I have just finsished reading a really good book, it is called “why warriors lie down and die”. I feel a bit nervous about describing it. I am afraid I may say something that could come across as patronising or trivialise the issues in trying to sum it up in this small blog post so I thought I would start with what the back of the book said:

“Why warriors lay down and die is essential reading for anyone intereested in indigenous peoples. It provides hope and new direction for those simply searching for answers to why “the problems” seem to persist in Aboriginal communities. It also offers insights for those who want a greater understanding of the issues involved in achieving true reconcilitaion”.

It certainly did that for me. I have in the past felt so helpless when considering the plight of the aboriginal people. It all seemed so complicated and so big and I just didn’t understand any of it. It also seemed like the suppport of non aborigianl people was not very helpful or very much wanted by the indigenous people. It all seemed so hopeless. This book however explains really clearly some of the issues and how they came to be. For the first time I feel like I have a tiny bit of understanding. It is also very hopeful in that the situation can change and there is things that one, as a non aboriginal Australian can do.

I also think it is a great book to read for anyone interested in cross cultural communication at all. So many things that happened to me while I was overseas that I didn’t understand now make a little bit more sense to me when I consider the cultural stuff that was going on. I can also understand a little more some of the challenges that Martin faces everyday in such a different culture.

It made me realise how it important it is that I know something of the culture and the language of the places that I hope to visit one day. This will mean I can avoid some of those things happening again and also so that I can offer people the best possible support.