Woroni: Edition 5, 2014

the Indigenous issue.

WORONI

HOW 4 ANU BADASSES WERE ARRESTED

Why didn’t God prevent the Bombs on a weekend stroll in Amman, Jordan.

Holocaust?

Don’t hug this bear, yo.

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WORONI 13

10 Features

Features

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World

Science

22 APRIL 2 0 1 4 - NO. 5, VOL 66 - WORONI.COM.AU - T: @WORONI - F: WORONI

Major Indigenous Research Project Launched

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“this is a nationally important project and it will make a difference... ”

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Image by NAtional Indigenous Times/Geoff Bagnall Group shot caption: ANU Professor Mick Dodson, Director of the National Centre for Indigenous Studies (6th from left), with representatives of the project’s academic and industry partners.

Areti Metuamate Deputy Editor-in-Chief

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David Winter

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John Hewson on Tax Reform -

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The Indigenous Issue Starts on P. 15

TUESDAY 22 APRIL 2014 WORONI

NEWS// 4

News Briefs

Numbers Number of shoppers to visit H&M in Melbourne on its opening day:

15,000

Samantha Bradley

A collection of news stories from around the world that weren’t covered by the mainstream media.

group opted to end it because the Pakistani government had continued to arrest and target known key campaign platform for Sharif, before he was elected for his third term in 2013. The Taliban’s demands include the release of hundreds of prisoners, the army’s withdrawal from Afghan border areas, and the nationwide implementation of Islamic law.

Quotes Our Minister for Women, folks.

T c t a c o o

According to the Jordanian army, a number of combat vehicles trying to cross into Jordan from Syria, have been destroyed. A Syrian representative, however, claimed on state television in warning shots, which were ignored which prompted the destruction of the vehicles. The Jordanian

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King Abdullah II has vowed to protect Jordan from the Syrian war.

Ban Ki-moon warns that the South Sudan is on the brink of famine

“It would be folly to expect that women would ever approach

The United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, has warned that up to one million people will starve unless immediate action is taken in the South Sudan. On Wednesday the 16th of April Kimoon stated that ‘life and death’ issues are facing the world’s newest nation including famine and malnutrition, particularly among women and children. His comments were made before a meeting with Kristaline Georgieva, the EU commissioner responsible for humanitarian aid. South Sudan has been inundated with violence since December. Thousands are believed to have been killed, and more than one million are believed to have been displaced.

Baby born with four feet and four hands in Guangdong Province, China A baby born with a set of extra limbs has had these surgically removed. The boy, born on the 2nd of April in China’s Guangdong Province is reportedly in a stable condition, after the surgery. The dren’s Medical Centre, the result of the baby being joined at the torso to his headless parasitic twin.

Prior to the birth the mother reportedly underwent a number of examinations at local clinics and no abnormalities with the foetus were discovered.

Woroni is published on the traditional lands of the Ngunnawal people.

We pay our respects to their elders past and present.

Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Fergus Hunter Deputy Editor-in-Chief Areti Metuamate Managing Editor Tara Shenoy Digital Ross Caldwell Print Sam Bradley Print Elena Tjandra Print Lilly Ward

Sub-Editorial Team News Daniel Lynch Comment Ben Stilling Features Alice Zhang Life & Style Beatrice Smith Arts Nina Haysler Science Eleanor Campbell Sport Josh Chu-Tan Radio Seth Robinson Radio Polly Mitton Radio Michael Carton Radio Jamie Cole Photos Janis Lejins Design Lauren Cawthron Video Matthew Solomko Managing Assistant Alex Catalan-Flores PRINTED BY CAPITAL FINE PRINT PUBLISHED BY ANU STUDENT MEDIA

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Cumberland County in New Jersey has summed a one IV Griner to jury duty. The issue here is that sion soon after the summons arrived, informing the relevant authorities of this fact. The country’s judiciary coordinator stated that the computer-based system likely mistook the Roman number for

Palestinians wounded in clashes over al-Aksa Mosque. stun grenade canisters and rubber-coated bullets, after Jerusalem’s famous al-Aksa mosque compound was opened to Jewish visitors. The clashes were the second in a week after Israeli police similarly opened the compound on the previous Sunday. The Haram al-Sharif, which includes the al-Aksa Mosque and the Dome of the Ross, is Islam’s third holiest site, and is known to Jews as the Temple Mount. Non-Muslim visits to the compound are permitted, but Jews are not allowed to pray at the site under Israeli law.

Japanese Fisheries Committee urge govt. to ignore ICJ ruling Weeks after the ban placed on Japanese whaling, by the International Court of Justice, a Japanese parliamentary committee has unanimously passed a resolution pressuring the government to explore all options to continue whaling, including the possibility of leaving the International Whaling Convention. The Fisheries Committee has 40 members, including members of the lower house. Environmentalists maintain that “science” is simply a pretence for Japanese whaling, and the Hague

Philippine’s Supreme Court strikes down birth control challenge The Philippine Supreme Court has struck down a legal challenge from a number of church groups, to a law offering free birth control to poor Filipinos. The law requires the government to not only provide free birth control to poor Filipinos, but also to conduct safe sex education in schools. The Supreme Court held that the law is not unconstitutional, and their decision has been praised as upholding the separation of church and state in the country.

Zhao Changqing is the third anti-corruption activist to appear in court in Beijing in recent weeks as part of a government crackdown on activists. Changqing, who is 45 years old, faces the possibility ment, a loose network of campaigners against corruption. He pleaded not guilty to a charge of “gathering a crowd to disrupt public order.”

WORONI TUESDAY 22 APRIL 2014

NEWS// 5

A Peaceful Vision: Anzac Peace Vigil Marks 4th Year Jason Andrews 2014 marks an important year in Australian history: the centenary of the First World War and what was the beginning of 4 long, brutalising years. In the years that followed, the wounded whom returned in body but not in mind struggled and often failed to rebuild their lives, communities pulled together to support families facing impoverishment and women in their thousands fought for the recognition of their innumerable the result, was slow coming. Traditionally, it has been on Anzac Day that Australians have paid homage to the hundreds of thousands of people

Traditionally, the Peace Vigil commences at sunset on the top of Mt. Ainslie with a Welcome to Country ceremony followed by songs of lament led by the Chorus of Women... killed, maimed and traumatised.

Over the past decade, however, many eminent Australian historians have been drawing attention to an alarming trend towards jingoism,

who has suggested that these developments are contributing towards an increasingly uncritical appreciation of the real costs of war. It is of great concern, then, that the focus, mode and tone of

the Anzac Day ceremonies increasingly seem to relegate to the wayside the trauma, grief and

This year, the Frontier Wars March Michael Anderson, one of the founders of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, will lead the March which will itself and lingers in the post-war experiences of assemble at the Vigil site on Amaroo St. at 10am families and descendants. on Anzac Day. For the past three years in Canberra, however, Speaking to the history and aspirations of the Peace Vigil, the event’s organizer Graeme tive, led by the Chorus of Women, peace activist Dunstan said, ‘Everyone is touched by war in one way or another. You don’t have to scratch sought to create a public space for communal too deeply into a family’s history to see how much war has affected their lives. We wanted to experiences continue to affect our lives today. create something beautiful, artful and respectStarting in 2011, the Peace Vigil was the vision ful.’ Previously though, as a grass-root initiative, of Canberra’s Chorus of Women who, inspired by there have been tensions between the Australian the work of historians such as Professors Marilyn War Memorial and the organisers of Peace Vigil. creative opportunity through which to promote the spirit of peace and compassion that the group has embodied in its performances across Australia since 2003. Embracing the diversity of our experiences of war, then, the Peace Vigil is an inclusive commemoration with Indigenous peoples, refugees, migrants and families coming together to create a ‘common ground of lament’.

Traditionally, the Peace Vigil commences at sunset on the top of Mt. Ainslie with a Welcome to Country ceremony followed by songs of lament led by the Chorus of Women. Participants then, bearing lanterns, form a procession down the Mt. Ainslie walking track after which there

director of the War Memorial, has set aside such previous apprehensions and acknowledged the importance of the Peace Vigil as an independent will instead take place in the Australian War Memorial forecourt. Of this, Mr. Dunstan said that it was a wonderful development that highlighted the potential for the Peace Vigil to not only grow here in Canberra but also to inspire similarly inclusive and independent ceremonies throughout Australia. The importance, he added, cannot be understated: ‘For a truly multicultural society, to

of each other’s grief is to create bonds of empathy that bring us closer together as a community’.

The 2014 Anzac Eve Peace Vigil starts at served. Finally, a second lantern procession from 5:30pm on the 24th of April at the top of Mt. Ainthe Australian War Memorial forecourt down slie and continues on into the night. People are Anzac Avenue and ends at Amaroo St. where the encouraged to bring a mug, a rug and, for those overnight Vigil takes place. The Peace Vigil has wishing to stay for the overnight vigil, a chair also supported the Frontier Wars March that takes and warm clothes. Lanterns will be available for a small donation. The Frontier Wars March will Anzac Parade and which seeks to promote the assemble at the Vigil site near the “West Block national recognition of the wars fought between building” on Amaroo St. from 10am onwards.

European colonizers and Indigenous peoples over the course of the 18th and 19th centuries. songs, poetry and stories are performed around

Johns XXIII College - 2014 Inward Bound Champions Photo by Janis Lejins

COMMENT// 6

TUESDAY 22 APRIL 2014 WORONI

If Australia is Racist, What does that make Japan and Korea?

describe Tokyo and Seoul?

The juxtaposition becomes all the more ironic when we remember that the UN’s Korean Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, has made thinly veiled criticism of Australia’s asylum seeker policies in the past. On refugee intake, his homeland is one of the most indifferent in the world. For every refugee rebuke the UN makes towards Australia, ten insistences for Korea and Japan to accept more refugees should be made.

In Japan’s case, some may argue its overcrowded territory (337 people per sq km) explains the drastic gap. Yet one glance at similarly land-starved (and more agriculturally intensive) Germany (226), which in recent years hosted one refugee for every 150 people, disproves such a theory. In 2011, Japan,

Gary Oldman

Even beyong raw refugee intake, Japan is excused for policies that would diplomatically torpedo Australia and European nations.

IN the areas of education, lower crime and respect for the elderly, to name just a few, Japan and South Korea far outpace Australia.

On balance, Australia has a lot more to learn from these two Asian tigers than the reverse.

I will even go so far as to label their societies superior to ours. Nonetheless, a defamatory double standard is regularly meted out to Australia on all matters refugee, race and immigration.

For every 1,000 Australian citizens in recent times, there has been one refugee. In Japan, by contrast, there have been nearly 50,000 Japanese for every refugee. Korea’s ratio is an astounding and hardly cosmopolitan 120,000:1. The disparity is even more vast when one considers the gargantuan levels of non-refugee immigration to Australia over the years. Close to 25% of our population is foreign-born and a significant proportion of it is non-white. What is the percentage in Japan and Korea? And if Canberra is heartless on refugee acceptance, how should we

with a population 50% bigger than Germany’s, played host to a mere 2,700 refugees, over 200 times less than the approximately 570,000 in Germany. This gulf has perpetuated itself over many years and is a shocking contrast between the two nations with the most controversial 20th century race records.

Other European nations, notably the Netherlands and Denmark, are minuscule geographically and significantly smaller in population but play current home to thousands of refugees. Added to this are their millions of non-European migrants. Denmark shames Japan on refugee acceptance because, despite having a similar GDP per capita and

25 times less people, it has had five times the raw number of refugees at any one time in recent years. So why is it defendable for Japan and Korea to maintain comparatively xenophobic admissions policies?

Even beyond raw refugee intake, Japan is excused for policies that would diplomatically torpedo Australia and European nations. Former Prime Minister Taro Aso once described his Japan as a “one race” nation.

Though gaffe-prone, Mr. Aso’s comments still genuinely reflect a certain reality in Japan, where Japanese ethnic groups make up 98.5% of the population. While Germany, with an ageing population, accepts more and more Eastern European immigrants (and nonEuropean migrants and refugees), no commensurate need is ever emphasised in even more elderly Japan.

Furthermore, if Australia kept its people about 98% Anglo-Celtic, or 98% white generally, as Japan and Korea keep their “native” populations, the global outcries would be deafening. So why do we cultivate diametrically opposed expectations for multicultural Australia versus homogenous Korea and Japan?

This is not to say that Australia, Japan or Korea should take more refugees or even accept more migration. The argument here is not to support either the Bob Browns or Scott Morrisons in Australia, or chastise the

Koreas and Japans abroad. Rather, it is that Australia should not be judged by litmus tests that are never applied to its essentially homogenous - or even fractiously heterogeneous - neighbours. It has become all too easy to cast Australia as the perennially racist former White Australia Policy backwater. In reality, though, only Singapore and New Zealand rival Australia as the most inclusive societies in the Southern Hemisphere or Asia-Pacific region.

Until all developed nations are sternly told to take their share of refugees and migrants, and do, domestic or international attacks on Australia for its actions (or race issues) are narrow-minded and politically correct. Selectivity in criticism will not solve what is a much broader global issue.

WORONI TUESDAY 22 APRIL 2014

COMMENT// 7

The Future of an Institution Duncan Stuart

I WANT to start with a story in Daniel Quinn’s novel Ishmael (which I recommend to anyone interested in activism). In said story one of the protagonists tells of a work of fiction he wrote for a philosophy class.

In this work of fiction he depicts a universe where Hitler won World War II. In this world, history has been rewritten by the Nazis – the history texts look nothing like they do in our universe, and there is no mention sof atrocities or socialism or the US, and so on and so on (the exact details of this passsage may be sketchy to me, but this matters little for my point). The story (the story of a story nestled inside a story – chew on that Derridians!) ends with someone explaining that they feel something in the state-given account of history is wrong, but that can’t put their finger on the pulse. What they feel is a missing side of the story, what might be referred to as a suppressed discourse.

Let’s teleport out of the realm of Quinn’s Ishmael to a more concrete reality. There’s about 250 students in this year’s Introduction to Politics course (POLS1002). Fresh, young, and a mixture of impressionable and stupid (as we all are), they face the front of MCCT2 on Tuesday afternoon, bearing their gaze down upon the gesturing lecturer at the dfront of the class. There stands Dr. Andrew ,Banfield, convenor of the political science nmajor, who gesticulates his vision of politics to the class. He teaches in an empirical and pragmatic style; his research investiagates politics as it is. Dr. Banfield lecturing the Intro to Politics course can be seen as representing a turn in what is taught in the School of Politics and International Relations (SPIR) at ANU. In a way intentional or not (hooray hermeneutics!) Dr. Banfield is, for the first years taught by his class, the new face of political research at ANU, a face that is quickly turning its gaze away from political philosophy and Marxism to focus on empiricism and politics as it is.

Hence why the loss of several course in the more esoteric and qualitative side of po-

litical science should raise concern amongst the student body. Sure, ANU lost several prominent academics who specialised in the more esoteric side of politics, but there are alternative ways to interpret this event; an academic leaving an institution possibly signals that said institution has been turning, at the very least, indifferent towards their research for a while. So farewell to the courses on the Frankfurt School, revolutions, and Marxism. Hello to quantitative methods and electioneering 101.

Quantitative methods are fine, but here’s the crux of problem: if we remove classes that open up entire avenues of thinking about politics and the political, we are engaging in what Foucault means when he talks about “power”. For Foucault, or a certain Deleuzian reading of him, power can consist of the marginalisation of discourses – if you’re not even aware of what isn’t allowed to be spoken of, you have no ability to speak of it. This utter marginalisation is an extreme case, but it is disappointing that the ANU still thinks its rhetoric on education is going to have punch as a good portion of the conversation slowly sinks into the abyss. And the terrifying thing is that it doesn’t require an antagonistic attitude towards these course for them to disappear; mere ambivalence will do. Presumably it takes effort to reinstate courses, to find new people to teach them or get a staff member to learn a new topic. All this soaks up materials and resources in an environment where the administration seems increasingly focused on efficiency and cost.

Too much effort to lift a finger to salvage a course, and down goes that (dis)course; perhaps not straight to the bottom of the ocean, but towards the bottom nonetheless.

The question arises of whether we should include everything in the conversation. Surely we don’t need to teach “wrong” things – that would just waste everyone’s time. But are these courses and ideas that are being phased out obviously and even demonstrably wrong? In the cases where they are, does that mean they have no value? In physics, what is “wrong” physics is taught because most of it is still a good approximation (see

Newtonian mechanics versus relativity), that is, it is still useful. However in the social sciences, to which politics belongs, proving that a given approach or theory is useless is difficult, if not impossible. Marxism is not without flaws, but it is a serious component of both the history of political theory and current discussions in political philosophy.

If our esteemed, Go8-member ANU, with, as of late 2012, realisable investment assets of over a billion dollars, starts excluding, through means practical or ideological, approaches to any given subject, we should be wary. Our education will becomes less about thinking and will assume its role as what Louis Althusser would refer to as an Ideological State Apparatus - it becomes about conditioning, not learning, and if our courses

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and departments assume this role it will becomes a meaningless gesture to call ANU a university instead of a glorified TAFE. In response to critics who stress practicality in courses I ask who defines practicality, and under what conditions does it operate? Are those conditions fixed? After all, pragmatism itself is a theory, and contains assumptions ultimately theoretical (based on ideals of what reality is and how it functions). For the final word on pragmatism and theory, the famous quip by Sidney Morgenbesser shall suffice. Pragmatism: “It sounds good in theory, but it’ll never work in practice.”

Got any hot tips about the School of Politics and International Relations? Email us at contact@ woroni.com.au.

... it is disappointing that the ANU still thinks its rhetoric on education is going to have punch as a good portion of the conversation slowly sinks into the abyss.

TUESDAY 22 APRIL 2014 WORONI

COMMENT// 8

Distracted

by Bigotry

Michael Gemmell LAST month the government’s proposal to repeal Section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act infamously led the Attorney-General Senator George Brandis to claim that all Australians “have a right to be bigots”. Since then this vexed proclamation has led to much confusion and anger in part because it’s not exactly clear how one should interpret it: does this mean that by abolishing 18C Australians will have a privileged right to bigotry?; is this encouraging a silenced nation to speak its racist mind?; or is this a confused defence of freedom of speech and the role of government vis-à-vis civil society?

This is by no means an exhaustive list of interpretations although what was clear from the subsequent commentary was that how the right on larger questions surrounding the abolition of 18C, free speech and the role of government.

Needless to say that most of the interpretations have been unsympathetic to the government’s view, though not without good reason.

Every action has a reaction and freedom of thought and expression necessarily comes with the freedom to offend. It’s unavoidable like cake and calories. What’s vital is that we acknowledge this relationship before we start pretending that we can limit one without the other.

The problem with Senator Brandis’ statement was not that this relationship was ignored, but that it completely drew away from the positive value that free speech has within our democratic society. He threw away the cake and gave us the calories; we were pessimistically handed the bad news without any relief of the good.

Justifying policy upon negative principle is a strange exercise by any standard, for not only does it confuse people but it downright frightens them. Imagine the furore and perplexity that would arise if politicians defended the market economy by defending one of its more negative aspects such as income inequality. To give a more current example of how easily issues can become muddled when based on negative printion of the carbon tax moved from addressing greenhouse gas emissions and climate change to redistributing wealth and tax breaks for low income earners. The reason that the public sup-

pant or provocative comment made in the heat of question time? Or should we blame the media for serving up irresistibly saucy headlines that we can’t help but gobble up whole without substantiating the surrounding context?

It’s easy to be fooled by a headline yet even easier to be distracted by one. The reaction to Brandis’ comments surely indicates this to be the case. While it might be logically coherent

with defending someone’s right to be a bigot, it’s undoubtable that the latter is loaded with emotional baggage that has essentially Brandised free speech supporters as advocating bigotry. consequently support on taking action on cli- We would do well to distinguish tolerance from mate change has not recovered since. advocacy as all it appears to be doing is distracting us from what’s truly at stake.

But politicians don’t do themselves any favours when they lose sight of the big picture He threw away the cake and gave us the calories; we lance. This is especially the case when they defend their ideas in the form of juvenile ad were pessimistically handed hominems that fuel provocative headlines. As if right on cue, immediately after Senator Branthe bad news without any dis had made his declaration he was attacking relief of the good.

Senator Penny Wong’s for her objection, claiming she had said some “extraordinarily bigoted” things over the years. This may have earned This decline in support on a critical issue is what is at risk here. By focusing on bigotry as some unalienable right, larger and more important questions of free speech, racism and the role of government are held subordinate.

As the old adage reads, “there’s no such thing as bad publicity”, but in our current media landscape it is naïve to think that catchy sound bites won’t attract headlines and steer the debate off course away from the issue. Senator Brandis’ comments came in response to Senator elected to federal parliament, who asked if the bigots”. While it would be grossly unfair to say that Senator Brandis has solely argued for his proposed changes based on the right to bigotry, we have to ask where the blame falls here. Can -

to convince voters. Again, we lose sight of what matters and down goes the conversation about the type of society we want to live in.

Freedom of speech and racial discrimination is an issue that brings everyone to the table because everyone has a vital interest trying to balance a foundational aspect of our open democracy with genuine concerns about a racist past and the hope for a more civil future. We as to pretend the only answers arise from simple dichotomies: the choice between bigotry or censorship, between a racist society or one with a muzzle over it, government legislation or civil vigilance.

Hopefully now we can put bigotry to bed and restart a larger, more positive conversation.

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WORONI TUESDAY 22 APRIL 2014

COMMENT// 9

Asian Aversion According to studies conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics from 2011-2013, the proportion of East Asian and South Asian immigration is rising while the proportion of British and European immigration declines. With Asian immigration set to increase, the discourse around Asians takes on a new meaning, literally.

Elena Tjandra Print Editor THERE is this game I’ve played at the bar when you either drink or flip your cup over if you look affronted by any flagrantly sexist, racist, dead-baby or otherwise offensive jokes. I’ve played this game a few times, and it’s as cringe-worthy as it sounds. If you will excuse the glaringly obviously problem of deriving humour from real-life issues if you can excuse it at all, I want to discuss one of the most commonly repeated comments I hear outside the context of the game: “But you’re not Asian. Well, not ‘not-Asian’, you know what I mean.”

As I recount in about fifty percent of introductions (and the opening of another Woroni article), my mum is Chinese-Malaysian, my dad is a Chinese-Indonesian, and I was born in Perth. No I don’t speak Bahasa or Mandarin, yes I can use chopsticks, etc etc. I am Asian-Australian and apparently this means racial slurs don’t apply to me.

Denying some individuals of their Asian heritage in order to make a joke does two things. First, it provides a faux license to make fun of Asians. Because the individual is not seen as part of the targeted group, the rationale seems to be that the individual should not take offence to the joke, thus allowing the comment to happen. Think of it as the popular kids in high school including you in their friendship group so they can pay out your less cool, handball-playing friends; including you in their group somehow makes it okay to slander your former friends. While there should undeniably be an onus on an individual to call out discrimination, the idea

that one can get away with discrimination by excluding or including an individual needs to be proven false. It’s a myth that must be dispelled.

The second point the “not-Asian” phrase brings to light is simple: many Australians just do not seem to like Asians. Although in-group inclusion and out-group exclusion may be used to justify discrimination against other minority groups, new evidence shows increasing discrimination against Asians in particular. The Scanlon Foundation’s recent report Mapping Social Cohesion 2013 states that experiences of discrimination based on skin colour, ethnic origins and religion was the highest level recorded since the survey began in 2007. This was 19% as compared to 12% in 2012. Breaking this down, it was found that East, South East and South Asians experienced the highest levels of discrimination (39-45% experienced discrimination), compared to 24.5% for New Zealanders and 12.5% for those from the United Kingdom and Ireland. Australians were also least likely to be described as “kind, caring and friendly people” by recent migrants despite the friendly, out-going and willing to give others a fair go Australian archetype.

...perhaps it is not so inappropriate to assume Australians are at least a little bit racist towards Asians.

From the other side of the fence, Australians expressed the highest negative feelings towards Asian and Middle Eastern immigration: 14% and 25% of the 2500 surveyed expressed negative over neutral and positive feelings towards the sub-groups of immigrants respectively.

The numbers themselves do not represent much on their own with feelings towards specific sub-groups being mainly neutral and positive. However, when compared to 3% negative feelings towards Europeans and other English-speaking countries, the difference in racial preferences is stark.

To throw in one more statistic, 42% of people think the number of immigrants is too high in general. In light of this report and recent discussions surrounding the revision of the Racial Discrimination Act, perhaps it is not so inappropriate to assume Australians are at least a little bit racist towards Asians.

What is more, perhaps as a reflection of a dislike for Asians, it seems that the word “Asian” itself is making people uncomfortable. In the last month, I have been pointed out as a girl with dark hair and glasses to avoid the more identifiable “Asian”. In the last two months, one of my politically correct friends asked whether it was okay to refer to me as her Asian friend. What is this reluctance to saying “Asian” about?

The unease about the word reminds me of an interaction between AustralianAsian journalist Benjamin Law and Pauline Hanson (and thank goodness because no discussion of Asian discrimination is complete without her). Speaking at the Woodford Folk Festival earlier this year, Law recounted an interview with Hanson in which she refused to call Law “Asian”.

It is clear Hanson wanted to portray a positive image of herself to Law, one of the first journalists granted an in-depth interview during the 2013 election, especially after she asked Law if he wanted to work for her on the campaign. According to Law, Hanson seemed hesitant using the word “Asian” instead referring to “them” or Law’s “type” for the entire conversation.

Hanson’s aversion to saying “Asian” highlights how it has become uncomfortable to use “Asian” as a descriptor because it contains negative undertones. Describing someone as “Asian” associates one with a group Australians do not seem to share positive feelings towards. It is disturbing to think that we may be approaching a point where the illocutionary act of describing someone as “Asian” is offensive.

“But you’re not Asian. Well, not ‘notAsian’, you know what I mean.”

I’m starting to think I do know. I’m starting to think that “Asian” has the potential to take on a derogatory meaning with current attitudes towards Asians. I’m starting to think that if we do not address Australian racism, we may see racism bourgeon through discursive means or in-group inclusion and out-group exclusion. I’m starting to think that if we do not include all Australians including those born here, new immigrants and those from a different cultural heritage into the Australian stereotype, we may never be described as “kind, caring and friendly people” again.

As an Asian-Australian, that concerns me.

TUESDAY 22 APRIL 2014 WORONI

FEATURES// 10

Arrested: An Exclusive Look into the Maules Creek Protest.

All photos from Greenpeace/Leard Forest Alliance On the 1st of April, 4 members of the ANU community joined with 80 people from across Australia in an act of mass civil disobedience. Emeritus Professor of astrophysics Frank Briggs, law student Jinnie Widnyana, Natural Resource Management student Ishbel Cullen and recent graduate Benjamin HuttnerKoros joined the community blockade of the Maules Creek mine in NSW. The four have never broken the law before –but were so concerned by the construction of the Maules Creek mine, the largest coal mine currently under development in Australia and the destruction of the endangered box-gum forest, that they peacefully used their bodies to prevent work taking place for an entire day. The four unlikely activists shared their thoughts on the experience with Woroni.

Benjamin Huttner-Koros and Jinnie Widnyana with contributions from Ishbel Cullen and Prof. Frank Briggs.

ON Monday 31 st March, we sat alongside a 92 year-old WWII Kokoda veteran, a local farmer, doctor, ecologist and 80 other people from across Australia to prevent the destruction of an endangered forest and the construction of a coal mine. This was not the ‘green hippie crowd’ you would typically associate with an environmental protest; we were united by our diversity and our realisation that having been ignored by the government and by industry for so long, the only option we had left was to peacefully use our bodies to stop construction of the coal mine.

We entered the mine property early in the morning and occupied the heavy machinery base. We each sat down in front of a machine and peacefully introduced ourselves to the workers and security on site – we explained why we were there and that we intended to cause no damage. For over 7 hours we held our position, preventing Whitehaven, the coal mining company, from cutting down trees and constructing the rail line they hoped would cart coal to the Newcastle export terminals.

Eventually the police arrived and we were each arrested for trespass and released with a court summons. Never before had we seen the back of a paddy wagon or heard the words ‘you are under arrest’ – it was surprisingly

empowering. It was empowering because we had shown that even when our government turns its back on climate action; even when a mining company has approval to destroy a forest and local farms; even when 4 years of community opposition to the mine go ignored; and even when the Big 4 Australian banks put our money in this project; when it all looks hopeless – we can still take a stand together.

So you might be wondering at this stage – why is this such a big deal? Hasn’t Australia been mining coal for decades? What would drive 4 Canberrans to travel 10 hours and deliberately get arrested? Well as you learn about the Maules Creek Coal Mine, you quickly learn just how dodgy and irresponsible it is.

Destroying an endangered ecosystem This proposed open cut coal mine (think a 300m deep hole in the ground stretching over dozens of square kilometers) is situated near Narrabri in north-west New South Wales. It is currently Australia’s largest coal mine under construction. This mine, in addition to two existing mines nearby being expanded, will destroy more than half of the Leard State Forest, a forest which currently contains the largest and most undamaged remnants of the critically endangered white box gum grassy woodland ecological community. This community is listed as critically endangered under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Wrecking sacred cultural sites The mine will also have significant impacts on cultural heritage. It will destroy sites that are sacred to the Gomeroi people who

are the Traditional Custodians of the land.

Among these sites are burial grounds which the Gomeroi have been locked out from. They have been given no chance to perform ceremony before the sites are destroyed.

Leaving farms thirsty and dusty Independent studies have found that the mine will cause the water table in the area to drop by 5 to 10 metres. This area is known as ‘NSW’s Food Bowl’ – but this mine will have huge impacts on the local farming community. Residents will also have to contend with living next to a mine functioning 24 hours a day, stirring up dust and creating constant noise and light.

Put differently, if the Maules Creek mine were a country, it would rank 75th in the world for total emissions...

Warming the climate Our protest coincided with the latest report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, released on March 31 st 2014. The report reaffirms the role of atmospheric CO2 concentrations in driving the changes we are feeling in the climate system. It affirms that limiting climate change will require substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

As a part of this, a rapid transition away from reliance on fossil fuels is required. It is

predicted that 80% of the world’s known reserves of fossil fuels must stay un-burnt for the world to avoid warming by more than 2° C, which is the agreed limit of ‘safe’ climate change (although this number is debated).

The Maules Creek mine will produce approximately 13 million tonnes of coal per year, for 30 years. The CO2 emissions resulting from the burning of this coal are approximately equal to New Zealand’s annual CO2 emissions. Put differently, if the Maules Creek mine were a country, it would rank 75 th in the world for total emissions, ahead of the emissions of 140 countries. Most of this will be burnt overseas. Therefore the emissions are not attributed to Australia, despite Australia being responsible for digging the stuff up. Coal exports remain by far Australia’s largest contribution to climate-changing global greenhouse gas emissions.

In sum, this project ticks most of the boxes for a risky and dangerous mining project.

The government received over two hundred submissions in relation to the mine – only one was supportive. For over 4 years the local community has challenged Whitehaven’s plans, but with the complicit support of the government and investors like ANZ Bank they have nonetheless pushed ahead.

Community Blockade With all other avenues exhausted all that was left when Whitehaven began constructing the mine in early January was peaceful blockading by the community and their supporters.

Local farmers and Traditional Owners have stood with hundreds of people from across the country on numerous occasions to stop work

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going ahead at the mine site. This is a powerful action – both for the work it holds up and for the story it tells to the wider world. We don’t want to spend our time disobeying the law; we don’t want to go to court and cop a fine – but when the laws themselves side with the industry and when our government Benjamin listens to money, that is when we must unite I’d thought for a long time about taking part and take the necessary action to see a just in non-violent direct actions involving civil outcome. disobedience. And you know what? It felt great. I was acting alongside 80 people with common concerns about climate change and willing to take the next step in opposing new coal mines.

Is it so radical to protest something that, if built, could threaten your way of life for the remaining 80 years of your life? Or for the farmers, to protest something that could destroy the viability of their farm? And is it so radical to protest the destruction of the last remnants of White Box Woodland, and lose part of our critical life support system?

Taking part in acts of civil disobedience to try to prevent the construction of something that will destroy your future is not an extreme action to take. This destruction is happening to farmers and the Indigenous people of the (L-R) Frank, Phil, Benjamin, area. It will happen to everyone alive in 50 Jinnie and Ishbel. years time, when the climatic consequences of burning this coal jeapordise the health and wellbeing of our society.

Personal RefLEctions

“

Why did I go to Maules Creek?

Twenty years from now, when I look back at 2014, I want to be satisfied with my answer to the question, “Did I do everything I could?”

Jinnie While the protest was happening, I reflected on why I was there. This was the first time I had partaken in such an action. I realised that I was there to act on an issue I deeply cared about. It was a demonstration of my commitment to demand a better way forward, an act of political communication to a government in which I currently hold little faith and to a society which I rely upon to take care of itself and the planet which sustains it.

There are many ways to protest something. I feel that in our current political-economic climate, the direct action we took has become a necessary step to adequately communicate the need for immediate, committed and meaningful change.

Frank When the officers of the law approached me, waiting atop a giant earth-moving machine, I agreed to climb down to be arrested.

From my perch, I told them that I respected that they were doing their jobs, and I hoped that they respected that my job is education and science. I began to explain that the coal seam underneath us took hundreds of millions of years of geological processes and vegetation growth working to safely store that carbon underground. If it is dug up and burned, it will certainly affect the Earth’s climate and weather patterns in ways that could lead to widespread instability in food supplies and the overall global economy, thereby increasing competition for resources and international strife. Honestly, I fear for the future of human civilisation - we witnessed the fragility of societies not long ago in the Balkans, and now in the Middle East, parts of Africa, south-east Asia and the Ukraine.

In the course of nearly 50 years of scientific research, I’ve investigated a wide range of subjects, ranging from micro-electronics and solid state physics through to cosmology and the formation of galaxies. Along the way have been two decades measuring heat transfer and energy balance in the atmospheres and surfaces on the planets in our own Solar System. Earth’s ‘sister planet’, Venus, is especially relevant, since it is similar in size and mass as our Earth, and it is composed of basically the same mix of chemical elements.

Venus is a bit closer to the Sun than we are, but its surface temperature is much, much hotter – hot enough to melt lead. This extreme temperature is due to a very thick atmosphere of greenhouse gases, which, unlike on Earth, have remained untrapped and in atmospheric circulation. The effect of carbon dioxide on planetary temperatures has been well known and understood for a very long time. At this time in our history, when clean, non-polluting

energy sources have become economically viable, it is criminally irresponsible to continue increasing the rate at which we are burning fossil fuels.

About half way through the above lecture, the officers told me to get down, or they were coming up after me… so I descended.

Why did I go to Maules Creek? Twenty years from now, when I look back at 2014,

I want to be satisfied with my answer to the question, “Did I do everything I could?”

Most readers of this article will have many more years than I to face this same question.

More information can be found at www. frontlineaction.org.au and http://350.org.au/ maules-campaign/.

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Why Didn’t God Prevent the Holocaust?

Reg Naulty Reg Naulty was a philosophy tutor at John XXIII College in 1969.

DOES God intervene in history? According to the doctrine of Providence, God does. Providence means that God provides for our good.

This doctrine is implied by Jesus when he tells his disciples that not even a sparrow falls to the ground without God`s knowledge, and presumably, God’s consent, and that every hair on their head is numbered. The doctrine existed in ancient Stoicism; Marcus Aurelius wrote “Whatever happens, happens rightly.

Watch closely, and you will find this true.

In the succession of events there is not mere sequence alone, but an order that is just and right, as from the hand of one who dispenses to all their due.”Let us consider some examples from World War II. Firstly the officers plot to kill Hitler in July 1944. The room in which the bomb was to be planted was originally an underground bunker, which would have concentrated the blast and killed every-

one. But it was a hot day, so the venue was changed at the last minute to a light wooden hut with all the windows open. Von Stauffenberg and his assistant took two bombs with them in the briefcase which was to be placed on the conference table underneath Hitler’s nose. They armed one, but just as they were about to arm the other, an aide opened their door and told them it was time to take the briefcase in.

So it went in with only one bomb. During the conference, one of the participants moved the bomb with his foot, so that an oak trestle effectively shielded Hitler from the blast. The outcome is well known. Hitler escaped with a shaking, more than ever convinced that Providence was supporting him.

What interest did God have in foiling the von Stauffenberg plot? A convincing answer was given by Field Marshall von Manstein, the commander of German forces on the Eastern Front, when von Stauffenberg approached him and asked him to join them. If they killed Hitler, von Manstein argued, German resistance on the Russian Front would collapse.

Russian armies would then flood into Europe

which would then come under the control of a dictator every bit as bad as Hitler. There would be nothing gained. The best thing that could happen, he said, was that the German Army delay the Russian Army as long as it could, so that the Allies could control more and more of Europe. Von Manstein had a case.

Once it had become obvious that God intervened to prevent disasters, we would wait for that to happen, and thus stop managing our own world.

Consider another example from World War II. D Day had to be postponed from its original date to the following day because of bad weather. On that day the weather was also bad, so D Day was put off till next day. On the morning of that day, the weather had not changed. Rommel, the general in charge of the German Atlantic defences, went back to Germany for his wife’s 50th birthday. However, that afternoon, the weather lifted and the Allies came over. Enemy aircraft made it too dangerous for Rommel to return to Normandy by plane, so he had to drive across France. By the time he arrived at the Normandy coast, a beachhead had already been established.

One more wartime example. Once Operation Barbarossa had been launched against Russia, the German Armies advanced with spectacular speed. But the Russian winter arrived a month early. That slowed them down and gave the Russians time to respond more effectively to the Blitzkrieg.

Providence or chance? Well if it were Providence, why didn’t Providence intervene to stop the Holocaust? Or stop Stalin trucking out the grain from the Ukraine which caused a mass famine and millions of deaths? But perhaps there was no way for Providence to stop these disasters without making it obvious that this was a divine intervention.

Well, what would that matter? it will be asked. “Wouldn’t it have been better to demonstrate intervention from God than let millions of people be slaughtered?” It would have shown that God cared. At last, demonstrable evidence of divine concern for humanity!

But perhaps it would matter. Once it had become obvious that God intervened to prevent disasters, we would wait for that to happen, and thus stop managing our own world.

Perhaps it would be better for us if we went all out as masters of our own fate, with some unseen help from Providence where that could be done unobtrusively.

It will then be argued, that is always possible, since God is all powerful and all knowing. Why didn’t Hitler have a heart attack or stroke, thus getting him out of the picture entirely? Let us say that he died. What would the outcome have been? His lieutenants, Goebbels, Von Ribbentrop, Goering and Himmler all hated each other. The Nazi Government

may have collapsed. Good thing? Not necessarily. There may have been extended crises in government in Germany, thus giving Stalin an opportunity to expand westwards. As with such possibilities, we just don’t know that the outcomes would have been better.

So despite appearances, it is still possible that Providence intervenes in history to provide for our good. And we should bear in mind that though death may be the end of earthly life, we may survive the death of our bodies, and live on in a better place, so that life here is just the first chapter of a book whose last chapters shed a new light on the whole story.

The suggestion here is that Providence acts unobtrusively. History, it may be, is a combination of our own actions and unobtrusive acts of Providence.

Of course, the Dawkins forces will say that Providence acts unobtrusively because there is in fact nothing going on. However, there are two imperatives here. First, that we continue to strive to master our world, and that God help us in a way compatible with that. So God has to be a hidden provider.

There may still be misgivings about this position. It seems to imply that we are never

It seems to imply that we are never going to get evidence that God intervenes in the world, because if we were to get it, God would not intervene! going to get evidence that God intervenes in the world, because, if we were to get it, God would not intervene! That is not quite correct.

God may make it plain to selected individuals like Moses and Jesus, and less plainly to people like Joan of Arc, that He is intervening.

But that may not make it evident to humanity in general.

Nevertheless, such evidence may still accumulate. It may be that converging probabilities point to that conclusion, as I have suggested above. Doesn`t that mean that the secret will be let out after all, and that providential action will become known? Yes, but it may be that it can function with that level of exposure.

Note that in virtue of the above argument, the quotation above from Marcus Aurelius is not strictly true. Not everything that happens, happens rightly. Events which flow from human agency may happen wrongly. In that case, Providence would do something further down the track. The analogy of The Persian Rug Maker is useful here. He sits at one end of the rug working, and his children work at the other. Occasionally, they make mistakes.

When they do, he alters the design to accommodate the mistakes.

Reg Naulty is a graduate of this university, and proud of it.

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More Dialogues, Fewer Debates: Addressing Complex Problems THE issues we face today can be considered ‘wicked complex problems’. They are complex because to reach a conclusion where everybody wins. So, how we discuss these issues, as well as the mentality and assumptions we bring to such discussions, will determine whether we will be more divided than before and whether our society will be better off. common for us to interchange these words lightly thinking they all mean the same thing. For one, to that we are right. This is adversarial and it is unlikely that we can unravel complex problems when we Having a discussion on the other hand, is somewhat more relaxed. It is done with a degree of openmindedness which enables further exploration of the issue at hand. A discussion does not require us to challenge our own points of views and assumptions. ing the dialogue itself. To have a dialogue is when all parties come to the table ready to explore every aspects of the issue, including one another’s assumptions critically. In a dialogue, nothing is unchallenged. Therefore, to have a dialogue requires everyone to commit and be loyal to the pursuit of truth even if the outcome is something they personally do not agree with. So, it is important for us to explore the state of our discussions in ANU, especially among us students.

To explore this, we did a very interesting exercise during our tutorial in the Vice-Chancellor Course: Unravelling Complexity. The tutorial group was broken up into four main stakeholder groups in the Cuts to University Funding discussion: the student body, the staff, the Chancellery and the University Council. We were given ten minutes to come up with a common agenda and twenty minutes to negotiate with the other stakeholder groups in a plenary session. is prevalent at the ANU today, or at least what is perceived to be the prevalent state.The students representing the University Council and Chancellery insisted strongly on cutting staff and tutorials.

The staff body decided to go on strike and the student body surprisingly decided to address the issue by writing position papers. It resulted in a dysfunctional university where teachers refused to teach, staff lost their livelihoods and students Tremendously complex issues suffered a degradation of their university experience. No one considered that as part of the are simplified to binaries of same University, we succeed or lose together.

right and wrong, which blinds us to reality and possible solutions.

likely to approach any topic with a pre-formed cludes any form of meaningful exploration of any particular issue.You can try going around campus to discuss environment issues, government policies or even refugee issues and it won’t take long before the discussion descends into arguments along political ideological lines. wrong, which blinds us to reality and possible solutions. Take, for example, the refugee issue: there are humanitarian and human rights considerations and then there are considerations of sovereignty, national and border security; there are obligations and interests under a myriad of international agreements to consider,as well as the various treaty bodies, judicial considerations and interpretations for each treaties. It surprises me at times when students discuss this issue with fervent conviction. I someAs such, ourtendency to adopt a point of view, conclude that it is right and that any opposition isusually misplaced or adopted by heartless and elitist individuals, will do nothing but injustice to the complexity of the issues at hand. It will further divide our community, which automatically compromises our ability to come together to solve a problem with many stakeholders.

We must be mindful of this issue in every one of our conversations. We must constantly be vigilant of what we are saying, why we are saying it, whether it helps to further the exploration of an issue and the movement towards its solution or conclusion. We must also be aware that dialogue is better than debate and a dialogue is one in which our own assumptions are examined and scrutinised in light of the with the issue in a way that brings our community together. For me, when it comes to complex issues involving nations and peoples, I think it is good to have differing opinions and to disagree with each other. However, such disagreements or arguments should lead to greater statesmanship for the people.

It should not lead to divisiveness because when it does, statesmanship is compromised to the detriment of the people. If we can pull this off in ANU during our formative years in university, we might one day solve the problems of the world!

the Indigenous issue.

My Indigenous Experience Jess Tsimeris considered to be flora and fauna, not people. He grew up playing with other kids in the playground of other backgrounds who were acceptable, they were fine, but he wasn’t.

The fear of the government and the alienation that I’ve witnessed from members of my family wasn’t born out of nothing. My dad and his mother have many stories of racism, which has been painful for me. After all, most of us don’t want to see our family being hard done by.

Anecdotes about my father’s upbringing are certainly not enough to make people realise the lasting impact that racism has in families, but trust me, it’s there.

Someone like me, part Aboriginal with mixed ancestry and a seemingly blessed life as a PhD student in computer science at ANU, if I were to take up an Indigenous position in an organisation, then I’m exactly the kind of person that Andrew Bolt describes as just choosing to be Aboriginal to further my career. No, I didn’t grow up in a remote community, but I don’t feel that this makes my experience or my ancestors’ experiences as Indigenous Australians any less valid.

Although I’m mixed race, The Indigenous part of my ancestry has had the biggest effect on me. Even though I am rarely recognised as Indigenous just by sight, I am still affected by it and it has given me a lot of empathy and understanding for the plight of Indigenous people in Australia. Sure, I’m also Greek, but it’s just not the same, it’s not comparable. There are so many more isPhoto by Ben Coughlan sues associated with being Indigenous in this country.

I have an immense feeling that I should help IndigeMY dad grew up as a part Indigenous, part Greek boy nous people, and give back to them, because I am lucky enough to not be as deeply affected as others have in regional Queensland. been. I feel that my family was incredibly lucky to avoid I can remember my dad telling me about when he was some of the bigger miscarriages of justice served to a kid, he was playing soccer with his friends and it be- Indigenous people in Australia over the years. gan to rain. The ground became muddy and he slipped over and hurt his leg quite badly. He stumbled home So when Andrew Bolt states that people who are lightand his mother (my grandmother) proceeded to bathe er skinned but identify as being Indigenous are doing him and put on his best clothes in order to take him to so for their own advantage, I find it ridiculous. If I ever the hospital - if an Indigenous mother shows up with a take up an Indigenous position, I will be doing so to aid kid with a broken leg, dirty and covered in mud, they and progress the status of Indigenous people in this country - and there is a lot of work to be done, we need would have taken him away, you see.

My dad was born into an era where Indigenous people those who have become successful to give back. weren’t allowed to vote. In the constitution, they were

The New Bosses of Country Bhiamie Williamson Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have always had and will always have a unique and distinct relationship with their lands and waters. These relationships can be observed through many different songs, ceremonies, languages, stories and kin networks. It makes sense then that cultures inextricably attached to country and sense of place be involved with initiatives that seek to care for that country.

The Australian estate continues to undergo transformation in terms of land tenure and occupancy. From the Northern Territory Land Rights Act to the Native Title Act, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples find themselves in an increasing position of authority over increasing lands and waters. It is estimated that over 20% of the Australian land mass is currently under Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander tenure. Further to these, many of Australia’s conservation estates are managed in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. With many native title claims yet to be determined as well as increasing portions of land being bought back by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through private acquisitions, it is evident that Australia is undergoing a period of winding back, to some extent, the colonial expansion that begun in 1788. Considering this reorganisation of the Australian estate, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are finding themselves eminently well placed to implement Environmental Stewardship initiatives. There have been investments made in these Environmental Stewardship initiatives through programs such as Working on Country and Caring for Our Country. It is important at this juncture, to reflect on what has worked, what is not working and what these initiatives may look like in years to come.

An effective starting point is to identify what are considered to be key deliverables by stakeholders. In this instance, we reflect on the key goals set out by the Federal Government as the primary organisations which provides funding to implement these initiatives, as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as practitioners. By canvassing any one policy paper or program guideline, economic participation through employment is defined as the key deliverable in implementing these initiatives by government agencies. Defining key goals from the perspective of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is a much more difficult task. One reason for this is the lack of investigation and research on the desires and impacts of these initiatives from the perspective of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Of the reviews done though, it is clearly evident that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples identify cultural and social benefits as being the most significant. These can include allowing people, through these initiatives, to get on to their traditional lands and waters, learning traditional ecological knowledge, being a resource for people living remotely and protecting and maintaining sites of cultural significance. All of the above seem to merge into a community definition of ‘working’ that is distinctly different to the more euro-centric, government oriented notion of having a ‘job’. Whilst this may sound easy enough to comprehend, understanding this difference and how it informs the work of these organisations is of utmost importance, especially when looking at how these initiatives are likely to evolve over the coming generations.

Perhaps the most important factor in understanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Environmental Stewardship initiatives is by getting to know the staff of these organisations. A key feature of many of these organisations is the increasing role of young people (18-35 years). Whether men or women, a significant number of these initiatives is staffed by predominantly young people. These trends are consistent with national averages as collected in successive national census’ which show over 35% of the entire Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population under the age of 14 with the median age being 21 years. Considering this, it is important to ask how these young people are being supported (if at all) through these initiatives, and is their contribution recognised adequately?

There are other factors that need to be recognised as significant in understanding this contribution. Most young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people employed in these programs have completed schooling to a Grade 10 standard or higher, have valuable skills in information technology, cross cultural communication, as well as broader administrative capacities. Investing in these young people will have far reaching benefits to entrenched problems faced by not only Environmental Stewardship initiatives but broader community-based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs.

The positives of continuing to support these young Stewards will not just be felt in the organisations though. The vast majority of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people working for these groups are themselves traditional owners. Through these Environmental Stewardship initiatives, young people have created a place whereby they can continue to uphold thousands of years of traditional custodianship and even better, be paid for doing so. Recognising the immense contribution being made by predominantly young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is something that the wider population must observe. It is disappointing to think that many young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people do not see their work recognised in the polluted haze of mainstream media or more worryingly, whether deliberately or misguidedly, in a largely self-serving academia that appears at times more occupied with using these young peoples’ work to further its own interests and careers.

This is not to say good work is not being done though. The Australian National University is promoting and investing in the study of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their cultures and communities, through a number of newly initiated undergraduate subjects. These include an Indigenous Land and Sea Management course to be established and administered through the Fenner School in Semester 1, 2015. The moves to promote the work of all Indigenous people throughout both the country and globally, represent one part of a discourse between tertiary institutions and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The potential in this conversation goes much further than simply enhancing the effective management of natural resources, it has the real potential to shape the way we understand different peoples understandings of the environment and most importantly, our own perceptions of place in this world.

How I Met Australia.

Sam Davies Uluru is more than its image on postcards. It is Australia’s heart.

It is taller than the Eiffel Tower and some 12 kilometres around. It is ancient, and in that place I am always reminded of how humans are but a blip in a long continuum of life and nature. Time moves slower out there. It is the only place where I have experienced a connection to place in a way that feels like the connection to country that Indigenous Australians speak about.

In June of 2012 I traveled to the Mutitjulu community, which is at the base of Uluru, as part of a film crew. It was the first time people from outside of that community had been allowed in since the start of the ‘Northern Territory Intervention’ 5 years prior. This week long shoot had a profound and lasting impact on me.

We were there because Shane Howard, of early 80’s rock band ‘Goanna’ fame, had organised a concert for the community to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the classic Australian song ‘Solid Rock’. If you haven’t heard it I suggest you seek it out.

Shane Howard is one of few white Australians who can speak an Aboriginal language.

Other musicians who performed at the event included John Butler, Dan Sultan, Bart Willoughby, Blue King Brown, and the amazing Archie Roach.

While he didn’t perform, Bob Randall is an influential Aboriginal musician and an elder in the Mutitjulu community. Sitting in his home, which lies in the shadow of Uluru, I listened closely to the conversation between himself and other Indigenous Australians about their culture, identity, and the current challenges facing Australia.

One man spoke about how his ancestors had been marched from their homes to Alice Springs with chains around their necks, a journey that took two weeks. Another asked about family connections in the area, trying to trace his own heritage from before he became part of the ‘stolen generation’. I was particularly shocked to hear of the impact that nuclear weapons testing conducted by the British in central Australia had on Indigenous Australians.

Someone said that he felt lifted by young Indigenous Australians who were taking ownership of and pride in their Indigenous identity. Rather than accepting the modern narrative of dispossession and disempowerment, there are many who are choosing to look to the strengths and unique achievements of Aboriginal culture and history. Rather than adopting the whitefella view of what it is to be Aboriginal, they are exercising self determination.

Listening to them in the shade that afternoon I realised just how familiar they were with my culture, and how unfamiliar I was with theirs. I felt like every man and woman that whole week recognised me. They understood how I saw the world, and how I saw them. They knew me because they knew my culture. But to me they were strangers, each and all of them.

Two boys from the community had recently died on the local AFL field. No one would talk about it but I suspect it was suicide. Official Sorry Business, as I was told it was called, is a solemn event where a family is given condolences as part of the healing process. This had to be done in order to re-open the field. I was there, and every man had to participate.

So along the line of family members I walked, my feet in the red dirt, shaking hands with each mourning person while being careful not to look them in the eye. Some of them were sobbing. I felt guilty being a part of such a meaningful and intimate ceremony without any understanding of it. I learned just how deeply important respect is in Indigenous culture.

I still have a lot to learn about Aboriginal Australia, both past and contemporary, but that week I learned this: My Australian identity is enriched tenfold when I embrace the Indigenous heritage and story that is intertwined with my own. Before that week, I tried to understand Indigenous Australians through others’ eyes. I wanted someone to just tell me in a few sentences everything I needed to know. But as with a work of art, a novel or a song, the only way to fully appreciate a culture is to learn about it yourself. You can’t fully appreciate Notre Dame if you haven’t been there, you can’t feel Uluru unless you do.

My prosperity is built on a history of their suffering, but I am only guilty myself if I act the same way as my forefathers did.

There is no hypocrisy in acknowledging a negative past while enjoying a bright present if you are working towards a better future.

We must demand the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians be closed in terms of life expectancy, infant mortality, education levels and we must all, as individuals, work towards closing the gap between us and them in a relational sense. Aboriginal Australians have spent some 300 years learning our ways, by force or by choice. It is time for all non-Indigenous Australians to learn about them.

After all, learning about them is learning about us. We are all Australians, and it should feel that way.

Recognition Won’t Close the Gap Sam Guthrie Endorsed by elders, politicians, civil rights activists, journalists, actors, and sportsmen, the Recognise movement has cross cultural and bi-partisan support. Surely this is the logical next step for post-colonial Australia, surely this is a good thing, right? Well, yes, and uh no. Recognition won’t rectify historical wrongs, it won’t educate children, it won’t provide healthcare, it won’t ensure land rights, it won’t offer employment, and Recognition won’t cure your white guilt. Now considering the likelihood that you may have already considered the word “racist” let me play with an open hand: I oppose recognition not because it is an unworthy cause but because it won’t do a single, practical thing to ameliorate the horrific treatment of Indigenous Australians since colonisation. Worse still I fear that after such a referendum politicians will waddle back to the hill, slap each other on the back, and congratulate each other on finally “settlin’ that there Aborigine business”.

Whilst the Gillard Government’s Expert Panel reported on a number of options to amend the constitution, the least controversial and thus most likely to be brought before the voters proposes the abolition of s 51 (xxvi) the “races power” and the inclusion of a new s 51A. The Panel’s draft for s 51A reads: Section 51A Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples Recognising that the continent and its islands now known as Australia were first occupied by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; Acknowledging the continuing relationship of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with their traditional lands and waters; Respecting the continuing cultures, languages and heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; Acknowledging the need to secure the advancement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; the Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws for the peace, order and good government of the Commonwealth with respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Such a section provides no practical protection, instead it leans towards what Noel Pearson once referred to recognition through the ‘poetry’ or ‘[n]tional constitutions’. Our Constitution, however, is not a Homeric eulogy to a valiant struggle for independence but a practical guide to running a federal government. This edition of “Government for Dummies” even includes powers intended to, in the words of our first prime minister, Edmund Barton, ‘regulated the affairs of the people of colour or inferior races in the Commonwealth’.

Simply swapping the races power for recognition belittles the massive and complex problems facing Indigenous Australia. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders live in a fourth world nation, that is a community experiencing third world standards within the boundaries of a first world economy. When the ABS released its base line study for the Closing the Gap program the statistics were staggering, the disparity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australia extends to every conceivable field of enquiry. Six years into the program small achievements have been made, but no target is on track to be met and in some remote areas have seen increases in statistics indicative of disadvantage. How was the Federal Government with Tony Abbott, Prime Minister for Indigenous Affairs, responded? By decreasing the size of the yearly Closing the Gap Report from a comprehensive one hundred and fifty page examination of policy and statistics to a twenty page booklet.

We can’t blame Abbott for this situation, instead today is merely the culmination of a long history of oppression, exclusion, and violence. We live in a country where thousands of young people fight for foreign aid, but turn a blind eye to the apartheid in all but name enacted in the Northern Territory. Our heinous shame is evident at all levels and sectors of governance, whether it’s the 14 000 Indigenous children on the way to becoming a new Stolen Generation, or the fact that Indigenous Australians make up over a quarter of Australia’s prison population. Do you want to see what the nadir of this looks like? Only last year the average life expectancy of an Indigenous person living in Wilcannia, New South Wales was 35.

Recognition does not go far enough. It does not ameliorate past injustice, provide a practical solution for today, or empower Indigenous Australians. It is high time Australia and Australians in general came to understand the prevalence of systematic frontier violence and the forceful removal or destruction of Indigenous nations. A series of wars were fought whether we like to admit it or not, and this is a country invaded, not settled. Australia should ensure the self-determination and empowerment of Indigenous Australians not merely through an empty referendum but by signing a treaty. A treaty which not only ensures the rights of Indigenous people in relation to country, but establishes a new ATSIC-style body with representation in Parliament and the power to legislate for the benefit of Indigenous Australians. Without empowering Indigenous Australians to facilitate solutions to the problems facing their people, without engaging them within our structure but with their own autonomy to work with what they need, little meaningful improvement can be made.

Why should such a radical move replace the simple aims of the Recognise movement? Well, think of it this way, the vast majority of you reading this will live at least decade longer than the majority of Indigenous Australians.

‘The Ants that Ate Plutarch’: Learning from the Yolngu and the Yanyuwa Joseph Walker The North of Australia has a fascinating past, which contains a message for the present.

When Kevin Rudd described Indigenous people as ‘the oldest continuing cultures in human history’, he wasn’t being merely rhetorical. It’s easy to imagine Indigenous communities, especially in the post-Intervention media landscape, as idle, purposeless, alcoholplagued ghettos; scattered through remote Australia, their sense and manifestations of tradition all but abandoned. But a trip to the north of Australia, into desert country or the steamy tropics of Arnhem Land, reveals a different reality. Local Indigenous people cleave to their traditional way of life: kinship laws, art and ceremony still play a proud and prominent part, even as people struggle to come to terms with the trappings and interferences of the Western world with its law, technology and material culture.

It’s not uncommon today for an Aboriginal person to wait patiently for you, ten metres away, with their back turned, because you’re presently in conversation with their sister – a relative with whom they are forbidden for strict kinship reasons to speak or even make eye contact. Nor is it uncommon for children, though attending boarding school in a far away capital city and accustomed to Western education systems, to return home for a few weeks for a ceremonial initiation into their skin grouping.

Arnhem Land resisted the encroachments of the outside world longer than most other parts of Indigenous Australia. The insidious arrival of pastoralists was postponed by geographical isolation and then delayed again by the inhospitable environment. The land was not suitable for raising sheep – whole herds quickly succumbed to tropical diseases like melioidosis, if not to the spears of Aboriginal hunters who believed that they were logically entitled to the local cattle that strayed into their hunting grounds. Although Arnhem Land was eventually and inexorably ‘tamed’, as late as the 1930s, not many people know that, to this day, there are zero sheep to be found in the Northern Territory.

Yet the North was not and had never been wholly closed off to the world. Long before white settlers discovered the antipodes, the Aborigines of north Arnhem Land – the Yolngu – were trading with the Macassans, an Asian sea-faring people who brought rice, tobacco, fishhooks, and guns to Australia. Each year, industrious pearl farming and harvesting would culminate in an exchange on shores east of where Port Darwin now stands. On rare occasions, intrepid Yolngu men even accompanied the Macassans back to Malaysia, where they witnessed with their own eyes the huge ships of the Europeans. Journeys to Malaysia must have been for the ancient Yolngu men the equivalent of Marco Polo’s own ventures to China.

The Yolngu knew about Europeans long before the Europeans knew about them. Indeed the Yolngu moniker for a white person is ‘Balanda’ – from ‘Hollander’ – a linguistic souvenir brought back from those trading missions over the seas to Malaysia, still in use today. Yolngu languages are peppered with words from foreign cultures.

In other ways the peoples of the north showed themselves capable of absorbing foreign ideas. Much later, in the ‘mission days’, Aboriginal spiritualties incorporated elements of Christianity from the Uniting Church, Anglican and Catholic missionaries who began to populate the communities of the north. Local churches are adorned with crucifixes rendered in dotted paint.

The great paradox of the Yolngu seems to be that while they were geographically remote, they remained intellectually open. This is equally true of the Yanyuwa, another northern tribe, who live near the Gulf of Carpentaria. There is one story that better than any other, illustrates their openness to foreign ideas.

The town of Borroloola was established in Yanyuwa country during pre-federation days. In those early days, it was described as ‘wild and wooly’, the closest equivalent Australia ever had to a ‘Wild West’ town.

Then, at the turn of last century a local police officer wrote away, one account has it, to the Carnegie Institute in the United States, asking for an acquisition of some books. The Carnegie Institute, thinking Borroloola was a big and important Australian town, sent back 3000 leather-bound books of classic authors – Gibbon, Bronte, Dickens, Shakespeare, Kipling, Virgil, Plutarch.

The books were stored in the local gaol – the only place with the space to hold them – and were thus read by the Aboriginal prisoners and people living in the town. The historian Bill Harney, who once spent three months at the library (in fact, as a prisoner, not a researcher), remembered in an ABC radio interview, ‘The Ants that Ate Plutarch’): ‘the bushies used to lay under the old pear trees and down under the casuarina trees and they’d read these ‘ere books and [then] they’d take ‘em back into the library.’

We are left with an intriguing image. In a tiny town – nowadays infamous for crippling alcoholism and the botched police investigation of the murder of a young boy – locals were discussing the merits of Marxism or the wisdom of Aristotle by the banks of the McArthur River.

While the library and its contents are now, ironically, nothing but history and stories themselves (eaten by white ants or borrowed and never returned, almost all of the books were lost by the 1950s), their vestiges still literally walk the dusty streets of Borroloola today. Locals with names like Virgil or Homer are now living reminders of the long dead authors who once enlivened the minds of the town’s residents.

Perhaps this openness to other ideas is a result of the rich Indigenous tradition of storytelling. Maybe it’s a by-product of the fact that most Indigenous people in the North are multilingual, often speaking four, five, six languages, and as such have trained their minds to be flexible and easily adopt other ways of thinking. It could be because of their great capacity to listen and converse; conversations with Indigenous people are often punctuated by long tracks of silence, as the interlocutor quietly contemplates what you have said and thinks carefully of his response. *

*

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Indigenous policy is excruciatingly complex; a crucible of apparently competing considerations: economic advancement or traditional ways of life, paternalism or self-determination, authoritarianism or liberalism, Indigenous land rights or pastoralist access, customary law or Australian law, rehabilitation or incarceration. Unsurprisingly due to their difference in worldviews, solutions that seem straightforward to members of the political class are often viewed ambivalently by Indigenous people.

For example, it’s interesting to know that among Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory, there are some who consider Whitlam’s policies of self-determination – symbolized broadly and optimistically by that photograph of Gough pouring ‘part of the earth itself’ into Vincent Lingiari’s hand – as the beginning of an even deeper destruction of their communities. For romantics, the tri-

umph of self-determination was a cause celebre of back-patting and moral clarity. For many indigenous people, it preceded 40 years of what Peter Sutton described in his groundbreaking book The Politics of Suffering as a ‘downward spiral’. Noel Pearson, speaking of Cape York, more forcefully called it ‘the descent into hell.’

Many communities simply weren’t prepared to function autonomously after the lifting of the familiar, albeit oppressive, structure of authority. Not much was left to show for the constant inflow of royalties and welfare money except for cars, drugs and alcohol. The missions were closed down and the missionaries sent home, not to be replaced by an educational alternative. Literacy deteriorated from 1972. An Indigenous woman standing before the court does not require an English interpreter, but you know her son will.

For a time, the fight for equal pay was equally counterproductive. The introduction of full wages in the Territory proved for remote Indigenous people to be the impetus for a sudden decline in their standard of living from 1968, when the decision of the Conciliation and Arbitration Commission came into force. This seems counter-intuitive until you consider the perverse incentive it generated for the cattle station masters who employed swathes of the male Indigenous population as station hands, previously paying them with food and a roof, but suddenly unable to afford to maintain the same workforce on full wages.

Simultaneously, governments, despite the best of intentions, lacked the imagination to adequately support the transition from what was essentially slave labour to full-paying jobs. Caught between hammer and anvil, now unemployed Aboriginal men and their families moved into the regional centres and townships, where hotbeds of drug use and alcoholism were forged.

We could excuse these policy failings as ‘unintended consequences’; but they were only unintended because we failed to educate ourselves by seeking out more information. *

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Anyone with an abiding sense of fairness knows consultation in any context is, normatively, the best approach to take to decisionmaking. For Indigenous policy, consultation also has practical rationales. Consultation increases the likelihood that Indigenous people will agree to cooperate with decisions, and it ensures solutions are based on the best information on the ground.

Sadly, to the extent that consultation already occurs, it is often perfunctory, used only to rubber stamp policy. ‘Consulting’ shouldn’t just mean physically ‘listening’ – allowing the sound waves coming from someone’s mouth to reverberate off of your ear drums. Crucially, it should also mean ‘being open-minded’.

Solutions designed by white bureaucrats in Canberra will never be acceptable or even beneficial to Indigenous people living in remote communities thousands of kilometers away, unless they have a say in them. While we can’t claim to know all the answers, we can at least settle on some of the questions – and it’s clear we need to be asking more of them to Indigenous Australians. *

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Today, the Borroloola library stands – or rather, crumbles – as a poignant reminder of the transience of all things, even knowledge.

But there is another lesson written on its walls.

At a time when consultation of Indigenous people is at a nadir in Australian politics and policy development – the uncompromising authoritarianism of the Intervention remains as the most glaring example of that – one can’t help but feel like non-Indigenous Australians caan learn something about listening from their Indigenous counterparts. We would do well to return their favour and become as intellectually open to the Yolngu and Yanyuwa and their solutions to the ‘Aboriginal situation’ as they have been to us and our civilization.

At Redfern we ‘opened our hearts a bit.’ With the apology we decided to ‘open a new chapter.’ It’s now time we opened our minds a little bit more too.

Joseph Walker is a fourth year Arts/Law student currently undertaking an internship with the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency.

TUESDAY 22 APRIL 2014 WORONI

WORLD// 22

Taiwan’s Occupy Moment John Rivers FOLLOWING prolonged unrest, disaffected youth occupy the legislature. Inspired by this, thousands more pour on to the streets, a rising tide of humanity, angry at a government they feel has marginalised them and ignored their needs.

The place, this time, is Taiwan, and the people are angry at government plans to push through a contentious trade deal with China without proper review by the national legislature, or Legislative Yuan. The ruling Chinese Nationalist Party (AKA the “Kuomintang” or KMT), claims the deal is essential for economic growth, whilst protesters and the opposition parties contend the deal with China, which refuses to acknowledge Taiwan as an independent country, threatens the island nation’s sovereignty.

Such debates between pro-China and proindependence groups are common in Taiwanese politics, although few in recent history have been as dramatic as this: following a rushed review of the Cross-Strait Service Trade Agreement by the KMT-dominated Legislative Yuan on Tuesday 17 March, students conduct a sit-in protest in the legislature demanding a more stringent review with greater transparency.

The following Friday saw thousands rallying in the capital, Taipei, in support of the sit-in protest.

Meanwhile, a number of institutions at the National Tsing-Hua and National Taipei Universities

Ask questions. I guarantee that there is no other tried and proved method of discovering the host country’s culture and history... broke ranks with the government, closing their doors in support of the students.

Escalating tensions, a small group of protesters broke into government headquarters, the Executive Yuan, over the weekend resulting in police eviction of them, and protesters in neighbouring streets, using water cannon in scenes reminiscent of Taiwan’s KMT-dictatorship era. How did it come to this?

Current unrest notwithstanding, Taiwan has been one of the success stories of Asian development post-World War Two. Following Japan’s surrender of Taiwan at the end of WWII, the island was administered by the KMT government of the then Republic of China (ROC). At the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949, mainland China became the communist People’s Republic of China, and Taiwan became a self-governing jurisdiction under the control of the retreating KMT forces.

Today, Taiwanese living standards are high relative to neighbouring countries; if it were recognised as a sovereign country, Taiwan would be listed as the world’s eighteenth largest economy.

Moreover, in spite of its authoritarian origins under KMT leader Chiang Kai-shek, modern Taiwan has blossomed into a pluralistic democracy with free and independent media coverage.

Freedom House, a global, pro-democracy non liberal democracies in East Asia, alongside Japan and South Korea.

There is a real threat however that Taiwan’s progress could be lost. Since coming to power in 2008, Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jieo of the KMT has pursued increasing economic integra-

tion of Taiwan with China, beginning with the Economic Co-operation Framework Agreement in 2010. from increasing ease of cross-strait business: Foxconn, a Taiwanese company involved in the assembly of Apple products, has many lucrative factories in China, as does Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation, the world’s largest producer of semiconductors.

Economic gains may however come at the expense of political freedom. The Ma Administration claims increasing economic exchange between Taiwan and China will increase the two countries’ reliance upon one another, reducing more one-sided reality. Exports to China represented 40% of total exports in 2013, up from 35% in 2008, when President Ma was elected.

At the same time, Chinese exports to Taiwan as a proportion of its total did not increase at all, stable at a paltry 2%. The situation in Taiwanese foreign investment is equally dire, with investments in China representing as much as 80% of all foreign investment, up from an already-high 70% in 2008.

It is impossible that this dependency will not spill out from Taiwan’s economic sphere into its political one. The Chinese know this: in addition to courting the political elite, there are increasing reports China is attempting to woo Taiwanese businesspeople, in what may be considered attempts to “soften up” Taiwan ahead of any future Chinese attempt at annexation. After all, where stomachs go, hearts will eventually follow.

The Ma Administration has been blithely ignorant to these risks. Despite the alarming level of China-dependency, no serious effort has been made to increase trade, for example, with the ASEAN countries (which have a collective economy larger than China’s), nor with the United States or Japan; whilst the KMT scrambles to secure deals with China, it has indicated it may be as late as 2020 before participation in the be seriously considered.

The administration’s other actions have done little to allay fears over its China policies. As part of the ongoing territorial dispute over the Senkaku Islands, currently administered by Japan but also claimed by China and Taiwan, a 2012 Taiwanese Coast Guard mission was sent to plant Republic of China) sovereignty. Incredibly, the boats claimed to leave “in such a hurry”, there would happen to be just lying around a coast guard base).

More recently, government revisions to the national high school history texts have come under criticism for an alleged change in focus marginalising Taiwanese culture and history. A case in point is the textbooks’ dropping of references to “People’s Republic of China” in favour of the term “the Mainland”, as if Taiwan were a Chinese colony.

In light of this grim outlook it is perhaps useful for Taiwanese to be reminded why independfor Taiwanese independence is of course that it already is; lack of directions from “the Mainland” does not appear to have adversely affected social or economic progress.

Taiwan’s hard-won political freedoms are also under threat. One only need look at Hong Kong

to see the “China effect” upon democracy. “One country, two systems”, the phrase spouted by dents wary of political interference from Beijing is rapidly becoming “Our country, our system”.

Also at stake is preservation of Taiwanese language and the myriad languages and cultures of indigenous minorities that make up 20% of the island’s population. Whilst inroads have been made into minority rights in recent years, a return to Chinese rule would be accompanied by renewed cultural suppression. Cultural imperialism is a primary modus operandi for the Chinese regime, as evidenced by the massive, governmentTibet and Xinjinag provinces, suppressing local identities and, thus, anti-China dissent.

Taiwanese independence however, cannot be considered in a vacuum: China has threatened on many occasions to invade if steps are made towards formal independence, arguing Taiwanese independence threatens Chinese security. In this scenario, Taiwanese independence is part of a strategy by the US to “contain” China with allied countries.

In the nuclear age of course, China has little attention away from the real threat posed by Taiwan, and the reason why China has vowed eventually to eliminate Taiwan as a political entity: a prosperous, democratic country composed predominately of people with Chinese ancestry

that their authoritarian governmental system is the only one suitable for Chinese people.

Politically inconvenient for China as it might be, Taiwan has a right to determine its own future: a fact punctuated by the conviction of the recent protests. For Taiwan’s part, it is time a national dialogue was started, to recognise and celebrate their unique identity and independence.

Economically and diplomatically, Taiwan should seek to reduce their dependence upon China. Recent moves by Japan to negotiate a memorandum of understanding, along the lines of the US Congress’ US-Taiwan Relations Act promoting economic, cultural and military exchange, should be welcomed. It is also time Taiwan stopped aping China in making anachronistic territorial claims against neighbouring countries; this serves only to alienate countries, such as the Philippines and Japan, whilst would otherwise be inclined to side with Taiwan against an expansionist China.

As the last few weeks have shown, if Taiwanese politicians are unwilling to assert economic and political independence in legislation, then the people will do it for them on the street. As one protester declared: “without democracy we have nothing.”

Full Disclosure: In addition to being a proud, is Taiwanese and hopes one day to be a dual-citizen: of Australia and an independent Taiwan.

WORONI TUESDAY 22 APRIL 2014

WORLD// 23

Bombs on a Weekend Stroll: Five Observations from Amman Jordan borders Iraq, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Israel and the Palestinian territories. Kara Hawkins and Sam Davies will live here for 2014, studying Arabic and travelling the region, before returning to ANU in 2015. We will talk culture, politics, ourselves in. Enjoy.

Kara Hawkins & Sam Davies 1.

Ancient city in a modern town The Middle East is covered in amazing and ancient things. Jerash is a town in the north of Jordan, with ruins dating back to 3200BC. We’ve always been advised to go there, but haven’t made the trip yet. On our way to and from our recent camping trip we drove through the town. Yes, we’ve been to the temples in Egypt and have seen many ruins before, but this was different. The ruins are in the middle of town, surrounded by busy shops and streets. This monstrous, intimidating castle sits there, casting a shadow on every day life. Sam and I wondered if that’s the kind of presence these great structures had in their time on those who lives outside their walls.

Oh, and they hold a festival in the ancient Roman amphitheatre each year, featuring popular Arabic singers. Modern music in an ancient amphitheatre - how cool is that?

2.

Beggars and BMWs On a heavier note, the contrast between rich and poor is pretty strong here. Men in tattered clothes walk the streets of nicer suburbs, sorting through the enormous communal rubbish bins and putting materials in the old wooden cart pulled by their scruffy donkey. Homeless families live under scrap metal and tarpaulins in wastelands right next to major shopping centres. And the poorer, but bustling downtown area is right next to the fancier expat and embassy district.

3.

Bombs on a weekend stroll No, nobody is bombing Jordan, but every now and again we are powerfully reminded of how close Jordan is to countries at war. For example, last weekend we went on an awesome camping trip in the forests up north. We stayed overnight and went on a hike the following day. The birds were singing, the flowers were in full bloom- it was so tranquil and silent. Until we heard a not-so-distant rumble, the echoes bouncing across the mountains.

Apparently bombs from Syria. Which would make sense, since we were a maximum of 50km from Dara’a, a major conflict zone in Syria at the moment. So our walk was a huge mixture of silence, laughing and chatting, with the occasional explosion in the back-

ground. It was quite surreal, knowing how calamitous the situation is just across the border, but how safe and relatively carefree we were on the other side, eating, drinking and exploring the countryside.

4.

Men There are rude men who harass women wherever you go, it’s an unfortunate fact in this day and age. But men here seem to be a lot ruder to me as a female foreigner, while also being a lot politer in some situations too.

Hugging between local male and females here isn’t a thing, but nor is shaking hands in many cases. So, any male acquaintances we might make, such as the grocer, the baker or the university guards, will either shake Sam’s hand or give him an enormous hug, while nodding a polite hello to me. Sometimes that is due to their own preference not to shake hands with women, but knowing them, it mostly seems to be out of respect to me. Letting women go first through doorways is also huge here.

Fine, I’ll take it!

What I won’t take so well is men calling out, beeping or otherwise harassing me, even when I’m with Sam. Now this happens in

There are rude men who harass women wherever you go, it’s an unfortunate fact in this day and age. But men here seem to be a lot ruder to me as a female foreigner...

Australia too, don’t get me wrong, but walking home by myself this afternoon I realised just how much worse it is here. Men of all ages beep and stare out the window, others call out ‘I love you!’, while others just whistle or chuckle to themselves as you walk past.

But I also realised how lucky I am here as a white woman. I was talking to my South Korean friend earlier today, as she carries a whistle on her keyring for safety. I was a bit amused, until she explained why. See, there aren’t too many people of Asian origin here, and many of those with South Asian roots are prostitutes. So while I put up with some harmless but annoying comments, men yell ‘sex’ and ‘massage’ at her to the point where she actually fears for her safety. This would never happen to a local girl, towards which men are so much more respectful, but is a sad fact purely based on race, and harshly jars with the more conservative parts of society.

5.

Niqabs and nightclubs As with any country, some people are more religious than others. Goes without saying.

But the contrast between the most outwardly conservative people and the more liberal folk

“

No, nobody is bombing Jordan, but every now and again we are powerfully reminded of how close Jordan is to countries at war... has been quite surprising. These observations are largely based on how people seem to look and behave, and obviously there is more to it than that. Nevertheless, clothing and subtle behavioural habits can actually be quite informative here. For example, at university everyone dresses conservatively. Some girls might wear skinny jeans or leggings, but most wear hijabs and long coat-dresses that seem to be one of the most popular items of clothing for women. There are also quite a few girls that wear even looser clothing as well as the full niqab. Men are also modest in dress, wearing relatively smart clothes, closed shoes, and they always wear long pants.

The more conservative girls do not speak to men they don’t know for longer than necessary (for example the guards at the gates), and there are certain rules of socialising among this group. Some guys and girls hang out together at uni, but some of my Jordanian girlfriends gave me an interesting insight into their families’ values. Sitting at a café, we saw a guy and a girl in a hijab sitting together, and then taking a selfie. My friends started

laughing, quite surprised at what they said is forbidden. For them, guys and girls can’t really be friends, and you couldn’t even do what this couple did with a male cousin, in case you marry him.

Compare this to a night out. Dressed relatively conservatively (I wore jeans and a long-sleeve top), Sam and I wandered in to a swanky bar. It was filled with rich locals, and boy were they different. Girls had several layers of makeup and wore tiny skin-tight black dresses with enormous heels, some with quite scary-looking spikes on them. They all sat closer with their arms around each other, something you never see at university, and chatted drunkenly, mostly to the opposite sex.

While there was a lot less PDA (thankfully) than clubs in Australia, it was a shock to see this in Amman, especially having only seen locals interacting at the much more conservative uni. Nevertheless, I don’t think Mooseheads has much of a market to exploit to over here. Pity.

TUESDAY 22 APRIL 2014 WORONI

WORLD// 24

Lessons Learnt whilst Travelling George Laffan FOR me, it just doesn’t quite cut it when a acquaintance writes a blog about their journeys throughout the world. To top it off, there must be at least one lesson learnt, preferably more. So if I was a literary genius (and I wish I was) I would travels, capturing those unique quirky personal events that make everybody’s travels their own story.

Sorry; but I ain’t Bill Bryson (Haven’t heard of him? I highly recommend his selection of travel novels; entertaining, educating and very engaging). The best I can do is dot point list of do’s and don’ts, providing reasoning afterwards through my own experiences.

Do’s: 1. Practice a very broad Ozzie nasal twang, with accompanying vocabulary of (supposedly) quintessential Australian phrases.

G’ddddaaaaaayyyyy ma-te, put a shrimp on the barbie, eh? I have never said this idiotic idiom ever before in my short time on Earth. Which is very surprising for American exchange students.

If you’re not so desperate for friends, skip the phrases and stay with a classic New South Welshman’s accent. You will not regret it as even a slight accent will get you massive brownie points with Europeans ‘Oh, you’re from Oz! How nice!

Here, have this ticket/local food/traditional drink

Ask questions. I guarantee that there is no other tried and proved method of discovering the host country’s culture and history... on the house!’ This would not be directed at me, but to the fellow Australian behind me. I still cry at night, thinking about all those cheap meals I could have had.

2. Ask questions. I guarantee that there is no other tried and proved method of discovering the host country’s culture and history. Stay away from stupid assumptions though. Locals do know more national history than you because they live here. And if they correct you, do not whip out your smart-phone to do a fact check of their statements. It’s quite stupid in hindsight.

3. Grow a beard (‘cept for the ladies). If all you can manage is a symmetrically patchy one, claim if as your unique brand of testosterone and creative thinking. Or use ladies beauty eye products, they work a treat.

4. Help out other fellow travellers when ever you can. The look of relief they give you with their thanks is heart-melting too. But don’t look like 30 year old man and creepily offer to help a single mothers child the use of your shoulders when watching a parade. The look of disgust is not quite rightly described as heart-melting.

5. Buy new clothes and bags. I’ve received a few angry yells and shouts from beggars as I stumbled through London’s neon-lit streets, thinking that I was shifting their turf. Also, -1 to beards.

6. Smile- does this really need explaining?

7. Procure a EU or UK passport before you leave. Or plan to marry a local. Point 1 helps with the latter notably, enticing naive natives to their marital doom. Generally, getting a UK passport is less of an emotional roller-coaster. So I say,

dig out that family tree and see if UK immigration accepts that your great-grand-uncle-twiceremoved being born in Ireland when it was still in the UK, as valid reasoning.

8. Remember the 8 P’s : Prior Preparation and Planning Prevents Poor Performance (I might have left out a word....). Thus you will have a hassle free travels, although it requires more work whilst in the early stages. Emailing the service provider is easiest, but most people in the accommodation industry are outgoing and they love to chat when someone calls instead, especially when it’s an expensive international call. seem contradictory to 8, but seasoned travellers (and generals) know that all careful arrangements have an elemental chance of failing in contact with the enemy, which is life. A way around this is to have multiple plans in your head, but this requires you to be The Duke of Wellington (born in Ireland, although he tried his best not to let of your companions. They do all the planning

leaving yourself to be pleasantly surprised at their choices.

Don’ts: 10. Fly Ryanair. Next time- Seat61.com. It’s all the rage over here. This is a website set up by a Englishman crazy about trains, so it’s entirely dedicated to describing in minute detail rail and ferry travel. It explains which of the hundreds of cheap(er) routes to enjoy, illustrates the majestic sights seen on your journey and even has pictures of the seating in class for every route in Europe.

Trust me, that’s a lot of images.

11. Try and climb every statue of a national hero or Celtic heritage site stone. The locals on principle do not approve.

12. Stress out! It’s easy in the heat of the moment to write a very strongly worded letter, in true white middle class fashion, to the ferry line for arriving too late causing you miss the connecting train. For one, this achieves nothing as they just ignore it. Secondly, it’s pretty funny for others to see a comically frown-y faced guy jump up after writing said letter to stomp up and

down the platform with attached 80 L pack on back, sounding like a sailor on dry shore leave.

Turns out I could catch the next train with my same ticket. the entire journey to and from accommodation.

As I’m writing in the wee hours of the morning sitting on my transfer bus to Stanstead Airport.

Why? Because when I was originally planning my journey to Dublin for St Patricks Day, I only See points 7 and 8.

All in all, travelling while still young is da bomb. Maybe it’s just the crisp early morning English air speaking, but I know right now that there are not enough material goods in the world to beat it.

Friendly people, good (sometimes) food and plenty of song and dance. These unique experiences combined in equal parts in that old crockpot of Europe creates a glorious blend that lasts a lifetime.

FOOD & WINE// 25

WORONI TUESDAY 22 APRIL 2014

Ian is a total oenophile whose love for wine has resulted in him examining Canberra district wines for Honours, while working part-time in wine retail.

Ian Lee The Australian wine industry is the fourth largest exporter of wine in the world, and all the states, to some extent, produce wine. What this means, is that we have pretty much all the types of climates in which wine can be grown. Consequently, in this short piece, we will explore some prominent regions, the general growing conditions found there, their major grape varietals, and personal take on the wine produced in these regions.

Granite Belt, QLD Major Varietals: Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc Growing Conditions: Surprisingly cool; the Granite Belt sits at between 750 and 1250 meters above sea level. Consequently, growing conditions are neither a true cool climate, nor a warm climate, and problems include spring frosts and monsoons.

My take: Honestly, I have not had the chance to try the wines from here; however, extrapolatbe worth a visit; if you’re into Sauv Blanc, it might be worth a shot too.

Hunter Valley, NSW Major Varietals: Shiraz, Semillon Growing Conditions: Warm and Humid. Mari-

Maritime influences from the Pacific Ocean facilitate grape growing by channelling cool, moist ocean air into the valley, without which, conditions would be marginal at best. grape growing by channelling cool, moist ocean air into the valley, without which, conditions would be marginal at best.

My take: Love the Semillon. Undoubtedly the world’s greatest region for the production of Semillon. Shiraz-wise, several Hunter Shirazes are lauded as stunning examples of the varietal,

bold, fruity and texturally unappealing.

Yarra Valley, VIC

Gris, Riesling Growing Conditions: Very cool. Tasmania has a maritime temperate climate for the most part, with comparatively high humidity by Australian standards, and mild winters. However, the marginal climate sometimes makes it hard for fruit to ripen.

My take: Tasmanian sparkling wine made using the methode traditionelle is truly excellent; some examples exceed the quality one expects of a Champagne (from Champagne, France). the occasional Sauvignon Blanc is worthy of note too.

Clare Valley, SA Major Varietals: Riesling, Shiraz Growing Conditions: Variable; cool winters, but warm to hot summer days with cool nights.

Higher altitude helps ensure climate stays cooler than some other South Australian regions.

Hunter Valley

best region in Australia for Riesling. Examples from here tend towards the extra-dry side, with the classic style having negligible, if any residual sugar. What is left is a mouth-puckeringly dry white wine, with distinct citrus notes with hints of honeysuckle. Gorgeous. The Shiraz from the Clare Valley is good too.

Margaret River, WA Major Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc Mediterranean climate. Generally cool temperatures, but very mild in terms of temperature variations. This leads to the accumulation of warmth

over extended periods, and consequently, an even ripening of fruit.

Growing Conditions: Cool. The Yarra Valley sits inland from Melbourne, and consequently, has a continental climate; rainfall varies, but a

nitely not be overlooked. Chardonnays are good too, but the most budget-friendly wines here take the form of the Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc blend.

wind after March.

Both are grown here. Both are stunning here.

very unlikely to disappoint.

Tasmania Just a very general look at the whole of Tasmania; that is not to say that it lacks sub-regions.

Cab Sav in this region should definitely not be overlooked.

-

you really should try a De Bortoli Yarra Valley

Decant!

A Snapshot of Australian Wine Regions

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boutique producers.

This concludes my snapshot of some Australian wine regions; while I have left out some important regions, these might be explored later in the series. For now, I beseech you to hunt down a wine from somewhere in Australia, and research it thoroughly through an extended drink. Imbibus Ergo Sum!

Margaret River

TUESDAY 22 APRIL 2014 WORONI

FOOD & WINE// 26

French Toast with Strawberries and Honey Louise Stockton THE sweet version of French toast is a beautiful and impressive dish to serve. It’s quite simple to make, but it makes people swoon. Then it makes them feel full and sleepy.

There are a few tips that I’ll share with you about this recipe. For one, your aim is to cook

Method Whisk the eggs, milk, cinnamon and vanilla essence in a large bowl until the ingredients have combined. You may end up with clumpy bits of cinnamon, but that’s okay.

Swish the bread in the egg mix, making sure that the bread doesn’t absorb too much.

Otherwise, it can lose its structural integrity. Place both slices in a large frying pan and evenly pour the remainder of the egg mix on top of each slice.

make the bread crispy, like toast, and think that the egg will magically cook within it. However, what you want is to cook your egg-soaked bread on a low-medium heat will allow the egg to cook gently, much like a fried egg. If the heat is too low, frustration may set in as you wait. Too high, occasionally checking the colouring of the and it will cook unevenly. This is also why butter side facing down. Ideally, the bread should is better than pure olive oil. Butter will not heat be a dark brown colour (but not burnt) beto a lower temperature to olive oil, meaning that ingredients will not burn as easily.

While the toast is cooking, rinse and halve Ingredients the strawberries so that they’re ready to serve. If you’re cooking for someone else, 2 slices of fresh or stale bread place the already cooked toast on a plate 2 large eggs with foil over the top to keep it warm. It’s 1/4 cup of milk so much better warm!

1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla essence When the toast has cooked, serve it up with 1-2 tablespoons of butter (or margarine) strawberries and heaps of honey. Other 1 punnet of strawberries favourite toppings include sliced banana, Honey (as much as you please) apple compote, maple syrup or icing sugar, but strawberries are far too good to pass up.

Now watch as they swoon.

REVIEWED: GODS @Hedley Bull Thomas Midson THE Gods @ Hedley Bull has made some changes over the summer. With new art of the walls, new décor and cups it is looking very fresh, the change I care about though is the coffee.

Now using Campos beans, a widely sourced blend produced for sale in Australia, Campos have been growing their brand for a while but remain quite small in the scheme of coffee wholesalers. This is due to their strict brand controls that ensure retailers

All indications are that Gods @HB is living up to this expectation, whilst initially I experienced subtle differences in the taste of their coffee, of the last three I tried there, I could not pick a difference. .. adhere to the highest standards of coffee preparation. It is a somewhat prestigious achievement just to get Campos to supply your store.

After trying the new offering at Gods @ HB I was impressed, without doubt it is an improvement of what I have previously had there. The latte I ordered was of a medium straw colour with a sensitive aroma and fresh

milk flavours at its core but with floral and honeyed notes that indicate a fresh bean. The owner of both Gods Cafes, Jaye insists that the Campos beans are never more than six weeks from origin to cup.

Jaye explained his choice to change to Campos, “I believe that if my customers are going to pay $3.50 for a cup of coffee, they will choose the best coffee they can find, so it is crucial to serve consistently excellent coffee” All indications are that Gods @HB is living up to this expectation, whilst initially I experienced subtle differences in the taste of their coffee, of the last three I tried there, I could not pick a difference.

The new interior is crisp with artwork by local artists...

If you want something to go with your coffee try one of their friands. The sweet cake complements the coffee’s strong milk flavour and medium to creamy texture.

The new interior is crisp with artwork by local artists. So if you have not tried the newest coffee at ANU I recommend the short walk to Hedley Bull, just avoid lunch time when every person in HB comes down to get lunch and coffee.

FOOD & WINE// 27

WORONI TUESDAY 22 APRIL 2014

Consider Your Chocolate this Easter Natasha Russell EDITOR’S NOTE: yes, we reallise Easter has come and gone already: keep these tips in mind for your post-Easter chocolate binge...

AS Easter fast approaches and the shelves at every food retailer become crammed with various colourful foil-covered chocolate goodies, it is easy to be distracted from what went into making those delicious brown (and white) pieces of heaven. However, as with almost anything you can buy, not all chocolates are created equal.

Chocolate production has come under public scrutiny over the past few years have come to light. Cocoa beans are the essential ingredient to chocolate and grow in tropical regions around the world. The vast majority of global cocoa production, 73% according to the World Cocoa Foundation, occurs in West African countries (and not Latin America as commonly believed - though it is grown there too!).

In these regions, child labour is a reality of life. Most of the world’s cocoa is farmed on nearly two million independent family plantations and the prevalence of child labour in these regions is generally a direct result of poverty.

These areas often lack of food security, education, access to clean drinking water and health services. By taking their children out of schools, cocoa farmers can keep labour costs down where they barely make enough money to support themselves as it is. This practise continues over generations as a perpetual poverty cycle.

Fairtrade International attempts to intercept this vicious cycle by ensuring that farmers at the beginning of the production chain and their workers are paid a fair wage. They then allow companies to put a logo on their products so that as consumers we can purchase our goods without having to do extensive research on everything we eat. conditions and does not consider whether a product contains ingredients such terms from farmers ensuring that no child or forced labour has been involved in the process.

UTZ is another label to look out for; all Nestlé chocolates are now UTZ ceroffer a minimum or guaranteed price for farmers and its environmental requirements are lower.

So what can you buy in the Australian market that is Fairtrade? It is important to look at individual chocolate products rather than brands as a whole However, when shopping for Easter, note that only their 65g dairy milk egg is The best Australian guide to Fairtrade chocolate is a fact sheet released by World Vision outlining the individual products from each chocolate brand that are in fact Fairtrade.

Notably the best high street options are: • any chocolate from the Oxfam shop; • any Lindsay & Edmunds chocolate (Fairtrade AND 100% organic!); • milk and dark Chocolatier Easter eggs; • Cadbury’s 65g Easter Magic dairy milk egg; • milk and dark Scarborough Fair Easter eggs; Following those, and possibly a few others, the next best option would be the tralia).

So as you select your Easter chocolates this year, take a moment to consider to support every player in the chocolate production industry rather than simply not be able to resist some Cadbury’s 65g Easter Magic eggs!

LIFE & STYLE// 28

TUESDAY 22 APRIL 2014 WORONI

COLLEGE LYF, YEA?

Loren Ovens -

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“

One thing I have noticed is the pervasive FOMO behaviour, ‘Fear of missing out’ for the unacquainted...

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Give luuurve a chance, yo

Professor Love (AKA Gary Leigh) Each edition Prof. Love will seek to answer your questions on tahe discipline of romance.

Finally the opposite: under rating what is happening?

stop bullshitting yourself

You will always be an option.

Are you projecting your interest on the person? the -

Are you overrating what is happening?

LIFE & STYLE// 29

WORONI TUESDAY 22 APRIL 2014

Indifference Art Rebecca Niumeitolu

IT seems that the characteristic ‘indifference’ our generation often gets slammed for has followed us into the dating scene.

Now, I know that many of you are probably sitting, holding paper in one hand and religiously sipping your coffee with the other, so what I am about to write may be highly sacrilegious, but .

According to a Times article released online early this year ‘69% of singles have absolutely no idea if they’re on a date or just “hanging out”’ with potential love interests.

Of course many of us have fallen victim to what the coffee date has to offer.

Short and sweet, casual and, dare I say it, inexpensive. The allure of the roast, the grind, the exotic blends. The sensorial overload of the hot cup resting in your grip, timing your mouthfuls according to your interest in the conversation whilst leaving just enough for any potential awkward pauses.

You suggest a familiar café but not your usual – as ancient wisdom tells us (PG version): don’t lay down your ordure where you slumber. All in all, the coffee date seems like a great setting for introductions.

However, too often we leave the place contemplating the relational capacity in which the other person invited us to coffee. The miniature wooden chairs, the streamline industrial machinery and the shabby-chic urban decor is aloof to intimate sparks. It denies us of emotional certainty. We are left in the lurch and frustrated.

Perhaps, this is what you’re going for. I see four main types of coffee dates.

(1) The coffee date for the ‘undecideds’, the . While it may be an undesirable setting for a date, you may be pardoned.

(2) You genuinely like the person and are scared to be rejected. Again, forgivable, but you also risk other person misunderstanding your intentions and friend-zoning you.

(3) You know that this type of date creates uncertainty and you purposely want to drive the other person mad. If that is the case, please do us all a favour, be considerate and get over yourself.

Let us focus on category (4). Usually, unless you are verbally explicit that it is a date or express your desire to see the other person in more cosy setting, people are downright lost. You may be thinking, “But why else would I want to talk to a stranger? I have no other reason to invite them out!” Well, my unknown friends, some people don’t share your natural distaste for mingling with strangers.

In fact, some people also see coffee as a platonic activity, an opportunity for amicable exchange. It is for these people that an invitation to a coffee date might as well be an invitation to no-man’s-land, situated somewhere between Let’s-Be-Friends Street and Wait-You’re-In-My-Bed Boulevard.

Departure from such quasi-dates thrusts them into deep contemplation - often involving a friend or two - where they interrogate the juxtaposition between the un-enticing setting and the lingering looks. Here, the invitee assesses each moment, trying to draw delineation between what a friend would do at coffee and what a non-friend might do.

What you end up with is no distinction whatsoever. Humans tend to drink coffee in the same way and it is very hard to make that look seductive–unless So why not save everyone the trouble and invite someone on to activities that indicate you are actually on a date. For those of you are stumped for ideas, here are 3 suggestions that cater to the short and sweet, casual and inexpensive (a) Get dessert: Night is always more fun and who could say no to voluptuous scoops of ice-cream drizzled with chocolate. (b) Get moving: Whether it be an art exhibition or a walk round the lake, the scenery provides you with easy talking points and if you are a particularly affectionate person you can hold hands. Yippee! (c) Anything involving live music: At the very least you are supporting local artists. What is even better is that the good vibrations are bound to give the evening a little buzz. Plus, silence becomes perfectly acceptable, which allows for comfortable conversation.

So, for all you serial coffee-daters, next time you are about to blurt out the instinctive “Grab a coffee”, I dare you to take a mental pause, reconsider your intentions and suggest something new.

TUESDAY 22 APRIL 2014 WORONI

ARTS// 30

she is the scaffold Tara Shenoy

he is linear or a jaguar sucking on frog legs

for an external sound monosyllabic –cutting corners in haste

she is a hot flush on a tandem bike clamped shut; frozen in hinges he re-arranges, her cognitive two-step trigger-crazy itch

the tug-pull –to want but not want for to want for but not want propped by faithful pillars of faith-filled friends he possesses the logic of equilibrium she provides halves –an absence of connection in the present-tense

– with talks of infinity dribbling down the sides of the hipflask up the waterspout

slowly unwritten by his calloused hands

he plants notions that take root in her jugular –expose blossoms

that pick up her body corporate – a horse trapped behind lungs

up through the mouthpiece, twolips or tulips

the more he remembers the less she remains

to pollute with all these voices that don’t have a split-second pause

whole

Image by Tara Shenoy

WORONI TUESDAY 22 APRIL 2014

ARTS// 31

Reviewed: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Rachel Kirk KEN Kesey’s notorious novel was recently brought to life in The Acting Company’s production of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. While the play did not have the same level of complexity and character depth that the book possesses, the production nonetheless kept its distinctive oppressive feel.

This production was held in The Courtyard Studio, a smaller, more informal venue than the Canberra Theatre, which is located right next door. The director was Tom O’Neill. The cast members were largely Canberra-based, many of the products of Narrabundah College drama courses.

The entire play took place on a set that showed the stark main ward of a mental hospital, complete with a nurse’s window near the front of the stage. In this respect it was different to the novel, which occasionally allows the reader to step outside of the boundaries of the mental hospital, relieving the dramatic tension that builds up as Randle P. McMurphy, and the main antagonist, ice-cold Nurse Ratched. The production was organised in such a way that the tension built

even more intense. Given that the play clearly did have to cut sections out of the novel, for purely ing trip on to a stage), it was handled well.

One of the real strengths of the play was the ability of even the more minor actors in the production. Right from the opening scene, in which around the stage, each actor did a fabulous job of maintaining the tics and idiosyncrasies of their particular character. Each of the characters was portrayed very memorably, if not especially realistically. While this did serve to provide some unexpected comic relief, it did sometimes feel as if the relentless exaggeration of characters took away some of the subtlety that the book possesses. The characters were explored far less on stage than they are in the novel. Many of them seemed unnecessarily extreme. Harding, for instance, Harding’s repressed homosexuality is only hinted at – here, though, it was made immediately clear, both through direct reference to it and the actor’s many effete hand gestures. It is worth noting that Harding’s occasional bursts of emotion were even more effective when contrasted with his otherwise measured and, often, effeminate behaviour. However, his gestures seemed to verge on

parody at points, and were quite distracting.

The one instance of a slightly less exaggerated character was Barb Barnett’s interesting take on

character. While there wasn’t anything especially novel about his portrayal – his McMurphy was indistinguishable from Jack Nicholson’s in the

Ratched’s intimidating, machine-like presence is made very clear right from the beginning. The play, however, introduced the harshness of her character slowly. It is only when she begins to really sink her claws into the damaged men she

portrayal of Chief Bromden, the story’s narrator, was especially good. Given that the character spends much of the novel pretending to be entirely dumb, conveying his narration could have

This was an excellent and entertaining adaption of a novel that I had originally thought would be incredibly hard to adapt to stage... works with that the viewer can see the extent of her intense callousness. Barnett managed to balance the façade of kindliness with a slow reveal of a vicious and mechanical nature. The development of her character was riveting to watch.

Ben Drysdale as Randle P. McMurphy certainly captured the manic carelessness of the

with in quite an innovative way – when the narration was given, the action on stage froze, and a younger version of Chief Bromden appeared to exchange lines with the current version.

While this sounds strange when written down, it worked very well on stage, and was one of the more memorable parts of the performance.

This was an excellent and entertaining adaption of a novel that I had originally thought would be incredibly hard to adapt to stage. Cerpractical reasons, at the expense of the novel’s complexity. The characters also felt far more exaggerated than they were in Ken Kesey’s original story. Ultimately, this production stayed true to the story while incorporating its own innovative touches, and was well worth seeing.

Musings of an Existential Pilgrim: Mamihlapinatapai Tom Chen THIS column is about words. More specifically, it is about words that have no direct translation in English. If words give shape to thoughts and communication then hopefully these words can provide you dear reader with more eloquent and shapely thoughts.

To start things off is a word from the Yaghan language from Tierra del Fuego. The word Mamihlapinatapai [mah-mee-lah-pin-yahtah-pie] approximately translates as “a look shared by two people, each wishing that the other will offer something that they both desire but are unwilling to suggest or offer themselves.” Derived from the root ihlapi, which means “to be at a loss as what to do next”, Mamihlapinatapai is also sometimes translated as “a meaningful silence” and grammatically should be used as a verb.

Mamihlapinatapai is that moment when you cross eyes with an attractive stranger at a party and sparks fly between you two but no one wants to actually go and introduce themselves first. It’s the two good friends who would both really prefer it if they could just stop with the friendly banter and start making out. Or something. But they are comfortable where they are. One way to understand why Mamihlapinatapai occurs is to apply game theory and see it as a coordination problem. Mamihlapinatapai occurs because in a variety of social situations individual action is not enough. A confession of emotion results in great success if reciprocated but heartbreak if not. To wait and do nothing results in a pleasant surprise if

they approach you first and no worse than a lukewarm longing if they do not. The incentives would appear to be in favour of inaction regardless of how the other person felt.

Game theory also explains inaction because drawing up payoff matrices and optimising strategies take a lot of time.

Another way to think about Mamihlapinatapai is in terms of existential angst.

Mamihlapinatapai is that moment of mutual attraction when you are suddenly confronted with an awareness of the potential futures.

To realise these potential futures would require the exercise of choices. Kierkegaard suggests this process of choosing is equal parts empowering and terrifying because of the always present possibility that you choose wrongly. Understood in this way Mamihlapinatapai is about not wanting to approach the other person despite how nice it might be for fear of triggering a sequence of future events and choices over which you have limited control. The sheer number of potential possibilities means that in all likelihood the choices you made were suboptimal. Kierkegaard was in all likelihood depressing company.

Hopefully you can come to appreciate the finer points of Mamihlapinatapai. Once you are aware of the concept it should not be hard to recognise. For a more lyrical explanation of what goes through the mind of someone experiencing Mamihlapinatapai try “Just the two of us” by Bill Withers.

Like words too? Exotic grammar? Esoteric languages? There is a society for this kind of thing. To find out more contact us at: beyondthelexicon@outlook.com

Tom Chen and the Art of Words

TUESDAY 22 APRIL 2014 WORONI

ARTS// 32

Zines, Refugee Poetry and the Politics of Expression Louis Klee ON Sunday the 23rd of March, Gorman House hosted the second Canberra Zine Emporium, a celebration of the humble creativity and inventiveness enabled by small-scale publishing.

The ‘zine’ – from ‘magazine’ or ‘fanzine’ – is a reinvention of the tradition of self-publishing.

Despite often being trivialised by established media, the zine, properly speaking, aims to create a public sphere for themes often thought of as ‘merely’ private or personal: from sex poetry, streams of identity and food politics.

However, of all the zines on display this weekend, it was those from the Refugee Art cause they raised questions concerning the very nature of public discourse and expression.

understood.

This relates to the wider, political aim of the -

an intelligible voice in the public sphere.

Given the current state of the Australian media on the refugee question, Admed’s point could not be more pertinent. Despite the fact central place in the public debate about Australian identity, refugees rarely, if ever, have the opportunity to represent themselves. Rather, their voice is one that is always mediated by others in what is, at best, the monologue of the media about refugees, rather than a dialogue with them. Against this monotony, the Refugee

“

it is hoped that they will gain the kind of political agency and empowerment that is otherwise denied to them.

However, this begs the question – what is it that refugees express given this space? More sibility of being understood, to the very limits of expression. Among the recurring motifs of Murtaza’s work is that which takes after Escher

by a group of artists and academics from Sydney University – in particular, Safdar Ahmed art classes for the residents at the detention exhibitions: Fear + Hope Gallery and Life in Limbo Foyer Gallery. provide a form of therapy for the residents. The as Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Iraq, Iran, Nigeria and Indonesia and many of them have suffered the traumas of persecution, war and violence.

For them, art is not merely an escape from the drudgery and torment of life in detention, but a way of dealing with these experiences.

Murtaza Ali Jafari, a Afghan Hazara asylum seeker and the author of one of the zines, writes in brief bursts and collages of prose of the violence directed against he and his relatives while in Pakistan, thus highlighting one of the central paradoxes of trauma – namely, trauma is characterised by both the profound inability to communicate an experience as well as the necessity to do precisely that. The Refugee

own existence ex nihilo under the omnipresent gaze of detention. He depicts knots that loop themselves into many shapes – nooses, question marks, faces – as well as bared wire that lacerprecarious sparkings of a candle.

The work of these refugees resonates in an unexpected way with the twenty-two poems written by seventeen detainees of America’s most notorious detention facility – Guantánamo

The Refugee Art Project was founded in 2010 by a group of artists and academics from Sydney University... reporter for Al Jezeera who was released withinspired, stirring and charitable as the Refugee I was humiliated in the shackles.

How can I now compose verses?

How can I now write?

After the shackles and the nights and the suffering and the tears, How can I write poetry?

It is this question - how can I express myself?

– that is the truly haunting message of the poetry and art of the detained. For even when they

a resemblance at least in the way that these detainees, when given the space, choose to represent the very impossibility of representing themselves. The Poems from Guantánamo paste and carved into Styrofoam cups, speak to

where they can express their grievances and be

heard and, still more, understood? on facebook or visit our website: therefugeeart-

The Steptones Step Right Up

Seth Robinson

stuff with him up at the studio at ANU.

The Steptones Step Right Up caught up with the boys from The Steptones folparty. Read on for insights on local music, headmer.

S: I think it’s so good at the moment. It’s really growing.

Turismo as well. Nova Scotia. They dress like us.

They’re our nemesis band.

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S: Pirates.

of times. Always good to play a familiar place.

And the crowd is always pretty receptive. It was great fun.

when we all wear blue blazers?

S: You told me that I had to stand out.

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velvet suits?

more bearable. nice and early. with Lindsay Gravina, who has worked with The tralian acts. It was a really great experience working with him. He also did Kingswood, Redcoats recently. It has been a pretty exciting experience working with someone who knows what they’re doing. A really good learning experience.

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S: Yeah, later on in the year, after we’ve put out

S: That would be ideal.

tones thesteptones?fref=ts

WORONI TUESDAY 22 APRIL 2014

ARTS// 33

From Surrounding Suburbs to Shakespearian Insults - Ball Park Music’s Puddinghead is a Triumph of Australian Indie Pop. Chris Law BRISBANE is one of Australia’s finest exporters of guitar-based indie, boasting the likes of The Go-Betweens, Powderfinger, and in more recent times The Jungle Giants and Hungry Kids of Hungary. Another name to add to this already impressive repertoire is Ball Park Music, who in the last two years have already put out two acclaimed albums, garnering a reputation for their own brand of quirky, energetic indie guitar-pop. On their latest release ‘Puddinghead’, Sam Cromack

The album begins triumphantly with the lead track and debut single ‘She Only Loves Me When I’m There’.

and his counterparts deliver an album that is more experimental; both in the context of the songs themselves, and also in the process from which they were created. The band decided to take a creative step forward on their third consecutive album, by opting to record and produce the project in its entirety.

In terms of the finish product, the album explores new musical territory for the band, with its complex yet cheerful vocal harmonies, varied guitar sounds and a more liberal exploration of tempo. Overall the album has a creative edge that was lacking in their previous two albums.

The album begins triumphantly with the lead track and debut single ‘She Only Loves Me When I’m There’. The song begins with Cromack cooing softly over keyboard sounds, before the loud, heavily fuzzed-up guitars kick in. The chorus is trademark Ball Park Music with the driven guitars followed

by some ‘ooh ahs’ from the rest of the band.

‘Next Life Already’ sounds reminiscent of the bands’ debut, whilst still exploring new areas of sound with the use of small electronic interludes and synth sounds. In contrast ‘A Good Life is the Best Revenge’ could have easily fitted in onto ‘Museum’, with Sam’s Soaring vocals backed by rolling drums, stomping piano and heavily fuzzedup guitars.

The highlight of the album however comes in the form of a slower number, titled ‘Teenager Pie’, reinstating Ball Park Music’s tradition of obscurely adolescent centric song titles and lyrics. It begins slowly with soft drums and a high-pitched electric piano line.

Sam croons about ‘filling up with regret, like a bleeding dumb truck driver’, before the track builds with smooth choral accompaniment by the band, before descending in to a melodic guitar line backed by piano and electronic warbles. The proceeding track ‘Trippin the Light Fantastic’ sees the Sam ‘getting his mojo back’ as he delivers one of the catchiest choruses on the album.

Although ‘Puddinghead’ is filled with plenty of sing-alongs like ‘Everything is Shit Except my Friendship With You’ and ‘Girls From High School’, some tracks fail to live up to their potential, highlighting the downside to having no producer. ‘Cocaine Lion’ sounds brash and seems to change tempo intermittently, whilst ‘Struggle Street’ begins with promise, yet fails to incorporate the experimental synth keyboard ideas smoothly, despite the strong chorus.

Notwithstanding these criticisms, Sam and the band should be commended for choosing to diverge from the contrived traditional ‘verse-chorus’ arrangement for most of the album. On occasion,‘Puddinghead’ sounds overdone with experimentation, however, there are enough catchy choruses, upbeat guitars and quirky lyrics to remind fans why Ball Park Music are so beloved.

Woroni Radio Presenter Profile: Lily DuBois Little bit about yourself:

lights are out. I’m the name on all the men’s room walls. When I pout, the whole world tries to make me smile. And everyone always wants to know, who… is… that girl?

What’s your show about?

“Don’t be scared it’s only your doom” is dedicated to playing some of the darkest, heaviest, and quirkiest I know and boy… do I know a lot The show is my attempt to break the monotony of the week with something dark, eccentric and maybe even a little bit sensual.

Why did you get involved with the radio?

I needed another outlet… *cough* No in all seriousness, I feel student radio does go a certain way and the alternative demographic doesn’t get enough representation. I can’t speak for all people who hang out at alternative haunts. I just wanted to speak for myself and create a show

that I would listen to.

What’s on your perfect sandwich?

Fairy blood. Without the bread please. Not against carbs, just can’t eat human food.

It’s Lily who controls her own destiny.

Date with any celebrity, who would it be?

YOHIO because I believe he can learn a lot from me.

A tiger in water. Because it’ll be out of its depth.

The biggest problem ever was deciding who I loved more: YOHIO or Woroni radio.

I can play Creed whenever I want! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! (I really hate those guys)

“

The highlight of the album however comes in the form of a slower number, titled ‘Teenager Pie...’

TUESDAY 22 APRIL 2014 WORONI

SCIENCE// 34

Research Roundup Eleanor Campbell Science Sub-Editor

Melting Materials Researchers at Iowa State University are developing a class of ‘transient materials’ that can be triggered to ‘dissolve’ when they receive a certain signal or are exposed to the right conditions.. The research team demonstrated an early example of their work, where a functioning LED, its base, and all its wiring were dissolved in two drops of water. The potential applications for this technology include temporary medical implants that dissolve without a trace when no longer needed.

Bullet-proof Oysters Recently published research from MIT has suggested that next-generation bullet-proof materials may be based on the composition of windowpane oyster shells. The oyster in question has an almost-transparent shell that is 99% ceramic and can resist multiple impacts without fracturing. By studying the structure of this material, ceramic

Stripes Prevent Bites Research into the function of zebra stripes has revealed something interesting: stripes aren’t insect bites. By comparing the stripe patterns of a number of equid (horse-like) species and examining the evolutionary pressures that affect each species, the researchers concluded that stripe patterns evolved in a response to higher insect populations, rather than to bigger threats from predators. Striped surfaces seem to be less attrac-

First Living Organs Regenerated generated by stem cell-like cells. The thymuses (immune cell producing organs) of elderly mice were treated by researchers, who activated protein signals in the mouse cells that instructed the stem cell-like cells to repair the organs. After the treatment, the thymuses resembled organs from young mice, and functioned more effectively.

While this is very preliminary research, it a step towards discovering new treatments for agerelated disease in humans.

A Partial End to Japanese Whaling David Semmens

The JARPA II program, which was the subject of the case, began in late 2005 and has killed about 3,600 minke whales since then. Japan was THE International Court of Justice has ruled only able to produce two peer-reviewed papers that Japan’s whaling in the Southern Ocean is in violation of its obligations under the International that made use of just nine of the whales caught.

The Court also noted that neither of the two Convention for the Regulation of Whaling. The papers related to the stated research objectives of Court ordered Japan to immediately cease its whaling in the Southern Ocean and not to pursue JARPA II. A third paper that used whales killed in the the JARPA II research program further.

JARPA II program was published in February Japan was exploiting a provision in the Whaling Convention that allowed whales to be case. This study examined the stomach contents of nearly 8,500 whales, 1,828 sourced from Although the court accepted that JARPA II was JARPA II. This study, unlike the other two, apimplementation of the whaling was unreasonable pears to be consistent with the stated objectives of JARPA II, but it is unclear why such a large for the purpose of achieving the stated research number of whales were required. objectives.

The value of the study is also dubious. It esThe Court was particularly critical of the lack tablished that the amount of krill in minke whale of transparency in how quotas were determined, the lack of consideration for non-lethal methods, stomachs has declined by almost a third over a twenty-year period. This isn’t a surprising result. the open-ended time frame, the lack of coordiThe decline in krill abundance in the Southern Ocean is already well documented, as are the

On the website for the Institute of Cetacean Research (ICR), the organisation that carries out Japan’s whaling, it’s claimed that JARPA and JARPA II have produced 130 peer-reviewed publications since 1988...

nation with related research programs and the meagre research output.

On the website for the Institute of Cetacean Research (ICR), the organisation that carries out Japan’s whaling, it’s claimed that JARPA and JARPA II have produced 130 peer-reviewed publications since 1988. But the ICR includes everything that people associated with them seabirds and non-lethal whale research. Only a small fraction of the published studies involve whales killed in the Southern Ocean.

whales.

Australia did not dispute that lethal sampling was sometimes necessary to meet research objectives, but argued that the Whaling Convention only allows for this when no other means are available. The Court noted that while the neces-

opinion, Japan was obliged to consider alternatives and could provide no evidence that it had.

It seems that it was this failure to show that non-lethal methods had been fully considered and the inability to adequately justify the numbers of whales taken that really swung the case against Japan.

The ruling is not subject to appeal and Japan stated that it would abide by the Court’s decision. Japan has also more recently announced the cancellation of JARPA II whaling activities scheduled for the coming southern summer. But the decision is not an end to Japanese whaling. Japan will continue whaling in the western returning to the Southern Ocean with a reworked program that is consistent with the Court’s ruling.

WORONI TUESDAY 22 APRIL 2014

SCIENCE// 35

Giving your Academic Ego a Boost can Lead to Higher Marks Oli Chan WELCOME back from the midsem break! By now, you should have a good measure of how you’re going in your courses, and been exposed to the people who are “academically arrogant”.

These are the people who nonchalantly brag their HD average, or complain that their latest mark of 76 might drag down their WAM to D level (shock, horror). While you might want to punch them in the face, you could learn a thing or two from them. No, I’m not going to tell you to study (like I did last year), but the “letting everyone know how good their WAM is” bit has some science behind it.

In a new study by psychologists in the United States, and published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, researchers argue that boasting about academic achievement actually

the near future.

The researchers asked their undergrad participants what GPA they hoped to attain by graduation, or asking nothing at all, before asking them dto report their current GPA. Interestingly, the researchers found a trend in which students who were primed by being asked about a “GPA goal” and engaged in academic exaggeration (reported a higher GPA than they really got), actually had higher GPAs at the end of semester than the students who didn’t.

In psychology, priming involves exposing participants to a stimulus, which in turn affects their response to another stimulus. With respect

to this study, half the students were primed for goal-achievement when they were asked what GPA they hoped to attain. Subconsciously, they kept this in mind throughout the semester and the students worked just that little bit harder to try and attain this goal. The exaggeration bit is important too, because while they might have beyond) anyway, and the brain went along with it. What’s interesting here is that this effect is NOT seen when students exaggerate about their GPA, but have no goal to back it up.

“When their goals are activated, some individuals tend to give themselves a psychological standing, this boost associated with better academic performance outcomes down the line,” the researchers say in the study. “Functional exaggeration does not amount to altering ones resume or lying to others about past achievements, but achieve in the relevant domain”.

So what’s the take home message? The important part of this study is setting a goal for yourself and trying your hardest to achieve that goal.

Every time that person brags about their WAM, they’re reminding themselves they have a WAM to actually maintain, and they probably work hard at it too. So you’ve currently got a WAM of 56 and you want to make it a 65? Perhaps you want to maintain your HD average? Set yourself Photo by Perry McKenna

WEIRD NATURE: WATER BEAR EDITION Ellen Rykers

THIS edition I am going to introduce you to the most badass living organism on Planet Earth. Some of you may assume it is humans, while others may think it is the honey badger – I’d have to disagree. Introducing to you: the water bear. A mere half a millimetre long, the water bear (also known as a tardigrade or moss piglet) may be tiny but it certainly makes up for its small stature with some mind-boggling badassery.

Water bears comprise an ancient family of organisms, with fossils found dating back 350 million years. Today, over 1,000 species of water bear can be found inhabiting mosses, lichens, freshwater and ocean sediments spanning a diverse range of environments. From 6,000 metres above sea level in the Himalayas to 4 kilometres beneath the ocean surface, water bears have found homes around the globe from polar regions to the tropics.

Water bears have been able to colonise so many different environments because they are extremophiles – they are organisms capable of living in conditions detrimental to most other life on Earth. For example, they can survive in temperatures ranging from absolute zero (that’s minus 273 degrees Celsius) to above the boiling point of water (more than 100 degrees Celsius). It’s not only extreme temperatures that water bears can withstand though; they can endure 1,000 times more radiation than humans and pressures up to six times greater than those found in the deepest waters of , the Marianas Trench. the realms of terrestrial Earth. These micro-

experiments revealed that they can survive the vacuum of space and damaging cosmic rays for up to ten days. How long can humans last?

A couple of minutes, max. So forget 2001: A Space Odyssey – if anything’s going to be an intergalactic traveller, it’ll be water bears!

Part of the reason these incredible pioneers of astrobiology could survive the harsh conditions of outer space is a clever trick called cryptobiosis. In cryptobiosis, water bears reversibly stop their metabolism and enter a state of dehydration in response to inhospitable conditions. With water content dropping to 1% of their normal levels, water bears can survive for up to 10 years in this suspended state, rehydrating and returning to normal when conditions become favourable again.

Understanding all the insanely cool stuff water bears can do might also have applications. stay alive while dehydrated at room temperature, we could apply this knowledge to create stable vaccines that don’t have to be refrigerated – a costly requirement that makes them lead to advances in cryopreservation.

I hope I’ve convinced you of the remarkable badassery of the water bear. All in all, these stumpy, eight-legged little guys just like to chill, no matter what the temperature, or whether they’re on Earth or in space. Water bears showcase the phenomenal survival skills Mother Nature can create, and remind us that the microscopic natural world can be fascinating too.

TUESDAY 22 APRIL 2014 WORONI

SPORT// 36

Sports Shorts Zach Mackey and Josh Chu-Tan Cricket Wisden, the ultimate cricket almanac has released their top 5 players for the past year. South African powerhouse bowler Dale Steyne was named Wisden’s Leading Cricketer of the Year, whilst -

Football at its Finest Evelyn Lazanas

of the game, a direct link from the boys on the beach to the stars in the stadium.

Adidas, announced that Pikachu will repre-

countries seem to play with their national

understand that the news will come as nothing short of electrifying for some readers, but the legacy of the World Cup doesn’t owe its success

always with a huge, impenetrable goalkeeper.

is it that makes football the most popular sport in history? est in sport in general; in part because there are

next petulant and confused. Portugal and Spain “soccer” is still considered a children’s game in many respects, so they’re still in the process of growing up. African football is also super

Dhawan, and English Women’s captain, Charlotte Edwards. Lawrence Booth, in the 151st edition,

Twenty 20 Cricket World Cup

-

not the only one. For some, football is an expres-

Australia pitifully bowed out in the early round, winning only one game against hosts Bangla-

while rugby and cricket were played by the white ascendancy, deafening football has always been

powerful link between multi-millionaire athletes

The English claim to have invented football, though the Mayans played something similar with their hips...

a row, led by the stirring performances of Meg Lanning and Ellyse Perry, both named in the Women’s team of the tournament.

Formula One -

the game of the township.

Brazil, the most successful footballing nation on earth, plays mesmerizing, skillful, and

though the Mayans played something similar with their hips, and the losers got their heads

cardo, as he was quote, “faster than you.”

-

Super Rugby Australian rugby continues to dominate Super ies and NSW Waratahs are one point away from each other, whilst the Western Force are going from strength to strength on an unbeaten streak

established the rules in that energetic century from bridge to billiards, including some that already belonged to other people - like polo.

Naturally, following its genesis, football spread through the empire, and beyond, with the same

names. Meanwhile, the Canterbury Crusaders are

occupy the bottom spot on the New Zealand conference table, hopefully their form will continue

Boxing

bear.” Some Brazilian fans committed suicide, leaping from the upper tiers of their new stadium. sophisticated. But there is something about opposing teams of 11 men or women that speaks to

Anthony Mundine’s career is almost certainly castle, handed down by the smaller Joshua Clotbeating of his career, Mundine showed incredible courage to go the distance, after consistently

well enough to enjoy it and also to understand and criticize those who play it supremely. amounts paid for clubs, the commercial milking football remains a blue-collar sport, rooted in

battered him with strong hooks. Clottey was the unanimous points decision winner, the judges

Basketball

national championships.

Football

corresponding away fixture. Bayern Munich dispatched were defeated by Borussia Dortmund in the second leg of the tie but still progressed on aggregate score.

ians, still in a state of shock for the loss.

Some people say that sport or more broadly, winning, is a matter of life and death. As we approach this year’s World Cup - in Brazil, of all

on and off the pitch, plays. turing of football and footballers grow increasingly cynical, but still there is a purity at the heart

WORONI TUESDAY 22 APRIL 2014

SPORT// 37

ANZACS vs Lions: Could it Actually Happen?

Zach Mackey LAST year after the British and Irish Lions had visited our shores and utterly decimated both our rugby pride and Robbie Deans’ coaching career, I wrote an article stating how good it would be if there was the opportunity for a team made up of Australian and New Zealand players to take on the best from the UK. Now this idea is gathering motion, as both sides of the Tasman see the game as a great opportunity to commemorate 100 years since the Gallipoli landings.

The prospect of players such as Richie McCaw, Israel Folou, Will Genia and Dan Carter playing in the same team is enough to have any rugby fan frothing. Suncorp Stadium has been touted as a possible venue for the blockbuster.

The already electric atmosphere when the Wallabies play there would be increased tenfold, as

would be incredible. Not only from the fans, but as a way for players to commemorate the sacriof all the armed forces throughout the years.

It would also be a wonderful way to honour rugby players affected by war. Dave Gallaher,

Blacks in 1905, was among more than 100 rugby internationals who died during World War I while many, like Wallabies great Tom Richards, had their lives shortened by the lingering effects of poison gas and war wounds.

Now it seems the only issue would be to organise the opposition. The British and Irish Lions only play as a touring side, but a one off match would surely appease any qualms, especially as it could be played in Britain. Another option raised in the Fox Sports article that broke the story is to play a World XV, who are already assembling for a one off match against South Africa in Cape New Zealand commemorate 100 years since the Town on June 7. This would allow the game to be Gallipoli landing. played in Australia or New Zealand, something Queensland Sports Minister Steve Dickson which I for one as a fan would prefer. The game said, “Let’s make it happen. There is not one would be to commemorate Australians and New breathing Australian or New Zealander who Zealanders, thus it would be right for the game to wouldn’t want to represent our forefathers and pay back that memory.” It is unlikely though the be played here.

A possible ANZAC XV proposed by the Fox match would be played in Queensland, as with 2015 being a World Cup year, timing and travel Sports article already has me excited. There is a good mix from both nations, and enough exciteproposition would be to play the game in the UK ment to get the entire rugby world excited.

Backline: Israel Folau (Aus), Julian Savea after the World Cup to be played there. This idea (NZ), Conrad Smith (NZ), Sonny Bill Williams was touted by former ARU boss John O’Neill.

(NZ), Ben Smith (NZ), Dan Carter (NZ), Will The idea has strong support either side of the Tasman. Dickson has revealed that he has spoken Genia (Aus), Forwards: Kieran Read (NZ), Richie Mcwith ARU chief executive Bill Pulver who thinks Caw (c, NZ), Scott Higginbotham (Aus), James it is an excellent concept. The Federal Sports Horwill (Aus), Sam Whitelock (NZ), Tony Minister, Peter Dutton, would also like to see Woodcock (NZ), Stephen Moore (Aus), Owen it happen. New Zealand’s counsel-general to Australia, Martin Welsh, is also strongly backing Franks (NZ).

Reserves: Keven Mealamu (NZ), James Slipthe idea.

Such a match would be a great way to bring to- per (Aus), Charlie Faumuina (NZ), Rob Simmons - (Aus), Michael Hooper (Aus), Quade Cooper (Aus), Adam Ashley-Cooper (Aus), Aaron Smith ing rugby my entire life, I have always seen the men in black as the villains, but united under the (NZ). common banner of ANZAC, the passion on show

“

It would also be a wonderful way to honour rugby players affected by war...

Experience ANU events.anu.edu.au

Featured events Wednesday 16 April, 4pm

Why ice floats on water & Galileo 400 years on Professor Barry Ninham, ANU ANU Emeritus Faculty, Molony Room, 24 Balmain Cres bit.ly/1irvs1w Thursday 17 April, 1-5pm

Thursday 24 April, 6pm

Food & environmental security - Australia’s contribution

Australian Notebooks

Dr Mark Howden, CSIRO & more

Theatre 1, Manning Clarke Centre, Union Court bit.ly/1lMHGan

Molongolo Theatre, JG Crawford Building, Lennox Crossing bit.ly/1n6dnZU

ANU/Canberra Times literary event with Betty Churcher AO

Wednesday 22 April, 2pm

High performance code in smartphones and supercomputers Nick Engel, Dolby Laboratories Find out about the Dolby Australia Internship program CSIT Building 108, Room N101, North Rd bit.ly/1h59c0D Tuesday 22 April, 6pm

Reading & writing communities in the trenches Professor Martyn Lyons, UNSW Auditorium, China in the World Building, Fellows Ln bit.ly/1lHgMhB

Thursday 24 April, 3-5pm

Print & the transformation of religion in colonial India Rick Weiss, University of Wellington Seminar Room B, HC Coombs Building, Fellows Rd bit.ly/1inKFiU

Concerts Thursday 24 April, 6.30pm

Buxtehude & Haydn ANU Chamber Orchestra & Choir in concert Llewellyn Hall, ANU School of Music, William Herbert Pl Admission charges apply bit.ly/QZBCyF

Exhibitions Friday 11 April - Sunday 18 May

Contemporary Australian Drawing: 20 years of the Dobell Prize for Drawing Drill Hall Gallery Kingsley St, open 12-5pm, Wed to Sun dhg.anu.edu.au

Monday 28 April, 6pm

Tuesday 29 April, 6pm

Wednesday 23 April, 11am

Milestones in music: Handel & the violin

Has journalism a future?

Reading Dickens

Stephen Matchett, Matthew Ricketson, Lenore Taylor & more

Professor Lydia Wevers, Victoria University of Wellington

Monday 21 April, 6pm

Law Link Theatre, ANU College of Law, Fellows Rd bit.ly/1sudoL9

Auditorium, China in the World Building, Fellows Ln bit.ly/OPM0at

ANU Anime and Gaming Society

Dr David Irving, ANU Lecture Theatre 3, ANU School of Music, William Herbert Pl Admission charges apply bit.ly/1qftCpg

Other Gaming night Maning Clark Centre foyer bit.ly/1fZZpHz

The ANU campus is always alive with plenty to see, hear and do.

All events held on the ANU campus unless otherwise indicated. Some events require registration please check online for more information.

youtube.com/ANUchannel @ANU_Events facebook.com/TheAustralian NationalUniversity

#00120C_MO13163

Public lectures

TUESDAY 22 APRIL 2014 WORONI

LIFE & STYLE// 38

The Back Page

Whine and Cheese

I’ve been dating this girl for a while, and I don’t know if she’s my girlfriend. We’re not sleeping together, but we’ve kissed and I’ve taken her on dates. This has been going on for three weeks. Would it be wrong of me to sleep with other girls?

Why you asking me to clarify the terms of your relationship? If you want her to be your girlfriend, ask her. It’s always better to be upfront about it. If you’re looking for a real relationship, then ‘rules’ of dating don’t apply, it’s about respecting your partner and considering are hurt, then it’s not going to make a difference to her if you say ‘well technically we weren’t ofdo anything stupid now that might ruin things down the track. Particularly if it’s just for a quick lay.

I’m a guy with lots of female friends, but none of them ever want to date me. They always describe me as being ‘a nice guy’ and then they end up dating these assholes and end up coming back to me to complain, but then they go out with assholes again. Am I just meant to act like a jerk?

I’ve heard a lot of really great guys say stuff

ice

v Ad m Fro ntie Au e i v E

I just broke up with a guy I was seeing for a month, and now I’m back to using Tinder. As I am going through the pictures a lot of guys come up who are friends of his. Does it look weird if I like them and if I were to start dating them?

That’s not the solution. The only problem with being a ‘nice’ guy is if the reason you’re nice is

they are his friend? Or are you dating them because by all other measures you would say yes to them? The trick to not coming across as a stalker is to not actually be a stalker. If the relationship ended when you didn’t quite feel ready for it and you still wish the person was part of your life, there is always going to be that urge to try and keep them in your life somehow. With today’s internet and Tindering and what not it’s easier than ever to monitor what someone is doing, but it is not good for you and it’s just delaying the moving on process and getting you into a new and, dare I say, better relationship. Always remind yourself that being creepy is not attractive, so when in doubt err on the side of caution. But if he has

on backing yourself a bit more. The downside

for him, then off you go!

to everyone because you want everyone to like you. That is not an attractive quality, for both

tend to just like anyone who comes their way and girls won’t be particularly attached to a guy who just likes them because they’re a warm body.

You need to have some chemistry.

If your problem is you’re just unlucky with the girls you like, then don’t let the past failures get you down. The reality is you’ll only meet a handful of people who you can have a decent relationship with, and if you’re thoughtful, intelligent and kind then you’re not going to be frivolous with the people you date. If you’re still at uni, then you’re still young and have a lot more people to meet so just keep at it. It only takes one ‘right’ person.

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