It is interesting that this story continues on the news with the latest inquiry. http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/03/12/2844414.htm?section=justin
I was captivated by Hooper's ability to convey the "strange land" that North Queensland obviously is, where a Southern like me would feel like an alien tourist. I am still not sure if Hooper has achieved her desire to present a fair and even-handed reportage of the death of Cameron Doomagee and the trial of Chris Hurley. It is very clear where her loyalties lie and she quite adds a very coloured opinion on top of a factual statement. That said, if she just stuck to the facts it possibly wouldn't be such a vivid piece of writing and wouldn't have the same hold on the reader. My conclusion, this type of writing will always be problematic - and I think Hooper doesn't hide the fact that she feels great empathy for Cameron's family and the disadvantage and powerlessness that the indigenous populations encounter and deal with on a daily basis. The outcome of the trial will not change the inherent imbalance of power that is evident in every aspect of the lives of those living in these communities. And there is still a dead man, and no one held responsible for that death. Terribly sad indictment on modern Australian society.
It is interesting that this story continues on the news with the latest inquiry. http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/03/12/2844414.htm?section=justin
ReplyDeleteI was captivated by Hooper's ability to convey the "strange land" that North Queensland obviously is, where a Southern like me would feel like an alien tourist. I am still not sure if Hooper has achieved her desire to present a fair and even-handed reportage of the death of Cameron Doomagee and the trial of Chris Hurley. It is very clear where her loyalties lie and she quite adds a very coloured opinion on top of a factual statement. That said, if she just stuck to the facts it possibly wouldn't be such a vivid piece of writing and wouldn't have the same hold on the reader.
ReplyDeleteMy conclusion, this type of writing will always be problematic - and I think Hooper doesn't hide the fact that she feels great empathy for Cameron's family and the disadvantage and powerlessness that the indigenous populations encounter and deal with on a daily basis. The outcome of the trial will not change the inherent imbalance of power that is evident in every aspect of the lives of those living in these communities. And there is still a dead man, and no one held responsible for that death. Terribly sad indictment on modern Australian society.