Indigenous Voices

Stereotypes

• A generalised perception of first impressions• Judging with the eyes• An oversimplified conception, opinion or image• Incomplete and inaccurate beliefs

Stereotypes are dangerous as they can lead to RACISM and PREDJUDICE

Identify the stereotype

Look carefully at the images

on each of the coins below.

1. What do they have in common?

2. What old stereotype about Aboriginal Australians do you carry around in your wallet?

Stereotypes of Indigenous Australians

Look carefully at the images below and list as many of the stereotypes of Indigenous

Australians today and where they come from

Media Responsibility

The media is the main supplier of these simplified views and a distributor of stereotypes.

• How many times did you read about a dysfunctional, violent Aboriginal community?

• How many times have you seen an image of drunk Aboriginal people getting into trouble?

The media forms and reinforces Aboriginal stereotypes, by concentrating on ONE group of Aboriginal people, who

are largely a minority.

Empathy

How could these stereotypes effect you in:

Self imageIdentity

Level of educationHealth

Achievement of goalsContribution to the communityAttitude towards white people

Brainstorm some ideas and write a paragraph explaining how stereotypes might affect Aboriginal people

The Truth

• 80% of Aboriginal people live in capital cities • 59 Average age of death of Aboriginal people• 38% of Aboriginal students attain a HSC• 99% of Aboriginal people have a family member

in gaol• < 2% Aboriginal people go to Uni• 50% of Aboriginal people smoke• 1/3 of Aboriginal Australians will own their own

home

Analysing the Stats

These are just some of the statistics that show the inequality that exists between

Indigenous and non Indigenous Australians

In groups make some notes about how this might affect your life if these were the stats

for your people.

Aboriginal Role Models

Why isn’t more attention placed on positive role models in the Aboriginal community?

BLAMEFEAR

HISTORYIGNORANCE

ITS EASIER NOT TO

Aboriginal people overcoming the stereotypes

Mick Dodson Australian of the Year 2009

Cathy Freeman Gold Medalist Sydney Olympics

2000

Aaron Peterson Australian Actor

http://www.lightscameraaction.com.au/public/media/smh.htm

Chris Sandow South Sydney Winner of

George Green Medal

Linda Burney President of the

ALP

Eddie Mabo Land Right Activist

Positive Stereotypes