Australia in the 1960’s
What decade saw many Australians begin questioning traditional and established ways of doing things?
1960s
What was the name of the policy that aimed to make Aboriginal people adopt the lifestyle and culture of white Australians?
Assimilation
In what year was the famous referendum concerning Aboriginal Australians held?
1967
In which country did the Vietnam War take place?
Vietnam.
What type of music is strongly associated with The Sapphires?
Soul / R&B / Motown music
In what year did First Nations people gain the right to vote at national elections?
1962
What happened to many Aboriginal children under government policies.
They were removed from their families and communities.
What percentage of Australians voted YES in the 1967 Referendum?
More than 90%
Which two countries were the main opposing forces in the conflict?
North Vietnam and South Vietnam.
Which country's Civil Rights Movement influenced the music and culture represented in the film?
The United States.
What famous group of activists travelled through regional Australia in 1965 to investigate segregation of First Nations people?
The Freedom Riders, led by Charles Perkins and other University of Sydney students.
What term is used to describe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were forcibly removed from their families?
The Stolen Generations.
What did the 1967 Referendum allow the Commonwealth Government to do?
Make laws concerning Aboriginal people and include Aboriginal people in the national census.
Why did Australia become involved in the Vietnam War?
The Australian Government believed communism was a threat to Australia's security and supported South Vietnam and its allies.
What was the main goal of the American Civil Rights Movement?
To challenge racial discrimination and segregation and achieve greater equality for African Americans.
What major change to Australia's immigration system occurred in 1966?
Potential migrants were assessed based on their skills and ability rather than their race or nationality.
Name two things that Aboriginal children could lose when they were removed from their families.
Family, culture, language, Country, community or identity.
Why was the 1967 Referendum considered an important moment in the struggle for Aboriginal rights?
It demonstrated overwhelming public support for greater equality and recognition of Aboriginal Australians.
What controversial policy required some young Australian men to serve in the military?
Conscription.
How could music contribute to the Civil Rights Movement?
Music could express identity, resistance and hope, bring people together and communicate messages about equality.
Give three examples of how Australian society and culture changed during the 1960s.
Possible answers: increased recognition of First Nations rights; greater independence and equality for women; increased migration and cultural diversity; growing youth culture; influence of American and British popular culture; opposition to the Vietnam War; changing workplace expectations for women.
Why did assimilation policies have such a significant impact on Aboriginal identity?
They attempted to replace Aboriginal cultures and identities with those of mainstream white Australian society, separating people from family, culture, language and Country.
True or false: The 1967 Referendum immediately gave Aboriginal Australians full equality and ended discrimination. Explain.
False. It was an important step towards equality, but discrimination and disadvantage continued after 1967.
Why does the Vietnam War provide an important setting for The Sapphires?
The women travel to Vietnam to entertain troops, allowing the film to explore the contrast between music and entertainment and the reality of war.
Why is music more than just entertainment for the women in The Sapphires?
Music gives them a voice and a sense of identity, confidence and independence while allowing them to challenge racial and gender expectations.