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By cynicsid
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12 October 2006 |
There are many strange customs that mark the Antipodean apart from their parent cultures. This piece covers another element of cultural transfusion. Mydingaling-Culture.
What the settlers and their diseases failed to extirpate the Missionaries and their good book “sanitised”. The indigenous population had a strange death ritual called the Bibekwee. The deceased was placed on a grill above a fierce burning charcoal fire. They were turned at regular intervals and when the Elders gave their permission the remains were carved and served to all the persons attending the Funeral. The Bones were then transferred to a sacred charnel house.
Just like the one that used to stand where the Museum of Local Antiquities and Cultures now stands. The Museum of which I am the Curator is attached to the Local Supermarket, and is funded by the proceeds raised by the Museum’s café and craft shop. The overall complex is known as the Holy Place Shopping Mall.
As I said in my first piece much of the old ways have fused into those of the newcomers. I wonder how many people al-fresco cooking burgers, sausages, beef steaks etc are aware of their debt to a now forgotten culture.
Footnote- It is thought that the word became transliterated in the 1890’s and most readers will be familiar with the modern version i.e. Barbeque.
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A bit insulting, no?
Written by ainsel (46 comments posted) 13th October 2006 | The suggestion of "cannibalism" amongst indigenous Australians is a sensitive one, teetering on the edge of racial vilification. Unsupported accusations of cannibalism were just one of the ways in which European settlers justified the appalling treatment of Aboriginal people; and only a few years ago they were raised again by a shamefully prejudiced member of Parliament (now thankfully disenfranchised).
I'm assuming you are unaware of the kind of tensions that exist, otherwise I would hope you'd not stoop so low for the sake of such a lightweight piece.
(If anyone is interested, there is a good piece on the subject here: http://www.law.usyd.edu.au/slr/slr27_4/Biber.pdf )
I'm not sure what you meant to achieve with this one. It's hardly sharp or witty enough to be called satire, and doesn't quite have enough of the original in it to work as a pastiche. I'm afraid it just seems a little shallow and pointless; not worth the insult to the first inhabitants, really.
ainsel | Too subtle
Written by cynicsid (177 comments posted) 13th October 2006 | I wasn't writing for Janet and John Readers, it was an attack on Colonial attitudes.
Cannablilism, incest etc where part of the early colonialists battery of abuse used to excuse their usurpation.
A complete disrepect was shown for the indigenous and their beliefs
"..... a sacred charnel house.
Just like the one that used to stand where the Museum of Local Antiquities and Cultures now stands. The Museum of which I am the Curator is attached to the Local Supermarket, and is funded by the proceeds raised by the Museum’s café and craft shop. The overall complex is known as the Holy Place Shopping Mall." | Misunderstanding
Written by BrianRobertNeal (1195 comments posted) 13th October 2006 | Not only is Siddie an Alter Ego he is also a Budgie. So he is from your neck of the woods. The concept of Antipodes is relative, so for Siddie, the Antipodes would be my neck of the woods.
At no time did Siddie mention "Australia" he was in fact referring to the Roman despoilation of the Druidic Culture in Britain.
Glad to be of assistance. | Misunderstanding
Written by BrianRobertNeal (1195 comments posted) 13th October 2006 | Not only is Siddie an Alter Ego he is also a Budgie. So he is from your neck of the woods. The concept of Antipodes is relative, so for Siddie, the Antipodes would be my neck of the woods.
At no time did Siddie mention "Australia" he was in fact referring to the Roman despoilation of the Druidic Culture in Britain.
Glad to be of assistance. | No idea
Written by BrianRobertNeal (1195 comments posted) 13th October 2006 | | Why that has come up twice. | I'm confused
Written by cynicsid (177 comments posted) 13th October 2006 | I thought it was anti-podes and uncle-podes, but then I am a Budgie and we're very literal in our thinking.
Pretty Boy Siddie. |
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