Culture Case

Culture

A conceptual understanding of the main characteristics that determine culture is effectively highlighted through Ferraro's definition. Essentially, culture is concerned with everything people have, think and do as members of their society (Ferrao, 2010, pg. 20).

Although there are significant differences to distinguish one society from another, culture remains the common link that unites a group together, allowing its members to gain meaning from material objects, ideas, values, attitudes and patterns of behaviour (Ferrao 2010).

The essence of culture lies in its ability to develop behaviour within individuals; it is learned rather than inherited genetically. Ferrao 2010 suggests that through the process of socialization, culture is learned from earlier generations, taught to present members of society and then passed onto succeeding generations (Ferrao 2010).

The Aboriginal culture exemplifies such socialization. Dating back to over 50 000 years, they are the oldest living cultural civilisation in the world. By passing down their knowledge, objects, materials, art, language and protecting sacred and significant sites, they have been able to maintain their cultural heritage regardless of the harsh and discriminating adversities they have encountered.

Have

Ferraro (2010) suggests that the first aspect of culture is made up of 'material goods and objects'. After reading and analysing the Interactive Ochre: Newsflash lyrics Taylor & Taylor (2004) I have been able to further enhance my understanding of the survival of Indigenous Aboriginal culture and their identity. Essentially, the 'have' element of culture is strongly affiliated with their relationship to the land. The land is fundamental to the wellbeing of Aboriginal people. Physically, the indigenous people and culture have been able to sustain the land whereby; their knowledge of the land, is the living cultural knowledge that is passed down from one generation to another (from the elders to the predecessors) (Atkinson, 2005). 'Australia ain't no Terra Nullius' and 'we share and walk upon' display the strong connection indigenous Aboriginals have with the land. Unlike non-Aboriginals, the land was used not to cultivate, but rather adapt to and live harmoniously with. There was no 'material goods or objects' and survival was essentially based on hunting and gathering.

The land is also the centre of all spirituality. Its connection extends from the past, and shapes both the present and future relationships (Atkinson, 2005). This is further illustrated through the statements "Where the land is our mother, through the spirits and the feeling" (Taylor & Taylor 2004). As such, Aboriginals have been able to maintain a sense of culture, therefore supporting Ferraro's notion that culture is manifested through material possessions. To express their spiritual beliefs, rock engravings and artworks were used by Indigenous Aboriginals to illustrate and maintain spirituality.

However, despite the loss of land through dispossession, Indigenous Australians continue to maintain their connection with the land through the Aboriginal flag. I believe the flag provides the most comprehensive insight into the Aboriginal culture and way of life. The flag is essentially a symbol of cultural identity as it emphatically connects the people, the land and the spirits into one. Taylor & Taylor (2004) explain that 'Black is for the people. Yellow is for the Sun. Red is for the land'.

I have effectively enhanced my understanding of Indigenous Australian culture whereby 'material goods or objects' essentially