier work, while hinting at the hard-right path you have taken, was softer and more inclusive and understanding.

I hope you rediscover your younger self.