Compare and Contrast the Way Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Are Represented in at Least Two Contemporary Texts – at Least One Written by an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Author, and at Least One

White Australians`   relationship with Australia’s Indigenous   people could be described as being one of silence. From the British’s first arrival to Australia, communication has always been a barrier. As history has unfolded Aboriginals and Torrens Strait Islanders have gradually been given more of a voice, through modes such as politics and poetry, but in many ways, modern day white society is still stuck in a racist mind-set. Poetry, which has always been a strong political voice for Indigenous Australians, is an emotive indicator of where society is at from both the perspectives of Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.   The events and treatment of Aborigines have rippled from Australia’s history and out into the thought patterns of the white Australian society today and therefore the feelings of Indigenous Australians, as is evidenced in both indigenous and non-Indigenous, recent and historical poetry.
As the poems will explain, current white Australia perhaps believe that they have moved forward, but behind their “sorry” and the stereotyping mask they continue to wear, is a racist thought pattern. In order for the white and Indigenous relationship to be reconciled completely, there must be a recognition of our history, and a focus shift to a future hope in which the Indigenous community can have confidence in. Failure to acknowledge our past, and continue to stereotype is the limit to our hope and the continuation of subtle progress already made, for a greater future together.   This essay will explore the poetic works of white Australian, Paul Buttigieg and Indigenous women, Eva Johnson, Maureen Watson and Oodgeroo Noonuccal. Through analysis of their work, personal views and feelings will be unpacked, regarding current and common Indigenous perspectives among Australian society.

Paul Buttigieg, son of a Maltese migrant who grew up in Adelaide, began writing poetry at a young age. Today, his enthusiasm for Indigenous rights is evident in his very recent...