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 people’s status within society and relentlessly questions the rights ‘given’ to them. In salvaging words such as “give” and “make us” being directed to the whites, there is an extreme emphasis placed on the white community. It appears that Walkers plea on behalf of her culture is able to be fulfilled by the whites.
In expressing her thoughts regarding the need for social justice and quality, Walker conveys an element of anger, criticism, truth and reflection. By using various language devices such as intentional wording, positioning of text, emotive language and juxtapositioning, Walker effectively communicates her concerns to the audience.
“You dishearten, not defend us”is an economical line that is capable of displaying her anguish and anger towards the whites. The first word “You” displays the ordinance of her poem. “You”, a word in itself is an accusative verb that places direct blame and generates strong connotations to the reader. By intentionally beginning the stanza with “You” Walker is personally directing her emotions towards the audience. This can be seen as a successful attempt in gaining the attention of the reader as it further engages the audience. Moreover, the noun “dishearten” is used to convey her innermost sentiments as this word alone encompasses the substantial extent of loss experienced by the Aboriginals. “Dishearten” tells of the loss of identity, hope, freedom and love of Aboriginal life.
Furthermore, Walker juxtapositions “You dishearten” with “Not defend us” as to mirror what the whites have wrongly done and what they should have done to write a wrong. The element of truth and reflection are prevalent in statements of comparison, as these two aspects of the poem go ‘hand-in-hand’.
“We want hope, not racialism, Brotherhood, not ostracism” is effective in conveying these themes and in addition captures the essence of the principle theme of equality.
In line 1 and 2, Walker makes a strong demand for hope and brotherhood whilst contrasting these wants with what they have received alternatively, that is, racialism and ostracism. This is to amplify her need to be heard, as they are asking for hope and brotherhood that may be interpreted as the hearts desire.
“We need love, not lordship” is a similar line that also conveys the hearts ambition in life. The intentional use of the word “need” is to amplify the need for love – not a want, but rather a necessity to survive and live life as intended. The adjective “love” is an example of the use of emotive language. Love entails different meanings that can be interpreted in diverse ways. Depending on the experience and background of the reader, the positioning of the word “love” can be read from different perspectives. The author intentionally makes her poem intricate so that the audience may interpret the issues at hand without any limitations.
This similar sense of desperate longing for more is also evident in line 24 “Give us choice, not coercion” To give is to provide, as provide is to give. In directing the appeal towards the reader, it is assumed that the whites have the ability to ‘give’ the Aboriginals a realism of freedom. To liberate their oppressed race by freeing them from the restrictions they feel within their lives. They have the desire to be more and in order to be ambitious and live more; they need to have their burden lifted.
In closing, Walker is successful in conveying her message of hope for equality. In using various written language devices, Walker is able to effectively make a social commentary on the rights of Aboriginals through the literary form of poetry.
Written by Karen Ng
10.1 English
