Stability, security and survival: a conversation with Mary Graham
Dec 7, 2023
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Mary Graham, one of Australia's most distinguished Aboriginal academics and authors, discusses colonization, Aboriginal worldview, autonomy, survivalist ethos, and conflict- colonial and Aboriginal approaches. She highlights the interconnectedness of all beings with the land, the importance of self-determination and environmental responsibility, and the need for decolonization and rebuilding Indigenous governance.
Aboriginal philosophy emphasizes autonomous regard and extends it to include the natural world, fostering mutual regard and understanding among nations.
Aboriginal societies developed a survivalist ethos, shaping political systems that prioritize stability and collaboration in a potentially dangerous world.
Deep dives
Understanding Aboriginal Worldviews
Aboriginal worldviews encompass different perspectives, cultures, and ancestral connections depending on each group's place, culture, and ancestors. Worldview is rooted in the relationship between humans and the land, seeing humans as part of the world, not just beings in it. It includes concepts like the Dreaming, multi-dimensional time, and the stewardship of the land.
Autonomous Regard and Relationalism
Aboriginal philosophy emphasizes autonomous regard, recognizing the autonomy and agency of individuals and their interactions with the world. People are the bosses of their own lives, with men and women sharing authority in a gendered governance system. The Indigenous perspective extends autonomous regard to include the natural world, treating flora and fauna with respect and seeking relationalism. This approach can also be applied at an international level, fostering mutual regard and understanding among nations.
Multipolarity and Conflict Management
The concept of multipolarity, acknowledging the autonomy and sovereignty of all countries, is important in Aboriginal philosophy and has relevance in political science. Multipolarity emphasizes a level playing field where no single dominant nation exists. Conflict is recognized as inevitable but should be managed rather than idolized. Aboriginal societies had well-developed methods for managing conflict and sought stability through diplomatic traditions.
Survivalist Ethos and Colonialism
Aboriginal societies developed a survivalist ethos, recognizing the need for cautiousness and self-preservation in a potentially dangerous world. This ethos shaped political systems, emphasizing stability and a collaborationist approach. Colonialism, on the other hand, exemplifies a survivalist ethos with domination, invasion, and resource theft. Decolonization requires rebuilding and regenerating Aboriginal ways of running the country, promoting mutual regard and understanding.
Mary Graham is one of Australia's most distinguished Aboriginal academics and authors. In this conversation, she articulates a political philosophy of relationality, conflict management and much more.
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