What is The Stolen Generation?
The Stolen Generation was a dark time is Australian history. The government of Australia at the time ordered the removal of Half-Caste Aboriginal/Torres Strait children between 1910-1970. This had a great impact on the Aboriginal children and their families.
Why were the children taken?
Authorities felt that the Aboriginal children would be better off in white society, getting an education and be taught white customs. They were taken from their families and put into church missions, children homes or some were adopted by white families and taken to institutions where abuse and neglect was very common. This was not just terrible for the children but for their families as well. Imagine being taken away from your family, you would be frighted, lonely and nervous.
What were the consequences?
These children are called the "Stolen Generation" and this policy caused a lot of suffering. Conditions like depression, alcohol and drug abuse, loneliness, and legal problems were quite common. For example Jackson, who does not know his birthday because his records have been lost. He stated that feelings of loneliness are all very common among victims of the Stolen Generation. This is a quote by Aunty Rhonda Collard " I grew up feeling alone a black girl in a white world, I resented them for trying to make me white but they couldn't wash away the thousands of years of dreaming".
People of the Stolen Generation tried to find their long lost loved ones but only found them when they were older or never found them at all. Many were told their loved ones had died which caused depression.
People of the Stolen Generation tried to find their long lost loved ones but only found them when they were older or never found them at all. Many were told their loved ones had died which caused depression.
Conclusion (My Opinion)
I believe that it is clear that the removal of half cast children had a terrible effect on the children and their families. The children would have been better off in their mothers arms then in a mission being abused and neglected and never truly loved. I'm glad the policy of taking Half-caste children away has stopped and I hope it will never happen again. May the Aboriginal people live on in peace.