TOPIC:

What about white people mike who are also victims of a stolen generation that don't get included in that title? You know, those who had their lives decided by white man's policy before they were even born that were taken away from their mothers as soon as they were born because they had a child out of wedlock? Incredibly this policy continued into the 80's. Children were denied the right to be held, breast fed and raised by their own mother simply because her and the father did not marry. I was one of those. Then my adopted parents separated when I was only about 3 and I ended up with a step father I couldn't stand. So the decision made on my life by white authority wasn't such a good one and did they follow up to check on my welfare after the adopted parent's split just 3 years later?

I'm not saying I had the worst life, I was cared for in some good ways for which I am grateful but I ended up with two cold hearted parent's who had a very high opinion of themselves. Displays of love, support and encouragement were non existent. A lot of injustices were committed and the only ones that get talked about are the stolen generation of aboriginals and excuses made for their appalling behavior towards others including their own flesh and blood. And those who were orphaned and suffered horrific sexual, psychological and physical abuse quite rightly get talked about.

That's not to say all biological parents are good parents either. Lucky for society I have never stolen cars or broken into houses or just violently attack people for no reason.

Thanks for sharing that DD, that must have been a tough road for you and a testament to your resilience that you have been able to overcome those challenges.

Thanks Mike, much appreciated.

That’s a hell of a hill to climb DD, so well done, you’re obviously a strong person.  
After reading Grump’s opening post, then yours, it begs a lot of questions about today’s society.  My father was a farm labourer and mum worked where and when she could.  We didn’t have much money, but always had the necessities of life along with the love of our parents. The main thing we had were respect of our parents, elders and people’s property.  Respect, Where’s that gone?

I reckon there are many stories of hardship for folk commonly called baby boomers, fathers who went away normal men, good husbands  and great mates and returned with what is now called PTSD but back then was swept under the carpet or largely ignored. Whilst this not true for everyone it certainly was for many. 

I have never begrudged others good fortune in their formative years but I know (and it a long time to stop feeling sorry for myself) my formative years and many of those around me in Belmont and then Scarborough suffered the same issues of DV, alcoholism and other home trauma's. But through this there was a level of respect and understanding that even with the crappiness we were still blessed to be where we were and appreciate it something that seems to be lost on many.

It just seems that it is abt me and stuff the rest of you and I need to be able to blame when some misfortune (large or small) besets me.

The idea of personal responsibility has gone out the door in the last 30 odd years following the rabid boom and bust of the 80's and the "me' generation that grew out of that decade. There seems to be a lack of personal inner strength or determination in some sectors of younger generations who's heads are glues to various screens, preferring to communication in any form rather than in person and seek to find someone or something to blame for all their woes rather than looking to themselves and analysing why something happened and can they deal with it them selves taking personal responsibility. The current push by noisy minorities to retrospectively condemn individuals for they did 20, 30, 40 years ago, in a time when certain behaviours were accepted or at worst tolerated is an absolute blight on our society.

58shark wrote:

That’s a hell of a hill to climb DD, so well done, you’re obviously a strong person.  
After reading Grump’s opening post, then yours, it begs a lot of questions about today’s society.  My father was a farm labourer and mum worked where and when she could.  We didn’t have much money, but always had the necessities of life along with the love of our parents. The main thing we had were respect of our parents, elders and people’s property.  Respect, Where’s that gone?

Yep, it's been a struggle 58 and thank you for your kind words it is very much appreciated. Paul Keating once said the love he had from his mother made him feel bulletproof. If only people could show a bit more of that it makes a hell of a difference. It is probably why I am a hell of an emotional person when I see inspirational stuff either in person, a movie theatre or on the telly. I'm hopeless. 

Yes manners and respect seems to be a thing of the past. Back in my day we all called our mates parents Mr and Mrs..... and said hello when you walked in their house. If you didn't you were quickly reminded and didn't forget next time you visited.

you've done alright in the circumstance mate I'll join others in what they've already posted

DD wrote:

58shark wrote:

That’s a hell of a hill to climb DD, so well done, you’re obviously a strong person.  
After reading Grump’s opening post, then yours, it begs a lot of questions about today’s society.  My father was a farm labourer and mum worked where and when she could.  We didn’t have much money, but always had the necessities of life along with the love of our parents. The main thing we had were respect of our parents, elders and people’s property.  Respect, Where’s that gone?

Yep, it's been a struggle 58 and thank you for your kind words it is very much appreciated. Paul Keating once said the love he had from his mother made him feel bulletproof. If only people could show a bit more of that it makes a hell of a difference. It is probably why I am a hell of an emotional person when I see inspirational stuff either in person, a movie theatre or on the telly. I'm hopeless. 

Yes manners and respect seems to be a thing of the past. Back in my day we all called our mates parents Mr and Mrs..... and said hello when you walked in their house. If you didn't you were quickly reminded and didn't forget next time you visited.


 

I know exactly what you mean.

Anyway, come that first bounce of 2022, it’s back to pistols at 10 paces.  

BTW Gump, great post.

Geez DD, your story reminds of a primary school reunion I went to back in the mid 2000's, lots of kids I were close too who had similar upbringings who you thought at the time all was ok in the family home. Considering our parents are responsible for shaping us as people, you have done well mate to stay positive and lead a good solid existence. No ones perfect but geez I look back at my childhood and think why in earth did my folks do that.....I guess my lads probably will be saying the same in years to come