This clip chosen to be PG
Clip description
Images of skulls and physiognomies of Indigenous peoples are treated as scientific specimens and data.
Curator’s notes
The voice-over describes how Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution was used to declare the Indigenous peoples of Australia to be inferior to Europeans. Footage of drawings and photographs show the measurement of Indigenous bodies (physical anthropology) which dehumanised Indigenous peoples. Although the historic material in this clip may be disturbing to a contemporary audience, the popular idea of the time that the clip describes, that Indigenous peoples would one day no longer exist as the result of the march of civilisation, is an idea that can still be found in some parts of Australian society.
This clip features photographs of Indigenous faces under a narration that is shocking in its barbarity (including period quotes from writings of early settlers that label Indigenous Australians 'essentially a treacherous animal’ and a 'savage and inferior race’). Focusing on individual faces effectively humanises Indigenous Australians and is in sharp contrast to the cruel generalisations in the voice-overs. This clever juxtaposition of photos of Aboriginal men locked in neck chains while the narration describes them as barbarian savages knowingly exposes the hypocrisy, revealing that the actual barbarian behaviour is that of the white settlers. It makes for a sobering and powerful condemnation of popular views of the time and of how Australian history itself is portrayed.
Thanks to the generosity of the rights holders, we are able to offer Distorted beliefs from the television program Frontier: Stories from White Australia's Forgotten War as a high quality video download.
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This clip is available for download for the limited purpose of criticism and review in an educational context. You must obtain permission from editorial@aso.gov.au for all other purposes for use of this material.
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This clip is available in the following configurations:
| File name | Size | Quality | Suitability |
|
frontier2_pr.mp4
|
Large: 14.6MB |
High |
Optimised for full-screen display on a fast computer. |
|
frontier2_bb.mp4
|
Medium: 6.9MB |
Medium |
Can be displayed full screen. Also suitable for video iPods. |
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Downloadable Video – FOR EDUCATIONAL CRITICISM AND REVIEW PURPOSES ONLY
This clip is available for download for the limited purpose of criticism and review in an educational context. You must obtain permission from editorial@aso.gov.au for all other purposes for use of this material.
Terms & Conditions
australianscreen is produced by the National Film and Sound Archive. By using the website you agree to comply with the terms and conditions described here and elsewhere on this site. The NFSA may amend the 'Conditions of Use’ from time to time without notice.
All materials on the site, including but not limited to text, video clips, audio clips, designs, logos, illustrations and still images, are protected by the Copyright Laws of Australia and international conventions. ALL rights are reserved.
You must read and agree to the following terms and conditions before downloading this clip:
When you access ABC materials on australianscreen you agree that:
- You may download this clip to assist your information, criticism and review purposes in conjunction with viewing this website only;
- Downloading this clip for purposes other than criticism and review is Prohibited;
- Downloading for purposes other than non-commercial educational uses is Prohibited;
- Downloading this clip in association with any commercial purpose is Prohibited;
The National Film and Sound Archive’s permission must be sought to amend any information in the materials, unless otherwise stated in notices throughout the Site.
ANY UNAUTHORISED USE OF MATERIAL ON THIS SITE MAY RESULT IN CIVIL AND CRIMINAL LIABILITY.
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