Asking Hard Questions: Recent Episodes
Rachael Jacobs and Rachael Dwyer
Welcome to Asking Hard Questions, a podcast for arts educators where we explore issues of cultural representation and appropriation.
In this episode, Rachael Jacobs speaks with Karla Estela Rivera from Arts Administrators of Color, about her leadership and advocacy work with arts organisations. Music by Evan Schaeffer, https://soundcloud.com/evanschaeffer
In this episode, Rachael and Rachael debrief Series 1 of Asking Hard Questions, and discuss new projects that consider cultural diversity and representation.
Articles about reparations for Indigenous people: https://independentaustralia.net/australia/australia-display/a-necessary-conversation-reparations-for-indigenous-dispossession,12547
https://eachother.org.uk/what-are-reparations-and-what-forms-can-they-take/
NB: Keep in mind that some schemes might sound positive, but the actual amount that has been paid is very low. There is more work to be done. https://www.aboriginalaffairs.nsw.gov.au/healing-and-reparations/stolen-generations/reparations-scheme/
Music by Evan Schaeffer, https://soundcloud.com/evanschaeffer
In Episode 4 of Asking Hard Questions, Rachael Dwyer speaks with Paula Nihot, a Gamilaraay artist, bush tucker enthusiast and health worker, about the value of the arts in giving young people a voice in their community.
Health narratives by Aboriginal young people: https://www.goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-service/community
Read more about Paula's work: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-10-13/indigenous-superfood-push-gold-coast/6849960
If you're on the Gold Coast, check out Paula's bush tucker experience sessions: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/naturallygc-bushtucker-adults-tickets-155896228817
In Episode 3, Rachael Jacobs has a conversation with Shawin Maharaj. Rachael and Shawin are both educators and dancers of South-Asian descent. They share their experiences of growing up as in migrant families in Australia and of how dance provides a connection to culture, especially when they didn't have the opportunity to learn their heritage languages.
Readings on cultural appropriation:
The Dos and Don’ts of Cultural Appropriation https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2015/10/the-dos-and-donts-of-cultural-appropriation/411292/?fbclid=IwAR151ERvJ_ha8ug8AfpVk-lSTWwGdRgvtaOaRfDqdV8eNcYsMzliD57rUy0
Appreciation vs Appropriation: Where is the line? https://www.skysirens.com.au/appreciation-vs-appropriation?fbclid=IwAR15bjzLTU4tTKM2DG8qOHPvv9vi0R60C4-VK_BVlETU6vKH7smgcs9aa1g
Beginning Of Bollywood: History, Journey, And Current Standing https://www.republicworld.com/entertainment-news/bollywood-news/beginning-of-bollywood-history-journey-and-current-standing.html?fbclid=IwAR0Y5O74TbtRyLHEJmdZ8T7bhzMUnn5i_bp4M4veK9dAAxvzwYdoQXGt-mE
Are Bollywood dance classes more than just cultural appropriation? https://www.laweekly.com/are-bollywood-dance-classes-more-than-just-cultural-appropriation/?fbclid=IwAR16-hou4FQr9uD_i-SsRLmtu0Qv_zd6WRpt1Juuoc2skTyMzN7f58nDQCQ
How to Avoid Cultural Appropriation in Your Lessons https://theartofeducation.edu/2018/09/18/how-to-avoid-cultural-appropriation-in-your-lessons/?fbclid=IwAR3dpKIxdSA4NFxAx4Uq1GrFMkQ8mbr85pQ8Zw-ajMvEqKQ9N8DuSpQtQm4
If you'd like to try Pound, you can join Shawin's class at Primofit https://www.primofithq.com/primofitx
If you live in Sydney, you can sign up for Bollywood dancing lessons with Rachael at Sydney Bollywood: https://bollygolightly.wordpress.com/
Music by Evan Schaeffer, @evanschaeffer
In Episode 2, Rachael and Rachael interview Yugambeh yarrabilginngunn (song woman), Candace Kruger.
Candace is the founder and director of the Yugambeh Youth Choir. Candace’s research investigates the fields of Indigenous musicology, Indigenous studies and Anthropology, capturing the songwoman’s work, contributes to the development of Indigenous methodologies, and demonstrates one way in which an Aboriginal community are reconstructing Aboriginal knowledge for sustainability and legacy outcomes. Candace’s co-composed piece ‘Morning Star and Evening Star’, which incorporations a Yugambeh songline community narrative, is one example of this work and is the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) Online Orchestra 2021 piece. https://onlineorchestra.ameb.edu.au/category/2021-orchestra/
Candace has taught classroom music in both Primary and Secondary schools for over 25 years.
To hear more about Candace's work, watch her recent presentation at the Endangered Languages Conference. https://youtu.be/Bp-qfPFMskc
Resources from Candace and Yugambeh Youth: https://yugambehyouth.com.au/
Further reading to deepen understanding of First Nations protocols and consultation in the arts and arts education: https://www.dramavictoria.vic.edu.au/public/51/files/Teaching%20First%20Nations%20Content%20and%20Concepts_VAEAI%20endorsed.pdf
First Languages Australia - a wealth of knowledge and resources. https://www.firstlanguages.org.au/
Music by Evan Schaeffer, https://soundcloud.com/evanschaeffer
In Episode 1, Rachael Jacobs and Rachael Dwyer discuss cultural representations in children's media, and how explaining the context of performances and artworks promotes respectful engagement with the culture.
The Doll Test (Content warning - disturbing racial stereotypes) https://youtu.be/tkpUyB2xgTM https://www.naacpldf.org/ldf-celebrates-60th-anniversary-brown-v-board-education/significance-doll-test/
Taba Naba with Christine Anu and The Wiggles - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0TabPy6AVo
I am a Fine Musician - The Wiggles - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euoOJMudKpo
Fruit Salad TV: Introducing the new Wiggles - https://youtu.be/6mLJMlYKuYw
Bhangra Dancing on Play School This one first - https://www.abc.net.au/abckids/early-education/creativity-and-self-expression/bhangra-dancing/12289468 Then - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKu8BAYmu7M
Music by Evan Schaeffer, https://soundcloud.com/evanschaeffer