Subtle joys of Indigenous cultures are lost on Hanson

Perhaps the good Pauline Hanson should read (or have someone read to her) the observations of the noted Belgian anthropologist Claude Levi-Strauss, who regarded Australian Aboriginal societies as having some of the most intellectually complex and elegant kinship and social systems in human history, famously admiring the “crystalline beauty” of their structures (“Jacinta Price turns on Pauline Hanson over ‘primitive’ Indigenous comments” September 15). He also noted that while Western observers often misjudged Aboriginal groups as “backwards” in their material economy, their marriage rules and social category systems represented an advanced form of “social mathematics”. Ryszard Linkiewicz, Woolooware

By erroneously labelling Indigenous Australians as “primitive”, Pauline Hanson exposes her own ignorance. Aboriginal peoples developed sophisticated lightweight technologies adapted to the Australian environment and their particular survival needs. The absence of wheeled transport was not evidence of primitiveness: there were no large, domesticated animals in Australia to pull wheeled vehicles, making the wheel impractical for transport. I learnt this basic fact in primary school. John Berry, Cammeray

No doubt Barnaby Joyce will come out and explain that Pauline didn’t mean anything racist or nasty and that she’s been misunderstood again – just another “good cop, bad cop” show put on by these two. Hanson makes the outrageous, often racist statements, sometimes coloured with blasphemy and always insulting, then good old Joyce (who is not Jesus) has to step up, attempt to calm the waters and explain what Hanson really meant to say or how she has been misrepresented. If it wasn’t all so nasty, ugly and serious, it would be laughable, and yet these two could in theory be our PM and deputy PM in 2028. Please, all of you decent people out there, see and recognise what these two politicians and their One Nation party really stand for, the danger they represent for our nation, then call them out and reject them outright. Ken Butler, Mount Colah

Hanson’s comments about Indigenous Australians shines a light on her and her party’s white supremacist ideology. Firstly, the Sumerians of the Middle East are accredited with inventing the wheel, not “white” Europeans like she seems to think. Many civilisations didn’t have the wheel. Secondly, Australia’s Indigenous people had a complex understanding of aerodynamics for thousands of years, evidenced by the boomerang, something European science didn’t understand until the 20th century. So should First Nations Australians consider us whites backward? The racist diatribe of Hanson and the like must be dismantled with facts before it becomes considered a truth.
David Schmidt, Fairy Meadow

Aboriginal Australians invented the boomerang, a remarkable object that returns to the thrower. Thousands of years later, US aircraft manufacturers studied it in amazement and used some of its aerodynamic properties in their designs. Then there was the innovative woomera, which allowed the user to throw a spear three times the distance achieved by hand. The didgeridoo is quite possibly the first wind instrument invented. And let’s not forget how no one could match Indigenous trackers in finding lost people, nor their understanding of plants and the environment. Let us set the record straight about who is “primitive”. Rosemary Kinne, Strathfield

Hanson’s appalling ignorance is on display in the Herald for all to see, but it’s countered by an exquisite review of Stephen Page’s dance RECLAIM, A Contemporary Ceremony, performed in the State Library of NSW on its 200th anniversary (“Page masterpiece reclaims history”, September 15). Sophisticated, dramatic, perceptive and confronting in its portrayal of Indigenous interaction with colonialists, followed by a standing ovation. “Unmissable”, said the reviewer. The same cannot be said for the likes of Hanson and her uneducated spite. Selwyn Glynn, Paddington

In the first instance, we have to cut Pauline Hanson a bit of slack. She’s just reproducing what she was probably taught in school as a child. For example, it wasn’t all that long ago when year 7 maths textbooks taught that Aboriginal counting consisted entirely of one, two and many. The reality I discovered later was a counting system that was rather sophisticated and allowed extremely large numbers to be described precisely even though we didn’t recognise the words – much the way most of us wouldn’t recognise counting in French or German. But cutting Hanson some slack ends with her not being willing to listen when better information comes along, and to revise her ideas accordingly. Bill Irvine, Goulburn

Northern Territory senator Jacinta Price has used the most appropriate adjective – “appalling” – in relation to Pauline Hanson’s disgraceful and ignorant remarks about Indigenous Australians. The same word is appropriate for many other Hanson statements and so-called policies. “Appalling Pauline” is a very fitting epithet for the outrageous populist pretender. Rob Phillips, North Epping

The words Pauline Hanson says about First Nations people are indeed appalling. However, what confirms her racism is the manner in which these words are conveyed. Her tone of voice reflected spite and rage, and her facial expressions bordered on hatred. Sometimes the non-verbals are the most powerful part of the message. Toni Lorentzen, Fennell Bay

I never thought I’d see the day when I’d agree with Jacinta Nampijinpa Price. I expect to see winged pigs any day now. Gerianne Rudd, Toowong (Qld)

Every day we are presented with a multitude of stories about Pauline Hanson and her party’s ever- changing policies. There is very little, if anything, about the policies of other parties. And what about the independents, most of whom would have policies that would reflect the majority of voters? Will this constant focus on One Nation’s rise become a self-fulfilling prophecy? Manuela Epstein, Pyrmont

Reject the racists

The immigration debate is being driven by racists (“Majority of Australians demand deeper migration cuts”, September 15). They argue a “cohesive society” can be attained by restricting immigration from Asia, Africa and the Middle East, presumably in favour of Western Europe. But there has never been sustained social harmony in Europe, which has a long history of brutal wars that continue to this day. Others suggest that social cohesion lies in restricting immigration to Anglo-Saxons. That’s ironic, seeing as Britain has managed to maintain disharmony and conflict with its neighbours for centuries. Even the Irish failed to achieve peace and harmony. Australia became a successful multiracial society by rejecting racism and valuing contributions from those of different backgrounds. When social media algorithms highlight difference and encourage conflict, it is harder to achieve social harmony and acceptance, but we can start by rejecting racism, accepting difference and embracing social cohesion and contributions from Asia, Islamic societies and Australia’s own original inhabitants. Brian Dellit, Woonona

James Massola’s and Brittany Busch’s summary of the latest Resolve poll results includes the comment that “two-thirds of Australians want … a ban on immigrants from countries where extremism is a danger.” That’s ironic considering such a description could currently be applied to ourselves. Olga Wynne, Croydon

Sick system

Has anyone wondered why government dissatisfaction increases over time no matter who’s in power? The latest batch of anti-Albanese letters serves as a reminder that our system of government needs an overhaul (Letters, September 15). To clean up politics, first remove lobbyists from Parliament House. The role of government is to serve the people, not big business. Second, fund elections from the public purse so governments are not beholden to the rich and powerful. Third, reward and protect whistleblowers, who are vital to reducing corruption and maladministration. It should not cost them their livelihood, health and freedom. Only then will better decisions be made for the collective good. In the meantime, Albo and co are doing their best in a highly compromised system. Anne Matheson, Gordon

I agree with your correspondents that when real-world circumstances change it is incumbent on leaders to “break promises” (Letters, September 15). I believe James Massola puts too much importance on popularity polls which blow in the wind. Massola needs to attend a property auction and compare the first home buyers to the investors, if there are any, and then judge whether broken promises are hurting Labor (“Poll reveals that Albanese is losing the nation’s trust” September 14). Mark Paskal, Austinmer

I refer to James Massola’s article about Anthony Albanese losing voters’ trust. Massola describes Labor’s changes as “investment tax increases in the May budget”. Since negative gearing and capital gains tax discount were actually concessions to housing investors that should never have been introduced, is it valid to portray their demise as tax increases? The reaction should not have been “broken promises” but “why did it take so long?” Had these changes been election commitments there would have been an enormous complaint from the right, probably backed by big money. What we really need to improve our political system is a parliament of independents, free from the crippling machinations of party politics. Tim Smith, East Lismore

Pain in the payment

Alan Morris got off lightly when he paid $305 for a specialist consultation (Letters, September 15). I was charged $480 for 30 minutes after waiting 45 minutes. When I returned for the follow-up visit after some tests I was charged another $480! Apart from their exorbitant charges, I’m grateful to that specialist for helping me rapidly reach my Medicare safety net. Thankfully, I have since found another doctor who bulk-bills me. Maureen Lysaght, Terrey Hills

It isn’t just specialist fees that are hurting us. After paying $220 to a specialist, with $88 returned via Medicare, I was then slugged $850 for a biopsy ($350 back on Medicare). I simply can’t afford any further treatment. Ruth Caro, Ultimo

Square deal

Does it not stand to reason that three-quarters of the $560 million Strengthening the Community Safety grants program would go to Labor-held seats when the Coalition holds only 43 seats, or 29 per cent of the total seats in the House? Labor, on the other hand, holds 94 seats, or 63 per cent of total seats (“Coalition claims Labor rorting crime grants”, September 15). Salvatore Sorbello, Campsie

Shaky foundation

The questions of real concern emanating from the ICAC’s inquiry are around how any developer, let alone one of dubious repute, is able to get so far into debt without any concerns being raised by regulatory bodies, how auditors have not identified and acted on irregularities, and especially, how the developer is able to proceed with construction without someone signing off that the works actually comply (“Sweat, swears and smears: Deconstructing Jean Nassif’s explosive ICAC appearance”, September 15). Where are the authorities charged with oversight of the process – or is it just another outcome of self-authorisation or privatisation of regulatory oversight? How a building can proceed so far before major structural defects are identified is beyond comprehension. Bob Cameron, Coffs Harbour

Private privilege

The private schools listed in Chris Harris’ article all have average salaries above the NSW government’s highest salary of $129,536 for an experienced teacher (“Teacher pay gap widens, academic standards fall”, September 15). All the listed schools receive subsidies from federal taxpayers, who are effectively subsidising private schools to siphon off the teachers they perceive as better or more experienced. They simply leave the training of inexperienced teachers to public schools. Private schools have become a parasite on the public system. The funding model is broken. Steven Lee, Faulconbridge

If Jennifer Fergus is in any doubt about private schooling being an industry – of course it is (Letters, September 15). To apply for acceptance substantial, non-refundable deposits are payable. What a rort! Wendy Crew, Lane Cove North

Pull AUKUS plug

It’s time we stopped playing in the AUKUS bathtub and looked to the skies (“Military alliances a live threat to the West”, September 15). Where are the subs in the Russian and Middle East wars? There are none to be seen. Instead, the skies are filled with thousands of drones and newly designed missiles. We don’t have the resources to develop both aerial and submarine capabilities. The choice couldn’t be more stark. For us to have any hope of a meaningful defence we need now to choose aerial defence as a priority and pull the plug on AUKUS. Stuart Leckie, Port Macquarie

Read not dead

The rumoured death of books would appear to be premature judging by the length of the queue of people waiting to get into the Great Hall of Sydney University last weekend. I arrived on time only to be confounded – the line under the quadrangle colonnade stretched out through the main entrance and down across the lawn. I’m not exaggerating. I returned after lunch to find the queue gone and the hall packed with bargain hunters. While librarians have been throwing out books and replacing them with computers and internet fodder, a quiet revolution has been quietly going on. Readers have returned to books, not the scraped pirated work of authors copied online without permission. But how is this possible? All day people work in front of computers. After work they are escaping the artificial and returning to something solid, authentic and real. Philip Drew, Annandale

Artifice of intelligence

Donald Trump believes that the only control AI needs is a high-IQ president (“Donald Trump dismisses AI concerns”, September 15). I guess that while America is waiting for one, we’ll all have to trust that artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity. Alex Springall, Westleigh

Cruise control

Cars you don’t need to drive have been around a long time (Letters, September 15). I had a self-driving one in the 1970s – plugged into Mum and Dad. Suzanne Saunders, Jiggi

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