Violence and racism in Australia pre-dates the white settlers
When it comes to reasonable, discussions of violence and/or racism between/within various peoples. I often ask young (and not so young) impressionable people objecting to white settlement of Australia; to view the earliest rock paintings and carvings.
I suggest they do this along with all the earliest art of Aboriginals depicting themselves, and/or other Aboriginals.
And I also ask the same groups to view the earliest sketchings, drawings, paintings and photos of Aboriginals by earlier white arrivals to Australia.
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Hide AdThen, I ask of all said viewers: what are 65+% the warriors carrying besides spears (many, so cruelly barbed), woomeras (spear throwers), nulla-nullas (war clubs) and a boomerang? Often my not unreasonable question is greeted with surly, responses of: suppose you’re going to tell us?
To which I respond: Why, shields! And it wasn’t the koalas, and kangaroos throwing the spears back!
Howard Hutchins, Victoria, Australia