Attwood, B., and Arnold, J 'Introduction', In: Power, Knowledge and
Aboriginies, La Trobe University Press, Melbourne, 1992, pp. 1-16
In his essays, Bain Attwood identifies the European Australian way of
'knowing' Aborigines. Attwood articulates Aboringinalism as a method of
dialogue which produces, 'authoritative' and 'essential truths' about
Indigenous Australians. The author examines the European scholar attitude
of Indigenous inadequacy in regards to self representation; the style of
thought based upon an 'epistemological' and 'ontological' distinction
between "Them" and "Us". Based on the works of Michel Foucault, this text
is conversed via particular postulations that the nature of knowledge and
power is, 'interpretative', '...an entity constructed...by human beings.'
(Para 3) It also articulates knowledge as 'contingent', recognizing it
as, 'situational', therefore changeable. This analysis, Attwood concurs,
allows the critical assessment of Aboriginalism in relation to the
knowledge it produces and the relationships of power to be revealed. This
essay was vastly edifying and assisted me to identify the various recent
shifts in Aboriginal discourse as well as the further shifts that need to
occur in order to have an, 'authentic Australian culture'.
Knowledge balance sheet - accounting knowledge
Knowledge will make you free
Noel Pearson(132 words)
Dodson, M., 'The end in the beginning: re(de)fining Aboriginality', In:
Blacklines Contemporary Critical Writing by Indigenous Australians,
Melbourne University Press, 2003, pp. 25-42
English: From frontpiece of Legendary Tales of the...
Action from the 2005 TIFL Grand Final between Puma...
Michel Foucault