Australia's Aborigines Apology

1. The Aborigines had been left completely to themselves until 1788. At this time, the English arrived on the continent and started introducing their very different ways. The British then used Australia as a prison colony, with very little regard for the Aboriginal people that had been living there the entire time.

2. The white Australians lived with very little regard for those who had lived there first. Upon their arrival, the English harmed Aboriginal culture through everything they brought with them. The British brought a variety of diseases to Australia, many of which killed some of the Aboriginal people. The natural landscapes of the Aborigines' sacred land was torn apart. Even though the natives were there first, the whites placed restrictions on what the Aborigines could and couldn't do. As time continued to go on, the white Australians began to start taking the children (the Stolen Generation). The evil acts committed by the whites demonstrate how cruelly the native peoples were treated.

3. The stolen generation was the group of indigenous children that were removed from the Aboriginal families. The Australian government made a policy to remove these children and make them become part of the "broader society." This was done without parental consent and without a court order.

4. Being part of the stolen generation could greatly alter an Aboriginal child's entire life. From the time they were taken, they were taught to become "white" and turn their backs on their ancestry. These stolen children were taken away from their families and given to white families to convert them to white lifestyles. As time went on, these children would eventually become servants rather than be able to accept their heritage.

5. Australia is still feeling the effects of the poor treatment of the Aborigines; a major part of Australian history and culture is being missed out on. The heritage of the natives has been, and continues to be, somewhat suppressed in Australia (though efforts are being made to preserve it). Another issue is that the Aborigines do not feel like they have seen true sorrow and a true apology. Though the government issued a statement of regret, the Stolen Generation and the Aboriginal people want a statement of apology that shows they truly, from the heart, are sorry. Another crucial issue is that when current Aborigines have children, they have no idea how to raise there children, who are in turn taken by welfare programs. The negative treatment of the Aborigines continues to harm Australia.

6. The Prime Minister has every duty and obligation to issue a formal apology to the Aboriginal people. By refusing to do so, he is depriving Australia of the opportunity for internal peace. The Aborigines want nothing more than to hear a real apology from the Australian government for the crimes of the past. Because of what they did in the past, the government prevented Australia from developing a key part of its history and culture. All aspects of Aboriginal life were suppressed and prevented from reaching their full potential. In addition, the Prime Minister has the duty to apologize to allow for true unity and peace within the country. The Australian government hurt them to a point where they were being killed and their culture suppressed. The only true way the Australians can let themselves be forgiven starts with the Prime Minister.

Blog 5- Savor the Trip, Don't Tweet It

 In Christopher Elliott's "Savor the Trip, Don't Tweet It," Elliott gives great insight on how technology can hinder the overall experience that you end up having while traveling. He has concerns throughout his writing that all forms of technology, including cell phones, computers, and even cameras, can prevent people from fully experiencing the wonders that one should encounter while traveling. He feels that the uniqueness and magnificence of travelling is being destroyed by technology. But one of Elliott's main concerns is that "the essential, spontaneous part of the vacation is a risk of extinction." Elliott feels that vacations are supposed to take you down roads that you would not have previously considered taking. Vacations should have elements that surprise each and every person. I feel that when vacations are too predictable, it can sometimes leave you wanting more, as you would not have fully experienced the thrill of discovering something new and unplanned. Elliott stresses that the reader should think about what vacationing was like prior to the advanced technology that we now have at our disposal. Then he wants us to think about a vacation now without it. Though it would seem very odd to not have everything right there for us, I feel that not having excess technology is a way to enhance the vacationing experience.

My purpose for going to Australia and New Zealand is to serve as a median; I need to convey my knowledge to the people I meet, and in return I need to spread their message to the people back home that I know. I need to do everything in my power to get the absolute most out of my trips to Australia, including cutting back or eliminating my usage of technology while on this trip. Though I have not thought specifically about what role technology should play in our trip, I do believe that technology should be limited. I think that if we are given all-access to our phones, iPods, computers, etc then many of us will miss out on the experience that we will have the change to see while in Australia.

After reading Elliott's opinions, I have developed a new view on how much technology should be used in all aspects of traveling, not just to a "new" place. He makes very strong points that have tons of validity regarding how much technology can actually hurt your travelling experience.I agree with what he says; I feel that technology truly can "make travel a less memorable, less meaningful experience." When we are concerned with technology, whether it be texting, Facebooking, or taking pictures, we are not focused on our surroundings and the discoveries that are waiting for us to find them. Technology does take away from the overall experience, and Elliott puts great insight into the points that he makes.

This being said, I think that there should be technology boundaries that we (as a class) set. I feel like certain forms of technology should not be completely eliminated, but rather be used in moderation. Some technology should be used to a degree, while others should be banned completely. Facebook, computers, videogames, and even phones have very little if any need on our trip. I feel, like Elliott, that in order for us to have the best experience possible, technology has to be limited so we can fully experience our surroundings and be able to re-convey everything we discover.