The Fine Art of Being Aboriginal

When I first started writing for Quadrant, I was primarily interested in the global warming scam, but my contributions covered the whole range of politics and current affairs.  Recently, though, I seem to have typecast myself as, predominantly, a commentator on Aboriginal issues.  That is not because I harbour any particular animus towards Aboriginal people; however, I have lately wondered if I have become a bit obsessive about this – finding offence in every public expression of Aboriginal ‘culture’ and victimhood. 

On reflection, I think not.  I have become a keyboard warrior pushing back against what Gary Johns calls ‘Aboriginal colonisation’ – the phenomenon of having Aboriginal memes constantly shoved down our collective throat to the extent that they are changing our public discourse. The most obvious example is the ubiquitous acknowledgement of traditional owners and elders.  It has become as common an opening as once was ‘Ladies and Gentlemen’. 

I have…