Monica Blain
Narara Valley High School
Reconciliation Prize & High Distinction

Define and Divide – Do we define who we are by who the other is?

This PIP has been the beginning of my understanding of the divisive nature of Australian society. I have sadly come to understand that the creation of the “other” maintains its relevance today and will most likely continue into the future. Perhaps the most significant insight I’ve gained throughout the whole process is the realisation that this PIP has given me the tools to understand contemporary Australian society.  When writing this PIP I thought that it would give people an opportunity to disseminate negative discourse against Aboriginal people. Now I realise it is not only Aboriginal people who need to be given a voice. The Muslims, Serbians, Croatians, Italians also need to be heard. We live in a society where the majority rules, the fittest survive, white Australians are “powerful”. The minority in Australia are discriminated against. They are forced to assimilate to survive and thus they become the “powerless”.

Through this process I have realised that I have only explored one minority group in contemporary Australian society. As a person progressing towards social and cultural literacy, my responsibility has just begun, to show concern for the dignity and rights of all people. I need to stand up for everyone whose voice is silenced.

I have learned that this PIP is merely the beginning of my journey towards social and cultural literacy. If there is to be a solution to racial inequality, discrimination, division and fear in the macro world, we need to start looking at unity not division, reconciliation not vilification.