Interracial Marriage and Discrimination against Native Australians in Australia

This paper outlines the discrimination against native Australians and historical events which improved the relationship. It also elaborates on the importance of interracial marriages in sociology.

Running Head: SOCIAL SCIENCE
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Social Science
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation

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Social Science
Introduction
Interracial marriage is a marriage concept where the bride and groom belong to different
races or ethnic groups. Historically, interracial marriages were discouraged based on social
status, ethnic origin, and competition among other factors. However, today social attitudes
towards blacks, Latinos and native communities in Australia have improved. The post-racial era
in Australia allowed interaction between diverse people, regardless of their views (Wang, 2015).
An example from the opinion piece is the marriage between Vital Ndikuriyo, an African; and
Florence, an Australian citizen. Primarily, the two have four children, Meshack, Caleb, Seti, and
Vincent. From the opinion piece, interracial marriages are a vital aspect of sociology. Therefore,
the topic requires extensive elaboration and deliberation regarding the racial perceptions in
Australia. This paper outlines the discrimination against native Australians and historical events
which improved the relationship.
Primarily, discrimination of native communities began following the arrival of white
settlers in Australia. The race and colour of the indigenous society contributed to a higher degree
the discrimination they experienced. Historically, the relationship between indigenous
Australians and the broader ethnic organisations was diverse based on the social status, financial
strength and representation in government or policy-making (Herman & Campbell, 2012).
However, continued interactions by the 20th century eliminated stereotypes, resulting in
improved relationships. Today, Australian policy rejects discrimination, harassment, isolation or
open hostility towards the broader ethnic societies.
Australian Policy and Historical Events relating to Indigenous People

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Hou & Myles (2013) suggests that historically interracial marriages and interactions
were outlawed in many European countries. However, in 1967, the United States Supreme Court
decriminalised interracial marriages. Following this critical milestone, nations such as Australia,
Canada, Cuba, and Mexico enacted policies and practices which allow significant cooperation
between indigenous communities and other racial groups, such as the blacks. By the20th century,
the world had understood the importance of equality; and sanctity of races. Today, indigenous
communities in Australia interact openly with the wider ethnic society. According to (Cronin,
2017) indigenous communities in Australia were the Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal
people. Notably, the white Australians controlled government; and enacted policies, and
practices which suit their interests. Mainly, they were not subject to prosecution based on wrong-
doings. For instance, the native whites implemented a plan to ban non-Caucasian people from
entering Australia.
One particular historical event is the Integration Policy, 1965. The act aimed at giving
indigenous Aboriginal people more control over their society and lives (Priest et al., 2011).
During this time, Aboriginal people were discriminated by the native whites who were
“superior.” The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders’ Affairs Act allowed prosecution of the
indigenous communities in case of indecent, disorderly or threatening conduct. The indigenous
population was withheld within a reserve, and attempting to escape from the facility was a
criminal offence. Primarily, their views were undermined in governance with their human rights
violated. For instance, indigenous communities were rejected service at shops, clubs, hotels,
swimming pools and segregated cinema halls before 1967.
Another significant event was the formation of the Aboriginal and Islander Child Care
Agencies (AICCAs) in 1969. The agency provided alternatives following removal of indigenous

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children from the Protection Policy. Further, it would contest this removal application in a court
of law. In the same year, the federal government established the National Aboriginal Sports
Foundation to promote sports among the indigenous communities. From (Waterworth et al.,
2015) the relationship between native and non-indigenous Australians was oppressive – the
aboriginal Australians engaged in traditional organisations while the non-natives pioneered
modernisation. The aspect of cultural values, coupled with racial differences inspired
discrimination against the natives. The formation of agencies in 1969 pushed the federal
government to enact the self-determination policy. The act allowed indigenous communities to
own and manage resources such as land. Further, the Aboriginal people received political
representation; and would vote in elections.
Durey & Thompson (2012) explains that discrimination of native Australians by white
non-natives resembled the British perception of colonisation. The relationship between
aboriginal Australians and non-natives was oppressive because the whites killed thousands if
indigenous communities, and enacted discriminative policies because of their "power" status.
Notably, there were no social or cultural norms between natives and the white settlers due to
differences in skin colour, religion and ethnic background. Indigenous Australians constructed
different models from the whites by engaging in their traditional attires and upholding their
cultural practices. Some studies indicate assimilation of specific practices, such as eating habits,
dressing code, and adoption of Christianity. Personally, I think the policies and events improved
cultural competence by encouraging whites to respect social practices of indigenous
communities. However, in some cases, I think the policies undermine my cultural competence.
One similarity between the indigenous positioning of native Australians and the implied
relationship with the broader Australian society is that both approaches aimed at preserving

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personal interests; and ending discrimination (Waterworth et al., 2015). One aspect of anti-
discrimination from the opinion piece is interracial marriage.
References

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Campbell, M. & Herman, M. (2012). I wouldn’t, but you can: Attitudes toward interracial
relationships. Social Science Research, 41 (2), 343-358.
Cronin, D. (2017). Trapped by history: democracy, human rights and justice for indigenous
people in Australia. Australian Journal of Human Rights, 23 (2), 220-241.
Myles, J. & Hou, F. (2013). Interracial marriage and status-caste exchange in Canada and the
United States. Ethnic and Racial Studies, 36 (1), 75-96.
Priest, N., Paradies, Y., Gunthorpe, W., Cairney, S., & Sayers, S. (2011). Racism as a
determinant of social and emotional wellbeing for Aboriginal Australian youth. MJA ,
194 (10), 546-550.
Thompson, A. & Sandra, D. (2012). Reducing the health disparities of Indigenous Australians:
time to change focus. PMC , 12, 151.
Wang, W. (2015). Interracial Marriage: Who Is ‘Marrying Out’? Pew Research Center, 19-40.
Waterworth, P., Pescud, M., Braham, R., Dimmock, J. & Rosenberg, M. (2015). Factors
Influencing the Health Behaviour of Indigenous Australians: Perspectives from Support
People. PLOS ONE.