The great thing about using the past is that it gives you the most colossal freedom to invent. The research is necessary, of course, but no one writes a novel to dramatically illustrate what everybody already knows.
Peter CareyRead
Our prime minister could embrace and forgive the people who killed our beloved sons and fathers, and so he should, but he could not, would not, apologise to the Aboriginal people for 200 years of murder and abuse. The battle against the Turks, he said in Gallipoli, was our history, our tradition. The war against the Aboriginals, he had already said at home, had happened long ago. The battle had made us; the war that won the continent was best forgotten
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the difficult relationship between acknowledging historical injustices and focusing on national pride.
Peter Carey's quote addresses the stark contrast between the recognition of war heroes and the neglect of the atrocities committed against Aboriginal people in Australia. It highlights a societal unwillingness to confront uncomfortable truths about the past, suggesting that while some histories are celebrated, others are conveniently forgotten, thereby minimizing the pain and suffering of affected communities.
Themes
HistoryForgivenessApologyAboriginalWarInjustice
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a speech addressing the need for reconciliation in Australia.
More from Peter Carey
All quotes →I did not know that history is like a blood stain that keeps on showing on the wall no matter how many new owners take possession, no matter how many times we pint over it.
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