Langton, M., 'The Politics of Aboriginal Representation', In: Well I
Heard it on the Radio and I saw it on the Television, Australian Film
Commission, North Sydney, 1993, pp. 23-43
This citation articulates the limitations of Aboriginal representations
in various works of media anticipated by an, '...absence of critical theory
and knowledge of..' (Para 2) Aboriginal fundamentals; heavily resulting
in stereotypical views. Langton outlines the consequences illustrated in
the, 'act of making the other invisible', which remains prevalent due to
the, 'ideological framework', such a portrayal provides to understanding
Indigenous characterization. Through the author's reference to Kaplans
articles, the reader is exposed to the requirement for cultural
connectives and Western appreciation through conveying, 'political' and
'aesthetic' issues, relevant to Indigenous Australians within media. The
author implores the placement of Indigenous Australians in communal
associations within the film industry, whilst identifying the Western
assumption of the 'undifferentiated other' producing the juvenile
presumption that being Aboriginal gives increased comprehension and
therefore increased representation.
A 19th century engraving showing Australian "nativ...
Aboriginal flag
Playing the traditional aboriginal musical instrum...Therefore, Langdon encourages the
need to draw upon Aboriginal and Western views and well as those of a
historical nature. This text was useful in identifying various concerns
and avenues for advancement in regards to Aboriginal representation
within the media. (148 words)