Paul Keating and John Howard - Essay Example

I don’t see a definition of “Reconciliation” in either speech. Actually, I don’t think it can be precisely defined in this context. However, I would argue that a degree of Reconciliation is achieved when (1) both societies are economically viable and one is not excessively dependent on the other, for example for welfare benefits and medical assistance for societal problems such as alcohol and drug abuse, (2) members of one society can move into the other if they chose, feel comfortable and prosper as long as they respect cultural differences, (3) while major criminal and civil laws must be universal, those that relate only to local community customs should be allowed some variance. For example, if it is acceptable in aboriginal culture to go nude in public they should be allowed to do so within their communities and this should be accepted by visitors and (4) both societies actually but also perceive that they benefit both economically and psychologically by remaining in a unified Australia in spite of required compromises and accommodations.

Howard (2007 p.13) is a little ambiguous about his timeline for the Reconciliation process. In his conclusion, at one point he admits it “be the work of generations” and another he says “soon” Keating (1992 p.1) says he is “confident we will succeed in the decade.” In my view, it will definitely take decades. I think the first step is to seek viable economic opportunities in aboriginal territories, perhaps in mining and tourism. Then these should be developed as much as possible

in models consistent with their culture. For example, if they prefer cooperation to competition, then co-ops rather than traditional corporations should prevail. Innovative compromise is required on both sides, but aboriginal leaders who have had some exposure to the benefits, as well as the pitfalls of white man’s practices, can help sell the idea to their constituents that although it is not feasible to return to pre-colonial ways, they can establish modern prosperous aboriginal communities adopting white man’s technologies in ways that are compatible with their own values which have preserved their society for centuries. Aboriginal territories should have their own councils responsive to issues peculiar to their own inhabitants. White children should study aboriginal history in its own context without seeing it through the prism of their own values. Finally, I feel there are features of aboriginal culture that could beneficially be adapted by white society such as criminals being required to make their victims whole rather than being incarcerated Although I agree with Howard ( 2007p.4) that in a country, national and individual rights and responsibilities must trump those of groups, I think this can only be achieved if some deference is given to group values.

In conclusion, in my view real Reconciliation can only be achieved if both sides feel that they are valued participants in a prosperous Australia. I think it will take decades to fully achieve this.