tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post2990188938968901402..comments2024-02-17T17:59:25.010+10:00Comments on Christian Writers Downunder: What an Interesting Point of ViewJeanette O'Haganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11057798704247611224noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-5253385854959830092014-01-17T20:45:10.620+10:002014-01-17T20:45:10.620+10:00A great discussion Meredith. I often think about w...A great discussion Meredith. I often think about what others' perceptions of Australia Day are. Whether it's from an immigrant point of view, indigenous, overseas visitor or long term citizen of Australia, it will be quite a different perspective.<br /><br />As Paula suggested, the story of Douglas Nichols sounds inspirational and the storyteller in me wants to find out more.<br /><br />Bottom line, I think we have to respect each others' perspectives and try to understand where someone is coming from before judging them. Out of all the points of view, truth is drawn and a shared experience can perhaps create a new story in the future of our country.Elaine Fraserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15724607299832750567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-51458303555253528422014-01-17T15:03:42.926+10:002014-01-17T15:03:42.926+10:00I think Australians in general are so laid-back t...I think Australians in general are so laid-back that we don't really see that others in our community may be struggling - not just the indigenous but also immigrants, as that poem by that young lass brought out. I don't think we need to feel ashamed of our whiteness, but more awareness is a good thing.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17359510082200320805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-38173280841114425322014-01-17T08:55:43.967+10:002014-01-17T08:55:43.967+10:00I also read a good novel written by an indigenous ...I also read a good novel written by an indigenous author called 'That Deadman Dance' by Kim Scott. He represented the characters from both white and indigenous POV and it was based on a true story. It was a good book that helps to build mutual understanding and reconciliation. I recommend it, though the writing style was odd.Meredith Rescehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13119649437940781847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-44152848967507072012014-01-16T23:43:19.334+10:002014-01-16T23:43:19.334+10:00I learned something; thank you, Meredith. Not bein...I learned something; thank you, Meredith. Not being a sports fan I had never heard of Doug Nichols. Caroline Fraser, a friend of mine, has written a very good historical romance (Christian fiction) that relates the Aboriginal POV. <br /><br />Her book Jocelyn's Journey, originally published by Arkhouse Press in 2007, is set in the present with flashbacks to Australia's colonial past, particularly as it impacted on the indigenous population. There are flashbacks to 2 infamous massacres of Kamilaroi people of North West NSW, and also a flashback to a Kamilaroi initiation ceremony. The book looks at the issues of racism and reconciliation from a Christian perspective of mutual forgiveness and moving forward. Caroline hopes that white Australians will come to some understanding of the problems faced by our Aborigines and that Aborigines may come to understand the difficulty many white Australians have in relating to them. Her book was written to help foster mutual understanding, forgiveness, reconciliation, respect and love between our peoples. It is very worthwhile reading.Margaret Lepkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08147233663724759684noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-2094303755640856192014-01-16T21:33:08.325+10:002014-01-16T21:33:08.325+10:00I think the indigenous perspective has been mostly...I think the indigenous perspective has been mostly misunderstood by the majority of white Australians. A different POV is just what is needed. <br />We never really celebrated Australia Day, however last year we found ourselves also the 'Aussies' among a group of foreign friends. We decided to host the day, and will do so again this year. Last year I asked many of our guests what they loved most about Australia. It was a real eye opener for me to see that many of these people were as passionate about this country as I was. <br />This is a great country, with wonderful people, but there are times we forget to love one another. Sometimes it's about taking the time to listen to those POV's. <br />Great post, Meredith. Rose Deehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00916783669139743112noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-18735133181641332712014-01-16T16:56:42.722+10:002014-01-16T16:56:42.722+10:00Thanks for a great post Meredith. It is good to lo...Thanks for a great post Meredith. It is good to look at our history from different POVs - and to discover the many untold stories. I was reading today about the play Black Diggers (to play at the Sydney and Brisbane Festivals - maybe others) of the many aboriginal diggers in WWI - the only time, some said, that they were treated as equals was when they were fighting for a country that did not recognise them as citizens & which then didn't acknowledge their service when they came home. One family sent 5 sons off to war. Thanks for showing the broader picture.Jeanette O'Haganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11057798704247611224noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-85544038823614990602014-01-16T15:57:59.703+10:002014-01-16T15:57:59.703+10:00Thanks, Meredith--a really thought-provoking read....Thanks, Meredith--a really thought-provoking read. I remember Sir Douglas Nichols coming to our church in Victor Harbor SA when we lived there--my husband happened to be preaching that day. In the morning service, he came with all the regalia of Governor, as was expected of him. But he also came back for the evening service just dressed casually and just because he wanted to--he was so gracious and gentle.Jo-Anne Berthelsenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09775045057529728396noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-22705179472302430722014-01-16T15:18:53.200+10:002014-01-16T15:18:53.200+10:00Excellent post Meredith. I have been in Australia ...Excellent post Meredith. I have been in Australia for only 15 years so I am a newcomer. My experiences have been mostly very favourable. I am very grateful to Australia for the welcome she has given us - for all you wonderful friendly people - for many amazing opportunities we have enjoyed here - for a good life - for safety and security - for fair elections - and much much more.<br /><br />However, I have also been aware that for the indigenous people - life has been drastically changed since the Europeans came into their country. I confess I felt a bit guilty about it myself - especially in my early days here - knowing that the arrival of migrants has changed life for the indigenous folk as they knew it. And they have had a lot of difficulties and changes to adapt to. And some of them still bear scars from all that occurred.<br /><br />Thank you for educating me on much I didn't know. I love the way you talk of POV. As Christian writers - it's so crucial that we learn to look at the POV's of others - of other nations of other races - of others in minority. It's so important that we do something about it - being writers we can educate others. Which is what you have done. Great job!<br /><br />Thanks Meredith. Really appreciate it. Hopefully I will open my eyes and mind and heart a little bit more this Australia day!Anusha Atukoralahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00859837228901127984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-66474574019696632782014-01-16T13:44:39.849+10:002014-01-16T13:44:39.849+10:00Great post Meredith. I hadn't heard of Willia...Great post Meredith. I hadn't heard of William Cooper or Doug Nichols. I must admit I've felt a little uneasy about Australia Day over the last few years because of the indigenous issue. One of my indigenous work colleagues referred to it as "Australia Invasion Day". But you've given some great food for thought. And an excellent example of POV.Nola Passmorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08425394685430146759noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-21111989646232022292014-01-16T12:55:49.395+10:002014-01-16T12:55:49.395+10:00In fact, Paula, Doug Nichols was eventually knight...In fact, Paula, Doug Nichols was eventually knighted by the Queen and appointed governor of South Australia - the first, and I think the only aboriginal Queens representative. A character worth reading more about.Meredith Rescehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13119649437940781847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-22954747969603000082014-01-16T12:20:05.192+10:002014-01-16T12:20:05.192+10:00Very interesting post, Meredith. I learned a few t...Very interesting post, Meredith. I learned a few things too. Douglas Nichols sounds like one of those now unsung heroes who many people haven't heard of. I would be interested in learning more about people like him. As I was reading, I couldn't help thinking that this sounds like a great backdrop for a new fiction, or faction. If we want to exercise point of views, and get into many characters' heads, what an opportunity. What a contentious date Jan 26th is, when it comes to celebrating.Paula Vincehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02079952414990463270noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-83802837276736688352014-01-16T09:50:56.445+10:002014-01-16T09:50:56.445+10:00I learned new things from this Meredith. Thanks. W...I learned new things from this Meredith. Thanks. What a great illustration about POV. The same event can be viewed in so many different ways, giving us a greater understanding. Does this mean that writers should use mare than one point of view?Jo Wanmerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08601438922741057908noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-63768172054501412192014-01-16T09:30:26.183+10:002014-01-16T09:30:26.183+10:00Great comments Meredith. I think the writer's ...Great comments Meredith. I think the writer's mind for detail, bigger picture, plot, characters etc, enables us to see more than one thing going on at point of time and to explore the links between actions, motives, inter-relationships. This is a great reminder that Australia Day does not denote the beginning or the end of Australian's story. Carol Preston https://www.blogger.com/profile/00306981583283008014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-15777077164535590992014-01-16T09:29:08.473+10:002014-01-16T09:29:08.473+10:00Many thanks for your in-depth point of view, Mered...Many thanks for your in-depth point of view, Meredith. It is good to remember our history. And like the history of many settled lands it has its sadness at the great cost to its original inhabitants who of course were the original caretakers.<br /><br />As a child I mixed and played with many Aboriginal children on a reserve overseen by my grandparents in country NSW.. They were loved and respected by the folk there and I hold lots of great memories of those times. However, it has been a long, hard road for them to gain understanding and any sort of equality. The true Christian message has had a very real part of that developing.<br /><br />Yes, we should always include our Aboriginal folk at every opportunity. I like the way the Rev Hon Fred Nile of the Christian Democratic Party invites Aboriginal Pastors and leaders to take part in various services held in NSW Parliament House. But we also can open our hearts and show hospitality whenever we are able and maybe even more so on Australia Day.Rita Galiehhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14586506137798711397noreply@blogger.com