Case Study: Aboriginal Identity, Belonging, Racism, and Society

This case study examines the complexities of Aboriginal identity and belonging within the context of Australian society. It analyzes responses to Pauline Hanson's views on separatism, exploring the impact of discrimination and the importance of equality. The study reflects on Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's apology speech and its emotional resonance, highlighting the need for reconciliation. It delves into the human need for belonging, the factors influencing social acceptance, and the historical context of the White Australia Policy. The author shares personal experiences and perspectives on cultural diversity, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and global citizenship. The case study draws upon personal reflections and external resources to offer a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities related to Aboriginal identity and societal integration in Australia.

Running head: CASE STUDY
Case study
Name of the student:
Name of the University:
Author note:

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Table of Contents
Answer 1:.........................................................................................................................................2
Answer 2..........................................................................................................................................2
Answer 3..........................................................................................................................................3
Answer 4:.........................................................................................................................................3
Answer 5..........................................................................................................................................4
Answer 6:.........................................................................................................................................4
Answer 7:.........................................................................................................................................5
References........................................................................................................................................6

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Answer 1:
Yes, I passed the test and scored 18/20. Question 3 and question 8 were wrong, as I was
not aware of the answer.
Answer 2:
a. The speech of Pauline was against the separatism encouraged by the government in
Australia wherein the government provided land, money, facilities and opportunities to
the Aboriginals. She raised her voice against the inequality, which was prevalent in
Australia in 1996. The Government considered Aboriginals to be the most disadvantaged
persons in the country. She opposed to the fact that color must not be the base to decide
whether one is disadvantaged or not. She raised her voice against the society where there
existed two different races with their race specific privileges. The nation was being
divided into blacks and whites. The speech of Pauline was logical enough to be accepted
by me. It was necessary to stop all sorts of discriminations to ensure that the world is a
happy and peaceful place to live in.
b. As an Aboriginal, I felt that everyone has the right to equality and right to participation.
Racism is harmful for the development of a country and must be avoided. Racism affects
the social, economic, political and cultural well- being of a nation.
c. Yes, I agree with her thoughts. Race and color not be a basis for discriminating someone
and providing special privileges to others. Every individual belonging to a same country
must have equal rights. No special allowances or privileges must be provided on the basis
of color and race. In today’s world, we emphasize upon being global citizens with the

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right to participate in the global decisions. This is possible only when there is no
discrimination among the individuals on the basis of nation, color, caste, religion and
race.
Answer 3:
a. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s sorry speech was a turning point in the politics of
Australia. The apologies for the laws that caused grievances among the Australians were
about to change. The apology was basically for the separation of Aboriginal children
from their families and country. Australia was about to witness new laws and policies,
which would ensure mutual respect, mutual responsibility and mutual resolve.
b. Yes, I found it an emotional experience.
c. Yes, I agree with saying sorry.
d. Yes, it did affect me personally.
Answer 4:
a. We need to belong because it is a human emotional need. Every human wants to be loved
and accepted by the society in which he or she lives in. The society involves family
members, friends, colleagues, teachers, and all the other people with whom an individual
associates. Need to belong is more than being acquainted with other people. It involves
acceptance, support and attention from the society as well as providing acceptance,
support and attention to the other members of the society. We need to belong because it
affects our behavior. It is an intrinsic motivation for an individual and affects the way a
person presents himself. Need to belong is also a part of Maslow’s need hierarchy theory,
which acts as a major motivating factor. The need to belong becomes essential once the

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physiological and safety needs of a person is satisfied. A person is able to satisfy his or
her needs of esteem and self- actualization only when his need for love and
belongingness are satisfied. Therefore, we need to belong in order to remain motivated
and achieve the goals of our life.
b. I belong with the Aboriginal race of Australia being indigenous to the mainland of
Australia.
Answer 5:
The people who belong to same religion, color, culture and race fit in easily. The people
belonging to different religion, race, culture and color do not fit in easily. The society gets to
decide who fits in well and who does not. The society either accepts or rejects a person.
According to me, it is easier for the people belonging to same culture and race to get
along with well however; it becomes difficult for an outsider to create his position in a different
society. Usually societies do not accept an outsider easily. There are several factors that affect
the belongingness of a person in a different society, which includes color, race, culture, religion
and many more factors. All these separate a person from ‘us’ to ‘them’. People are aware about
several racist incidents taking place in different parts of the world. It is not easy for the members
of a culture to accept the values and traditions of another culture. All these factors become a
basis of discrimination and lack of belongingness.
Answer 6:
White Australia policy is a combination of several policies that prohibited the non-
European people to migrate to Australia. There was absence of a specific policy but there was a

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collection of policies, which were invented to exclude the Asian people especially Chinese and
people belonging to Pacific islands. These policies were abolished between 1949 to 1973.
Answer 7:
We pride ourselves on our generosity and diversity of the society. Walking down the
streets we are surrounded by the difference. I have experienced this scenario before and I have
reacted positively to the situation. All humans are equal in my eyes and everyone deserves the
right to equality. I am strictly against discrimination on grounds like color, race, religion and
culture. I believe that due to these differences we have a lot to explore about a person and learn
the values taught by the other cultures. It made me feel positive, as the world is a mix of cultures
and traditions, which are very interesting to explore. Today when I walk down the streets, I see
people belonging to different cultures, races and colors as with the advent of globalization; the
world has become more united and closely knitted. Today is the age of global citizenship
wherein a person belonging to any country, culture, religion and color is free to move from one
place to another and associate with people belonging to different culture and society.

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References
https://museumsvictoria.com.au/website/immigrationmuseum/discoverycentre/identity/
index.html