Born or Reborn in the Cattle

Abstract

'Tolerance, Fortitude and Patience' - passive, martyr-like virtues first attributed to station Aborigines by the Bemdts - was a surprising choice of tide for Tim Rowse's review article (Meanjin 111988). These words would never be used by station Aborigines, and the motto has cultural significance only for Europeans. Although Rowse's comparative review of my book, 'Born In the Cattle': Aborigines in Cattle Country, and R. M. and C. H. Berndt's End of an Era was generally balanced, intelligible and even flattering, its last section contained some comments and criticisms which I strongly dispute. Show more