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The IUP Journal of English Studies

Impact of Colonial Terrorism on the Aboriginal: A Critical Study of Kim Scott's That Deadman Dance

Article Details

Pub. Date	: June, 2022
Product Name	: The IUP Journal of English Studies
Product Type	: Article
Product Code	: IJES060622
Author Name	:Sukanya A S and J Michael Raj
Availability	: YES
Subject/Domain	: Arts & Humanities
Download Format	: PDF Format
No. of Pages	: 07

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Abstract

This paper analyzes indigenous Noongars' demolished lives through the protagonist, Bobby, explaining the Australian Aboriginals' history and culture and exploring the relationship between Aboriginal people and white settlers in Kim Scott's That Deadman Dance. It also focuses on the displacement of Aboriginal children and what psychological pain both family and children faced as a result of separation, leading to a long-lasting struggle of hopelessness and fragmentation in their lives. Scott shows the loss and dispossession through his characters, giving sensitive evidence of their hearty association with the nature and beauty of the Australian landscape. Bobby, a street dancer, connects Aboriginals and settlers acting as a mediator for white settlers' establishment thinking that they are guests. However, the settlers totally disrupt the Aboriginals' life. The paper studies how the white settlers dismantle the Aboriginals' rich culture of dance, environment and livelihood, and also how their collective voice is suppressed in their own native land.

Introduction

Australian Aboriginals have the longest traditional history which was totally destroyed when they came in contact with white people. The influence of Christian culture advanced the Aboriginals' lives, however, their traditional culture started getting eroded. It is believed that the Aboriginals have been living in Australia for more than several thousand years coming from Asia. They were considered a very strong primitive race when they were following their barbaric culture, specially collecting food by hunting. All the Aboriginals were maintaining the familial and societal bond based on the instruction given by the elders who were highly respected. They celebrated all aspects of their lives and rituals