John Pilger, journalist, author and film maker, has created a new documentary, Utopia that highlights the life and struggles of many Australian Aboriginal peoples. The documentary is set to explore several topics that seemingly highlight the racist treatment of Australia’s Aboriginal peoples.

In press related to the documentary Pilger describes an area of Western Australia that is experiencing a mining boom. Advertising shows Aboriginal peoples working the land. Yet Pilger finds that a fraction of the monies earned from the natural resources benefit Aboriginal people. In fact, many live in poverty. He notes in particular the health issues Aboriginal children face.

Pilger also discusses a trip to Rottnest Island. Rottnest Island is today a tourist destination, geared towards families. In the past it was the home of a prison populated by Aboriginal peoples. Today, tourists have no idea that the hotel/spa they stay at was once a prison, and that the site of a country club is actually over a mass grave. Pilger further points out that the former head of the prison, a violent man who murdered two prisoners, is now a celebrated historical figure on the island.

Pilger also discusses his own education in Australia and the knowledge he gained of Aboriginal peoples. The textbook that he studied history from stated that Aborigines were “completely amoral” and that “we are civilized and they are not.”

I am very intrigued by Pilger’s documentary and the articles I have read thus far. It seems to connect with so many of the themes we have discussed in this course and is a very real reminder of the horrible ways in which Indigenous peoples have been and continue to be treated around the world.