Too true. While sections of the politically correct left continue to romanticise an idealised traditional aboriginal culture, the reality is that the banner of cultural self-determination and the welfare mentality have largely resulted in poverty ridden, dysfunctional communities.
The west has always left behind traditions that failed to adapt to change. To artificially try to hold on to and preserve traditional lifestyles is indeed akin to looking at Aboriginies as museum pieces.
Like the rest of us, Aboriginies need to be looking forward and embracing positive change, while acknowledging past traditions.
Being part of the Australian economic landscape is the only realistic scenario for the majority of Aboriginal people.
The Culture Cult by Roger Sandall is an intelligent discourse on this issue.
