Comment on the way in which Kath Walker makes a social commentary in her poem

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ABORIGINAL CHARACTER OF RIGHTS

Comment on the way in which Kath Walker makes a social commentary in her poem “Aboriginal Character of Rights”

The manner in which Walker expresses her views in the poem is reflective of her background, experience and knowledge. Given that Walk was removed from her family at a young age and made to assimilate with white society, she is able to present an unbiased view of the issue at hand, that is, the needs of the “native old Australians” to no longer be “rank(ed) as aliens” in what was once their own land.

Walker makes a social commentary that dwells upon various social issues concerning specifically the rights and needs of the Aboriginal community. She voices a general concern regarding equality on behalf of her people. Emerging from the principle theme of equality are the basic and life-altering needs that the Aborigines call for. The most basic needs are also courteous deeds. Aborigines are longing for “help” in times of assistance, to be “welcome(d)” and to have a “choice” in life.

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A need for an end to stereotyping and racial prejudice is expressed in the use of wording chosen by Walker. She articulates her anger towards defamation directed at the Aboriginal community. Walker feels the strong need for white society to stop “libelling” and defaming Aborigines as “fringe-dweller” that reside within “missions”

“Aboriginal Character of Rights” encompasses Walkers innermost hopes, thoughts and emotions – all of which reflect upon the unjustly treatment of the Indigenous people throughout history. Walker presents a social commentary through poetry that comprehensively reviews the common rights of all Aboriginal people. She openly comments on her ...

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