Aboriginal Themed Dance Causes Offense
Posted: 22 Jan 2010, 18:02
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/newshome/6708262//
Here's the thing: If you aren't prepared to let go of the tight hold you have on the "rights" to your own culture, then it will die. People will not pay attention to it, they will not learn about it, the culture will cease to be.
There's scant interest in Aboriginal culture as it is in Australia - to say nothing of the fact that different regions and tribes have totally different languages, dances and traditions, so to claim that this constitutes "stealing" your culture is just downright foolish.
This kind of thing (the dance) should be applauded - and if it's off base in terms of accuracy, it should still be applauded and you should take your sound bite opportunity to tell people to look into how things are done traditionally.
(emphasis mine)Sol Bellear of the New South Wales state Aboriginal Land Council told Reuters earlier in the day: "It's very offensive. We see it as stealing Aboriginal culture and it is yet another example of the Aboriginal people of Australia being exploited."
Here's the thing: If you aren't prepared to let go of the tight hold you have on the "rights" to your own culture, then it will die. People will not pay attention to it, they will not learn about it, the culture will cease to be.
There's scant interest in Aboriginal culture as it is in Australia - to say nothing of the fact that different regions and tribes have totally different languages, dances and traditions, so to claim that this constitutes "stealing" your culture is just downright foolish.
This kind of thing (the dance) should be applauded - and if it's off base in terms of accuracy, it should still be applauded and you should take your sound bite opportunity to tell people to look into how things are done traditionally.