Forgetting Aborigines

Forgetting Aboriginesexplores a central paradox in Australian history: Aborigines are often remembered as absent in the face of a continuing and actual indigenous historical presence. Chris Healy argues that in the ways we remember our history, Aborigines keep disappearing. They are present and central at certain moments but then fade from memory. Aboriginal issues can be on the front page for weeks prompting white Australians to ask questions like 'why weren't we told?' and then recede again. The book examines ways in which we can stop this dishonest and destructive cycle.

Chris Healy teaches cultural studies at the University of Melbourne.