The topic of my seminar work is “Aboriginality in Sally Morgan’sMy Place“.In order to write about Aboriginality in this specific case it is necessary and very important to first define this term.What do we understand by ´Aboriginality`? Where does the word ´Aboriginal` come from and who/what is Aboriginal? What problem is there about identity? What was the Aboriginal past like? Only when we have a clear concept of these terms and have a general idea about the context we can move on to the actual topic of this work, namely to analyse Sally Morgan’s (auto)biography and find out which of the aspects occur in her book and of what importance they are.
Therefore the main part of this work is subdivided into two parts: Firstly the definition of the central terms and a short historical background and secondly the analysis of the primary literature with regard to the mentioned points. Finally I will sum up the results of my research in a short conclusion.
Table of contents
1. Introduction
2. Problems of definition
2.1. “Aboriginality“
2.2. Identity
3. The ´Stolen Generation`
4. Aboriginality in Sally Morgan’s My Place
5. Conclusion
6. Bibliography
Objectives & Core Themes
This work explores the multifaceted concept of "Aboriginality" and its representation in Australian literature, specifically focusing on Sally Morgan’s autobiography My Place to analyze how family history and heritage shape personal identity.
- The historical context of the "Stolen Generation" and its lasting trauma.
- Definitions and complexities surrounding "Aboriginality" and collective identity.
- The process of self-discovery and reconciling with suppressed family roots.
- The clash between white Australian perspectives and the reality of Aboriginal experiences.
- The role of oral history in uncovering obscured cultural narratives.
Excerpt from the Book
4. Aboriginality in Sally Morgan’s My Place
By publishing her autobiography My Place in 1987 Sally Morgan (born in 1951 in Perth, Western Australia) set an example for Aboriginal people to speak openly about their family history and their search for an identity. The aspects of Aboriginality mentioned above can all be detected in her work.
The main purpose of Sally Morgan’s autobiography is to reveal the secret with which she was raised. While Sally Morgan writes her autobiography she discovers the truth about her origin and the reader is given the chance to take part in her process of gaining an individual cultural and social identity.
When Sally was in grade three her schoolmates asked her what country her family came from. Sally was confused, because up till then it never came to her mind that they could be of a different descent than her friends. She asked her mother and her answer was: “Tell them you’re Indian.“ This was her first contact with the question of nationality and identity, but it did not bother her. It was not until she was fifteen when she realized that her family could possibly have Aboriginal roots. After her grandmother Daisy told her crying that she was black, Sally thought about it:
For the first time in my fifteen years, I was conscious of Nan’s colouring. She was right, she wasn’t white. Well, I thought logically, if she wasn‘t white, then neither were we. What did that make us, what did that make me? I had never thought of myself as being black before.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter outlines the seminar work's focus on defining Aboriginality and analyzing its manifestation in Sally Morgan’s autobiography.
2. Problems of definition: This section examines the difficulties in labeling Australia's indigenous population and discusses the abstract and contested nature of identity.
3. The ´Stolen Generation`: This chapter provides historical context regarding the forced removal of Aboriginal children and the systematic destruction of their culture by the Australian government.
4. Aboriginality in Sally Morgan’s My Place: This chapter analyzes how Sally Morgan uncovers her heritage and explores the inner conflicts of her family members regarding their Aboriginal identity.
5. Conclusion: The concluding chapter summarizes how Morgan’s personal journey serves as a powerful testament to the broader struggles for Aboriginal self-recognition and reconciliation.
6. Bibliography: This section lists the primary and secondary sources utilized for the research.
Keywords
Aboriginality, Identity, My Place, Sally Morgan, Stolen Generation, Autobiography, Oral History, Indigenous, Colonialism, Reconciliation, Heritage, Assimilation, Australia, Cultural identity, Race
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this paper?
The paper examines the concept of "Aboriginality" and explores how it is addressed within the context of Sally Morgan’s autobiography, My Place.
What are the primary themes discussed?
Central themes include the search for personal and cultural identity, the history of the "Stolen Generation," the politics of definition, and the experience of growing up with a hidden heritage.
What is the main research objective?
The goal is to analyze the aspects of Aboriginality presented in Morgan’s work and understand how the process of writing the book helped the author and her family reconcile with their true origins.
What methodology does the author use?
The author employs a two-fold approach: first, defining central terms and providing historical context, followed by a literary analysis of the primary text, My Place.
What does the main body of the work cover?
The main body covers definitions of Aboriginality, the historical background of racial policies in Australia, and a close reading of how the protagonists in My Place confront their past.
Which keywords define this work?
Key terms include Aboriginality, Identity, Stolen Generation, Autobiography, and Reconciliation.
How does Sally Morgan's grandmother, Daisy, relate to the "Stolen Generation"?
Daisy is described as a survivor of the Stolen Generation, having been forced into domestic service, which led to lifelong trauma and a persistent fear of revealing her Aboriginal heritage.
Why did Sally Morgan's family keep their identity a secret?
They kept it secret due to systemic discrimination, fear of the authorities, and the belief that assimilation into white society was necessary for their survival and social standing.
What role does oral history play in the book?
Oral history is vital because it allows the author to reclaim the suppressed narratives of her mother and great-uncle, filling the gaps that institutional history ignored or erased.
- Citation du texte
- Eleni Theodoridou (Auteur), 2004, Aboriginality in Sally Morgan's MY PLACE, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/46736
