theguardian.com
Coded Diary Reveals 1852 Killing of Yamatji People
Newly discovered coded diary entries from Western Australian pastoralist Major Logue detail the killing of Yamatji people in 1852, prompting descendants of both sides to address historical trauma and seek reconciliation; confirming generations of Yamatji knowledge.
- What is the significance of the newly discovered coded diary entries detailing the 1852 killings of Yamatji people in Western Australia?
- Major Logue's coded diary entries, discovered in the Battye Library, detail the killing of Yamatji people in 1852 Western Australia. Descendants on both sides are using this as an opportunity to address historical trauma and begin a process of reconciliation. This discovery confirms long-held knowledge within Yamatji families and brings a dark chapter of colonial history to light.
- What broader implications does this discovery have for understanding the extent of colonial violence in Australia and informing future reconciliation efforts?
- This discovery is likely to trigger renewed calls for official inquiries into colonial violence against Indigenous Australians and lead to a wider discussion about historical trauma and reconciliation efforts. The use of the Freemason's code suggests a level of organized violence, requiring further investigation into the extent of such actions and the complicity of colonial authorities.
- How does the discovery of Major Logue's diary entries impact ongoing efforts toward reconciliation between Indigenous Australians and descendants of colonial settlers?
- The diary entries expose the brutality of frontier violence in Australia and the systemic silencing of Indigenous experiences. The use of code highlights the deliberate attempt to conceal these actions. This event underscores the ongoing need for truth-telling and acknowledgment of past injustices.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing of the protest as a 'failure of judgment' by the NSW premier suggests a critical stance on the government's response. The prominence given to the protest in the lead story, alongside the diary entry revelations and other international news, subtly positions the protest as a significant event. Headlines like "Australia 'This is a big moment'" emphasizes the scale and importance of the protest.
Language Bias
The language used in relation to the protest is largely descriptive and factual. However, phrases such as 'failure of judgment' when discussing the NSW premier's response lean towards opinion rather than neutral observation. The description of Trump's comments as "irate" carries a subjective judgment. More neutral alternatives could be used, such as 'critical assessment' and 'strong statement' respectively.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the protest and the political fallout, giving less attention to the Gaza crisis itself. While mentioning Israeli actions and Palestinian deaths, the depth of analysis on the root causes and complexities of the conflict is limited. The inclusion of the British evacuation plan is a positive but might benefit from additional context regarding the overall humanitarian situation. Similarly, the mention of starving hostages is included but lacks deeper information or context.
Gender Bias
The article features prominent women, including Anne Davies who wrote the NSW premier analysis and Lorena Allam who is interviewed about the diary entries. However, a more in-depth analysis is needed to determine whether gendered language or representation is present. A specific examination of the language used to describe women versus men in the article would provide a more comprehensive evaluation.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article reports on a protest against Israel's actions in Gaza, highlighting the importance of peace and justice. The large-scale protest demonstrates citizen engagement in demanding accountability for human rights violations and a peaceful resolution to the conflict. This aligns with SDG 16, which focuses on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.