Tuesday, March 22, 2011

How did the ethnocentricity of the British and the First Australians cause conflict between the two groups?

As the English continued to settle in Australia, the cultural differences between them and the Aboriginals began to build up conflicts. The English believed they were superior to the Aboriginal people since they had developed more technologies and had a more sophisticated appearance.  As a result, they believed there way of life was better than the Aboriginals.  They're first step in colonizing Australia was to show the native leaders how the English lifestyle was, they expected them to desire that kind of lifestyle for themselves and for their people as well.  After kidnapping one of the well respected leaders, Bennelong, they forced him to live with them with the hopes that he would enjoy the new sophisticated environment.  Although he seemed to enjoy the new living conditions he ran away once he was given the chance.  Even though the English thought their way of life was better, the Aboriginals thought otherwise.  They felt that their way of living was better, since they lived in harmony with the land.  Since both groups were very ethnocentric, problems began to arise.  The Aboriginals sought revenge for the kidnap of Bennelong, and wounded Governor Philip with a spear.  Tensions started to rise as more frequent attacks from both groups occurred.  The Aboriginals enjoyed the way they were living, and planned to keep their lifestyles the same as they had for their past generations.  Many violent disputes erupted due to both groups ethnocentric beliefs.

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