Australia, we need to talk | Cally Jetta | TEDxPerth

Summary

The speaker, a high school teacher with a decade of experience, addresses the audience with vulnerability about her nervousness and the challenges of discussing Aboriginal issues. She shares personal experiences of racism, the media's negative portrayal of Aboriginal Australians, and the strength of the community despite daily discrimination. She reflects on the reconciliation movement's flaws and the importance of acknowledging the past to move forward together. The speaker emphasizes the power of social media to share authentic Aboriginal stories, urging the audience to challenge racism and seek deeper understanding.

Takeaways

• 😨 The speaker feels nervous addressing adults despite being an experienced high school teacher, indicating the intimidating nature of discussing Aboriginal matters.
• 🤔 The speaker experiences a sense of insecurity and judgment when discussing Aboriginal issues, suggesting a broader societal bias.
• 😔 Racism is prevalent in everyday life, as illustrated by the contrasting treatment of the speaker's husband at a doctor's office.
• 💪 Aboriginal people are described as extremely strong, enduring constant demonization and stereotypes, highlighting their resilience.
• 😡 The speaker recounts personal experiences of racism, including derogatory names and jokes made in school, showing the deep-rooted nature of prejudice.
• 🏠 The speaker's husband's ancestors were victims of a massacre, a historical event that has been glossed over in favor of a more palatable narrative.
• 🤝 The reconciliation movement of the 90s is critiqued as flawed, suggesting that true harmony has never been achieved between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians.
• 📣 The 2008 apology to the Stolen Generations by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is acknowledged as significant but marred by a lack of understanding and support from some Australians.
• 👦 The speaker's son's interaction with a peer about being Aboriginal shows a positive shift in younger generations' attitudes.
• 🌐 The power of social media is recognized as a tool to share stories and perspectives, influencing change and fostering understanding.
• 📚 The speaker's work with at-risk teens and sharing their stories online has had a profound impact, demonstrating the importance of representation and support.

Q & A

What emotions does the speaker express at the beginning of the speech?

The speaker expresses nervousness and intimidation at the thought of addressing a crowd of adults formally, despite having experience as a high school teacher.

What does the speaker feel when discussing Aboriginal-related matters?

The speaker feels judged and insecure, as if they are being scrutinized and their knowledge is doubted by others.

Why does the speaker's husband face racism despite the speaker's knowledge in indigenous history, culture, and language?

People often bypass the speaker and assume that her husband, who is visibly Aboriginal, is the expert, based on his appearance rather than the speaker's qualifications.

What was the speaker's husband's experience at the doctor's surgery?

The receptionist treated the speaker's husband differently, asking him if he had a healthcare card and suggesting he should apply for one at Centrelink, which was not asked of the speaker.

How does the speaker describe the strength of Aboriginal people?

The speaker describes Aboriginal people as extremely strong, enduring daily racial treatment that many on the outside are oblivious to.

What is the speaker's perspective on the media's portrayal of Aboriginal Australians?

The speaker believes that Aboriginal Australians are constantly demonized in the media, often resented based on stereotypes and perceived benefits that do not exist.

What was the speaker's experience with racism during their school years?

The speaker experienced racism in their private high school where peers made derogatory comments about Aboriginal people and the school was named after a historical figure with a negative history towards Aboriginal people.

What was the speaker's view on the reconciliation movement of the 90s?

The speaker initially saw the reconciliation movement as positive but later recognized its flaws, such as being a government-funded campaign and the concept of reconciliation implying a return to a harmony that was never truly had.

How did the speaker feel about the apology issued by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to the Stolen Generations?

The speaker felt the apology was significant but was disheartened by the lack of support and compassion from others, including friends who considered it irrelevant and unnecessary.

What positive change has the speaker observed in their children's generation?

The speaker's son was able to confidently explain his Aboriginal identity to a peer, showing that positive change is happening and that younger generations are more open and accepting.

What role does the speaker see for social media in promoting understanding and change?

The speaker sees social media as a powerful tool to give voice to alternative perspectives and to reach more people with a fresh perspective on Aboriginal issues.

What is the speaker's message to the audience about combating racism and supporting Aboriginal people?

The speaker urges the audience to challenge racism when they see it, not to believe stereotypes about Aboriginal people without investigating further, and to value and listen to Aboriginal voices.