The Little Red Yellow Black Book: An Introduction to Indigenous Australia by Bruce Pascoe — Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, Lists
Goodreads | The Little Red Yellow Black Book: An Introduction to Indigenous Australia by Bruce Pascoe — Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, Lists
This is a book by and about Indigenous people of Australia. It gives a brief overview of history, culture, language, achievements, legislation and legal proceedings, arts, ceremonies, and just about anything else you need to know about Indigenous Australians. The best thing about this book is that it is written BY indigenous people themselves and not just ABOUT them. The very last page is titled "Traveling Respectfully" and provides tips on how to inquire about entering communities, what things may or may not be taboo, rules regarding picture-taking, etc.
The history in Australia is sadly parallel to what happened here in the USA: settlers arrived and began grabbing land, pushing aside the native people and imposing horrible punishments upon them. In both places we are still grappling with the sad consequences of those cruel acts. I feel compelled to learn about these stories and to try to understand them.
This little book was sometimes a bit dry, but overall was a very interesting intro to a fascinating place and its people.
----
IndigenousX Review: The Little Red Yellow Black Book
Author: K’Tahni Pridham
--
Anyone reading the “Little Red Yellow Black Book” (LRYBB) should expect to have their perspectives and understanding changed. It will surprise you, in all the right ways… Who knew I could gain so much, from a humble 140 pages? I consider myself pretty aware of issues within history and day to day events, but I was amazed at how many facts and perspectives in LRYBB were new to me. And stories of people I hadn’t previously heard about, and should have… I personally believe that too many people in Australia (and around the world) unfortunately don’t know enough about Indigenous Australia, but for those who are interested in learning more, this is essential reading.
The LRYBB doesn’t cover everything, not that any book could ever hope to cover everything that makes up the sum total of Indigenous Australia, but it is an impressive summary and an important stepping stone to learning more. It is a summary of many of the fundamental elements that paint the picture of what Indigenous Australia looks like today. Spread into four chapters, the book explores the history, achievements, and future aspirations of Indigenous peoples, in both a community and individual sense. Each chapter is divided into paragraph “bite-sized” sections, as a way of summarising the theme and giving readers a taste in an extremely easy-to-read nature. The style in which this book is written, is easily digestible, which is why I would encourage everyone educators, students and your average Joes, to utilise this book as a resource. Unlike those intimidating history books, and stale documentaries from the 80’s, the Little Red Yellow Black Book is an enjoyable experience – and isn’t there to trick you, (or be hard to understand.) It’s updated, so the information and facts are highly relevant within today’s issues, and successes. It’s bright and colourful, reflecting the vibrancy of our people; All the while still giving a very interesting insight into the past, present and future of Indigenous Australians.
I believe this book is an important read for everyone; Indigenous, non-Indigenous, adults and children. It celebrates our people, whilst also shining a light over the issues, stereotypes and statistics still challenging our people today. It also comments on skewed perceptions and prejudices, which are still sadly often encouraged by popular media; “Some public figures and social commentators continue to show little or no understanding of Indigenous Australian’s identity or needs…” It also explores and celebrates how we, as Australians, should define Aboriginality. Or perhaps, how not to define it. “Defining Indigenous people by location descent or appearance does not reflect the complexity of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander experience and identity… It does not acknowledge who people really are.” This really resonates with me, as I have felt the effects of not fitting the mould of what “a true Indigenous Australian ‘is’…” As do many other Indigenous people, cutting a mould of who we are (or what we should be) in relation to what we connect with, in our culture, is something that should never be “defined “especially by media, and outsiders alike.
Whether you are interested in history, politics, culture or anything in between. This book will give you an insight into our very rich, very diverse and very beautiful cultures still thriving today. The face of Indigenous Australia isn’t one face; but it is a face made of many different interests, talents and achievements. It’s shining light on people who need light shining on. Whether through artistic expression, physical performance or political activism and leadership, the “Little Red, Yellow and Black Book” celebrates Indigenous history and excellence from every corner of Australia. Which I believe, is a concept long overdue.
At this time of year, with Invasion Day having just passed us, and the anniversary of the Apology to the Stolen Generations just around the corner, it is all too easy to think it’s too hard to ever learn enough, and to have a reasoned understanding of it all. Resources like the LRYBB are an excellent way to open your mind to understanding and find pathways to learn more. There is so much covered in this book that will be almost impossible not to have your interests piqued and want to set off to learn more…
---
The Little Red Yellow Black Book
Reviewed by Burraga Gutya (Ken Canning) 15/06/2009Email Print The Little Red Yellow Black Book
http://www.abc.net.au/indigenous/stories/s2538718.htm
Website http://lryb.aiatsis.gov.au/
Star rating four
AIATSIS have been thorough in producing 'The Little Red Yellow Black Book' as a mechanism for all people in this country to have a better understanding of Indigenous Cultures.
This book is a revised and expanded edition, the first being in 1994. The initial concept was to give all Australians and introduction into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Peoples cultures, histories and ways of life. In this it is very successful. The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies have been thorough in producing The Little Red Yellow Black Book as a mechanism for all people in this country to have a better understanding of Indigenous Cultures.
The initial difficulties of diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's beliefs are handled quite well.
The introduction explains the difficulties in trying to indentify our varying belief systems and adopts a broad approach in outlining Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders people's cultures and histories. With such differing groups of peoples to write about and such a variety of topics to cover, AIATSIS succeeded in explaining this richness and diversity to a broader audience.
It could be argued that some of the terms used in the first chapter, dealing with 'Our world view' are not those necessarily used by Indigenous Peoples. Some terms such as 'Great Magicians and Cult Heroes' can be seen as problematic. These descriptions lend to the mythical type terms that historians have often used to refer to Our Spirit Ancestors. Having pointed that out, I do realise that the text is aimed at a much broader audience and these terms are more in context with the generalisations that have had to be used.
The books power lies in the amount of topics covered and AIATSAS should be applauded for this. The areas covered are, identity and creation, languages, families and societies, living conditions, missions and stations, sport, arts education, employment, our servicemen, resistance, activism and reconciliation. In all of these topics both the past and present are dealt with and unlike most historical writings of our peoples, we are seen to be in a continuum rather than a people from the past.
As expected in writing about our Peoples and the last 220 years, some things had to be excluded. Given this, I am of the opinion that there were certain events that have warranted more space in any writings of our Peoples. Our much celebrated resistance warriors could have been mentioned and their heroism highlighted. Such brave people as Pemulwuy, Jandamara and Yagan to name a few are well worthy a place in any histories of this country.
A further example is the Ella Brothers in sport. Although we have had many sporting heroes, such as Arthur Beetson (rugby league) being the first Murri to captain a national side, the Ella brothers deserve special mention. Not only were they champions in Rugby Union, but the way in which they played the game, changed the face of rugby internationally. Their influence can be seen even today on the world rugby stage.
Despite these points this is a quite comprehensive book detailing the lives of our Peoples before the British invasion, the means by which we survived and our present place in this society. The Little Red Yellow Black Book establishes its intention right from the beginning. In the opening chapter 'How to use this book', terms such as coloniser, invasion and war are used to rectify the inaccuracies of most Australian's view of the history of the country in which they live.
This book is well worth reading and is an extremely useful tool for non-Indigenous educators in attempting to come to some understanding of the true facts of our Peoples and the mis-leading histories that have pervaded their own education.
This is a book by and about Indigenous people of Australia. It gives a brief overview of history, culture, language, achievements, legislation and legal proceedings, arts, ceremonies, and just about anything else you need to know about Indigenous Australians. The best thing about this book is that it is written BY indigenous people themselves and not just ABOUT them. The very last page is titled "Traveling Respectfully" and provides tips on how to inquire about entering communities, what things may or may not be taboo, rules regarding picture-taking, etc.
The history in Australia is sadly parallel to what happened here in the USA: settlers arrived and began grabbing land, pushing aside the native people and imposing horrible punishments upon them. In both places we are still grappling with the sad consequences of those cruel acts. I feel compelled to learn about these stories and to try to understand them.
This little book was sometimes a bit dry, but overall was a very interesting intro to a fascinating place and its people.
----
IndigenousX Review: The Little Red Yellow Black Book
Author: K’Tahni Pridham
--
Anyone reading the “Little Red Yellow Black Book” (LRYBB) should expect to have their perspectives and understanding changed. It will surprise you, in all the right ways… Who knew I could gain so much, from a humble 140 pages? I consider myself pretty aware of issues within history and day to day events, but I was amazed at how many facts and perspectives in LRYBB were new to me. And stories of people I hadn’t previously heard about, and should have… I personally believe that too many people in Australia (and around the world) unfortunately don’t know enough about Indigenous Australia, but for those who are interested in learning more, this is essential reading.
The LRYBB doesn’t cover everything, not that any book could ever hope to cover everything that makes up the sum total of Indigenous Australia, but it is an impressive summary and an important stepping stone to learning more. It is a summary of many of the fundamental elements that paint the picture of what Indigenous Australia looks like today. Spread into four chapters, the book explores the history, achievements, and future aspirations of Indigenous peoples, in both a community and individual sense. Each chapter is divided into paragraph “bite-sized” sections, as a way of summarising the theme and giving readers a taste in an extremely easy-to-read nature. The style in which this book is written, is easily digestible, which is why I would encourage everyone educators, students and your average Joes, to utilise this book as a resource. Unlike those intimidating history books, and stale documentaries from the 80’s, the Little Red Yellow Black Book is an enjoyable experience – and isn’t there to trick you, (or be hard to understand.) It’s updated, so the information and facts are highly relevant within today’s issues, and successes. It’s bright and colourful, reflecting the vibrancy of our people; All the while still giving a very interesting insight into the past, present and future of Indigenous Australians.
I believe this book is an important read for everyone; Indigenous, non-Indigenous, adults and children. It celebrates our people, whilst also shining a light over the issues, stereotypes and statistics still challenging our people today. It also comments on skewed perceptions and prejudices, which are still sadly often encouraged by popular media; “Some public figures and social commentators continue to show little or no understanding of Indigenous Australian’s identity or needs…” It also explores and celebrates how we, as Australians, should define Aboriginality. Or perhaps, how not to define it. “Defining Indigenous people by location descent or appearance does not reflect the complexity of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander experience and identity… It does not acknowledge who people really are.” This really resonates with me, as I have felt the effects of not fitting the mould of what “a true Indigenous Australian ‘is’…” As do many other Indigenous people, cutting a mould of who we are (or what we should be) in relation to what we connect with, in our culture, is something that should never be “defined “especially by media, and outsiders alike.
Whether you are interested in history, politics, culture or anything in between. This book will give you an insight into our very rich, very diverse and very beautiful cultures still thriving today. The face of Indigenous Australia isn’t one face; but it is a face made of many different interests, talents and achievements. It’s shining light on people who need light shining on. Whether through artistic expression, physical performance or political activism and leadership, the “Little Red, Yellow and Black Book” celebrates Indigenous history and excellence from every corner of Australia. Which I believe, is a concept long overdue.
At this time of year, with Invasion Day having just passed us, and the anniversary of the Apology to the Stolen Generations just around the corner, it is all too easy to think it’s too hard to ever learn enough, and to have a reasoned understanding of it all. Resources like the LRYBB are an excellent way to open your mind to understanding and find pathways to learn more. There is so much covered in this book that will be almost impossible not to have your interests piqued and want to set off to learn more…
---
The Little Red Yellow Black Book
Reviewed by Burraga Gutya (Ken Canning) 15/06/2009Email Print The Little Red Yellow Black Book
http://www.abc.net.au/indigenous/stories/s2538718.htm
Website http://lryb.aiatsis.gov.au/
Star rating four
AIATSIS have been thorough in producing 'The Little Red Yellow Black Book' as a mechanism for all people in this country to have a better understanding of Indigenous Cultures.
This book is a revised and expanded edition, the first being in 1994. The initial concept was to give all Australians and introduction into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Peoples cultures, histories and ways of life. In this it is very successful. The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies have been thorough in producing The Little Red Yellow Black Book as a mechanism for all people in this country to have a better understanding of Indigenous Cultures.
The initial difficulties of diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's beliefs are handled quite well.
The introduction explains the difficulties in trying to indentify our varying belief systems and adopts a broad approach in outlining Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders people's cultures and histories. With such differing groups of peoples to write about and such a variety of topics to cover, AIATSIS succeeded in explaining this richness and diversity to a broader audience.
It could be argued that some of the terms used in the first chapter, dealing with 'Our world view' are not those necessarily used by Indigenous Peoples. Some terms such as 'Great Magicians and Cult Heroes' can be seen as problematic. These descriptions lend to the mythical type terms that historians have often used to refer to Our Spirit Ancestors. Having pointed that out, I do realise that the text is aimed at a much broader audience and these terms are more in context with the generalisations that have had to be used.
The books power lies in the amount of topics covered and AIATSAS should be applauded for this. The areas covered are, identity and creation, languages, families and societies, living conditions, missions and stations, sport, arts education, employment, our servicemen, resistance, activism and reconciliation. In all of these topics both the past and present are dealt with and unlike most historical writings of our peoples, we are seen to be in a continuum rather than a people from the past.
As expected in writing about our Peoples and the last 220 years, some things had to be excluded. Given this, I am of the opinion that there were certain events that have warranted more space in any writings of our Peoples. Our much celebrated resistance warriors could have been mentioned and their heroism highlighted. Such brave people as Pemulwuy, Jandamara and Yagan to name a few are well worthy a place in any histories of this country.
A further example is the Ella Brothers in sport. Although we have had many sporting heroes, such as Arthur Beetson (rugby league) being the first Murri to captain a national side, the Ella brothers deserve special mention. Not only were they champions in Rugby Union, but the way in which they played the game, changed the face of rugby internationally. Their influence can be seen even today on the world rugby stage.
Despite these points this is a quite comprehensive book detailing the lives of our Peoples before the British invasion, the means by which we survived and our present place in this society. The Little Red Yellow Black Book establishes its intention right from the beginning. In the opening chapter 'How to use this book', terms such as coloniser, invasion and war are used to rectify the inaccuracies of most Australian's view of the history of the country in which they live.
This book is well worth reading and is an extremely useful tool for non-Indigenous educators in attempting to come to some understanding of the true facts of our Peoples and the mis-leading histories that have pervaded their own education.
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