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