This version of settler colonialism in Australia was definitely different from other examples we've seen in literature. While in Equiano's account, the Europeans are very aggressive in their exploitation and assimilation of the slaves, the treatment of the Aboriginal people feels more passive. While there is some limited interaction between the Europeans and native Australians, it seems like both groups are happy to ignore the other. The Europeans seem to fear the Aboriginals as most don't venture far from the colony to avoid running into them. On the flip side, Sullivan says that the Aboriginals rarely let the Europeans see them, so it appears they also seek to stay away from the settlers.
While both groups mostly avoid each other, it does appear that Will, and mostly likely the other convicts, have a sense of superiority over the Aboriginal people. This seems most apparent in their treatment of Scabby Bill. Will seems to look down on him being naked, seeing Bill and the other Aboriginals as less civilized. Furthermore, they take advantage of Scabby Bill, making him dance for rum. They take advantage of his situation and exploit him for their own entertainment. While the settlers may be more passive in their treatment of the native peoples, it is clear that there are still some internal prejudices.
Scabby Bill and how he's portrayed sort of reminds me of the racist character of Jim Crow. The white settlers clearly view the Aboriginal people as below them, and it's interesting to see them tolerate his presence just for the sake of their own amusement, as you mentioned.
ReplyDeleteGood comparison
DeleteI think that Scabby Bill is definitely dehumanized and almost seen as a comical character
ReplyDeletenot a good thing
ReplyDeleteThe white people see themselves as superior and their treatment of Scabby Bill as their 'jester' shows it.
ReplyDeleteThere definitely seems to be a difference in hostility, but the mindset and perception is still the same.
ReplyDelete