Aborigines In The Tall Man

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The Tall Man is written by Chloe Hooper about the life and death of Cameron Doomadgee on Palm Island, a secluded island plagued with problems. Despite being in Australia, it is starkly different from the Australia we know. The book indirectly gives voice to the Aboriginal victims of systemic disadvantage by exploring many untold stories and experiences of the inhabitants of Palm Island and gives exposure to injustices on the widely unknown island off the coast of Northern Queensland. Throughout the history of Palm Island, it has been beset by many social problems. Since its establishment, Palm Island has never been free from trouble. The island itself was founded as “an open-air jail” to confine problematic Aborigines. Due to its isolation, the community became alarmingly authoritarian. The Aboriginal inhabitants were subjected to much systematic disadvantage and prejudice. They were not allowed to speak their native language or practice their native ceremonies. Instead, they were forced to follow the Europeans’ beliefs and customs. Those who did not participate were questioned by the police. The island briefly enjoyed a period of peace while it was…show more content…
The police force, the only defender of justice on the island was corrupt and unjust. Aborigines on Palm Island were still viewed as inferior by most of the White men. Aborigines were often taken to prison for the smallest offenses. Chris Hurley, the senior police officer who was viewed by many as a kind and gentle man, was in fact a double faced murderer. Throughout the case of Cameron Doomadgee’s death, it was apparent that Chris Hurley had much more legal support than Cameron Doomadgee’s family from the police force. This sheer difference changed the entire outcome of the case. Despite that most evidence suggesting otherwise, in the end, no charges were laid against Chris
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