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James Cowan and the white quest for the black self

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-16, 13:20 authored by Rolls, M
A literary genre is emerging in which Aborigines are cast as the spiritual saviours of the supposedly alienated Western self. One of the most prolific authors writing in this field is the Australian, James Cowan. Through a series of books Cowan moves further and further into the Aboriginal metaphysical realm until at last, he would have his readers believe, he actually enters the Dreaming and becomes an intrinsic part of it. In this article I critically examine these books, focusing on Cowan’s construction of Aborigines and the sorts of claims he makes. I also consider some possible consequences of his particular portrayal of Aborigines. Despite his prominence in this field, and publishers’ claims that he is ‘an internationally respected authority on Australian Aborigines and other indigenous peoples’, his work so far has received little critical analysis.

History

Publication title

Australian Aboriginal Studies

Volume

2001

Pagination

2-20

ISSN

0729-4352

Department/School

Aboriginal Leadership

Publisher

Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies

Place of publication

Canberra, Australia

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Conserving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and culture

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