Reflection on Learning: Stolen Generation | Reflection

Running head: REFLECTION ON LEARNING: STOLEN GENERATION
Reflection on Learning: Stolen Generation
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1REFLECTION ON LEARNING: STOLEN GENERATION
Description
In module 2 we learnt about the history of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and the
legislative impacts on them. The issue that caught my attention was assimilation of the
Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders and the Stolen Generations. The assimilation process
happened from 1910 and 1970 through government legislation where the first Australian
children were forcibly removed from the aboriginal families and brought up by white families
(Menzies, 2019). This led to large scale depression among aboriginals as well as cultural loss
among the children removed from their families on which I will reflect on using Gibbs
Reflective model (Reljić, Pajnkihar & Fekonja, 2019).
Feelings
Feelings before being exposed to the issue
Before the discussion, I knew nothing about the trauma that the Aboriginals and
Torres Strait Islanders had to face during that time. It was quite shocking to me that a
government would use their legislative power to oppress the oldest resident of this land and
remove children from their families thinking that they can provide better care and nurture for
them. Before I had assumed that they are partially responsible for their own condition which
now I know to be untrue.
How did you feel now after being further informed about the issue?
After being informed about the issue through the module, I feel that I have been
biased in thinking about aboriginal issues. The difficulties that they face, the health problems
and the reasons behind their backwardness are much to do with the colonial and post-colonial

2REFLECTION ON LEARNING: STOLEN GENERATION
oppression that they faced and their general distrust to government due to their previous
experience.
Critical Evaluation
Was it good or bad? Why do you think this way?
The way I think is much to do about how society sees the aboriginal people. There
much misconception about them and more often than not people stereotype them. There are
much less information available about them. I have been victim blaming and that is not
particularly good for any educated person. I think becoming more cautious and mindful to the
way of thinking is necessary in this regard.
How do you think you knew what you knew?
My knowledge about this came mostly from what I have heard from people and how
they perceive the aboriginals. I have intoned the racial and prejudicial approach that society
takes about them. The campaigns and posters regarding their programs also talk about
initiatives but neither of them talk about the reasons that they might need them or why
government is putting so much effort for them (De Bono, 2017).
Was your response to the issue or topic due to an experience and/or limited
consideration or understanding of the issue?
While I still believe that the wellbeing and development of people are somewhat
dependent upon them as well, I now understand that the situations that the aboriginals face
during assimilation are not something ordinary. The loss of culture that the stolen generation
and their descendants face are not due to their own fault but due to a systematic violence that
was perpetrated against them (Menzies, 2019).