Forgetting Aborigines

by Chris Healy

Forgetting Aborigines explores a central paradox in Australian history: Aborigines are often remembered as absent in the face of a continuing and actual indigenous historical presence. Chris Healy argues that in the ways we remember our history, Aborigines keep disappearing. They are present and central at certain moments but then fade from memory. Aboriginal issues can be on the front page for weeks prompting white Australians to ask questions like ‘why weren't we told?’ and then recede again. The book examines ways in which we can stop this dishonest and destructive cycle.

256 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2008

Reviews

[Rhys Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Healy takes on a very complicated, heated subject; not shying from examining both sides and manages to strike a balance. Although sometimes a tad anecdotal and negative, he doesn't pander to the romantic spiritual views of aboriginality nor the screaming media hordes, pointing out the pitfalls of both negative and positive racism in past Australian culture, present, tourism and media. Quite an interesting, well balanced read and a book for those looking forward.