Between surfaces: a psychodynamic approach to cultural identity, cultural difference and reconciliation in Australia

摘要: The impetus for this enquiry came from two experiences with an Aboriginal Other, which prompted the initial research questions: “Why does existence of Other threaten a white sense belonging?” and; “What are mechanisms and purposes aggression towards, or exclusion of, that represents otherness in Australian context?” In introductory chapters, author’s at Lake Mungo Legend Rock presented as case studies to illustrate Wittgenstein’s (1953/1968) concept ways subject positions constructed through language games hegemonic discourses. Psychodynamic theories identity formation have been applied analysis these cases argue unconscious construction Australia good, Christian nation has acted overwrite perspectives position people margins society. Chapter One was function cultural frames, all experience is filtered. As well, Buhler’s (1934/1990) conception deictic symbolic fields, role proper noun allowing disallowing individuals occupy order subjective agents discussed. Here, relationship between framing discourses act outside enunciation posited. This followed by brief exploration lives organized according ontological differs fundamental world view mainstream. Specifically, it argued social realities embedded within their relation land kinship obligations associated belonging particular community place. A series hypothetical indices difference, based on Margaret Bain’s (1992) into semi-remote Finke, Central Australia, presented. centrality whiteness organizing principle illustrated Barton’s (1901) “A White Australia” speech, made time Federation. ensuing investigation way dominant culture ideal image typical Australian, suggested Australians identify mythical Good though enlightened building Empire, “mapped managed” museum context rendered “metonymically frozen extinct past” (Hemming, 2003, pp. 1-3). Two, study approach, Freud’s model archaeology present, used explore behind occlusion Aboriginality presence Rock. Freudian (1919) uncanny critical anxieties around evoked when confronted unfamiliar familiar spaces. section thesis, Gelder Jacob’s (1999) characterization overturning legal fiction terra nullius after Mabo return repressed Three, rationale using approach address guiding hypothesis propositions be investigated current outlined. Four introduces Lacan’s (1949/2002) conceptualization mirror stage, during identifications formed ego, “I” first recognized, well Klein’s (1937/1964) theory primitive defence mechanisms. ideas clinicians were both normal development pathological states. literature then process othering manifested more general terms. Rutherford’s (2000) thesis: ego-ideal identification being-without-lack, provided starting point veil difference defend against acknowledging fact peoples profoundly damaged practices processes colonization, continue damage generations people. Five, that, Mabo, had no choice but adopt one defensive respect Australia. Following Money-Kyrle’s (1951) reading Klein, nominated being characterized either persecutory depressive guilt. rejection story posited representing position, discussed terms phenomenon rise Pauline Hanson Nation. It denial rights, attacks recipients special treatment, could explained manic large minority mainstream response perceived threats recognition Native Title. Klein explained, driven anxiety functions psychological splitting, whereby internalized good (ego syntonic) objects retained bad dystonic) projected onto scapegoated Other. Nation, represented “greedy” who wanted take away “our backyards”. By contrast, many adopted difficult best exemplified Paul Keating’s (1993) Redfern Park Speech. splitting projection characterize enable us repress knowledge we inflicted harm, thereby escape feelings Depressive guilt, other hand, painful awareness harm done desire make reparation psychic object. manifest emergence grass roots movements, such Reconciliation, comprised mainly Australians, own responses stance taken Hanson’s Nation Party. wished amend past wrongs frustrated inertia Wik debate, failed referendum republic, Treaty dismantling Tent Embassy Canberra. Ordinary citizens walked over bridges contributed Sea Hands tens thousands show solidarity “Sorry” books answer Howard administration’s steadfast refusal apology offer compensation Stolen Generations, recommended Wilson Dodson’s (1997) Bringing them Home Report. Six outlined epistemological methodological framework conducted. section, ethics conducting indigenous communities presented, reasons adopting explained. primary data interviews Chapters Seven, Eight Nine. Data sections main themes raised participants, accompanied relevant commentary non-indigenous contributors. emergent alongside each section. would salient cohort living urban regional environments partially supported. participants’ explored Eight. Nine, structured like language, together his emphasis metaphor creating illusion fixed meanings, investigate how narratives influenced representations communities. Ten, summary findings, conclusions recommendations