Like thousands of others I was left feeling emotionally bruised and despondent at the outcome of last year’s Voice referendum. No surprise then that on being offered the opportunity to read and review the book by Thomas Mayo, that provided context to the result, and gives his reflections on how the campaign had been so cynically manipulated by the No camp, I grabbed it. As well as suggestions for what needs to be done to change hearts and minds, Mayo argues that only when there’s a greater understanding of just how Indigenous people have been treated since European settlement - or invasion as they regard it – can there truly be less intolerance and a genuine coming together and appreciation of each other’s perspectives.
Far from being embittered by the campaign, the book is Mayo’s response to the referendum result after some much needed rest and recuperation time. He considers just why it was that so many white Australians have a negative view of those with darker skin, but that have called Australia home for around 65,000 years. Readers are given a valuable and thought-provoking history lesson – a more balanced and accurate version than the one written by white Australians and that has been relied on in school curriculums for ovr 200 years. That’s the version the undeniably brutal aspects of Australia’s history have been erased from the pages.
Although there are no signs of a growing awareness it’s still a fact only a more sanitised version of history features in media, books and films. Mayo offers this as a reason for the disconnected - and inaccurate - attitude towards our nation’s Aboriginal peoples.
While I naturally hope many people will read my review, I’d far rather even more people read Mayo’s book. If they do then perhaps when the Voice issue is raised again it will receive a resounding Yes.
https://independentaustralia.net/life/art-display/book-review-always-was-always-will-be,19016
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