Comparison Question

At the end of class today, it was remarked that, in Australia, the Aborigines were brought into "white man's" culture, while in Things Fall Apart, the "white man" brought his culture to the tribesmen.  In what ways do you think the experience of having culture brought to you versus having you brought to culture is different? I am particularly struck by the following line from Achebe's book: "They were talking excitedly among themselves because the white man had said he was going to live among them. They had not thought about that." (TFA 145)

What's in an Apology?

In 2008, Kevin Rudd, the Prime Minister of Australia, apologized to the native Aborigines for the laws and policies that "inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss"  upon them.

Please read the following article:


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7241965.stm


What is your reaction to the prime minister's apology?  Is it valid? Did it go far enough?  What should nations do to make up for past mistakes?

I welcome your comments and responses.  Please respond to each other with thoughtfulness and care.