Interracial Marriage and Discrimination against Native Australians in Australia

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

SOCIAL SCIENCE
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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