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Discrimination In Ghost Bird

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The novel Ghost Bird (2019), written by Lisa Fuller is a powerful story that follows the themes of racism and discrimination in the Australian small town of Eidsvold. Fuller’s novel is a thought-provoking read that explores the complex issues surrounding identity, culture and belonging. It follows the story of a young aboriginal girl named Stacey, who is struggling to find her place in a world, constantly trying to shame and erase her culture and heritage. Through Stacey's perspective, the devastating effects of racism and discrimination on indigenous cultures in Australia are shown, as the ways in which these issues continue to shape the lives of Aboriginals today. Throughout the novel, Fuller tells a powerful narrative that explores many …show more content…

For example, Stacy, Rhi and Sam run into the younger Potters, (Dan, Eric and Mick), and they try to attack them. After the fight, Stacey says, “You attacked a bunch of underage kids ya silly fuckin moron. Not even the cops could help you on this one”. The Potters attacked them without any proper reason, and Stacey is pointing out how much trouble they are going to get in. Stacey then goes on to say “It was a blatant lie. The cops can and had ignored a lot of bad shit”. This quote describes how Stacey and her mob are subject to severe racist abuse, and how biased and corrupt the cops are in Eidsvold. Another example of how discriminatory the cops are in Stacey’s town is when her sister goes missing. Stacey and her family desperately attempt to report Laney missing at the police station, but they don’t believe them and refuse. Stacey then says “I can’t help wondering how he would've treated us if we were some other shade of brown.” This quote reflects the way that Stacey and her family are treated differently because of their skin colour, and suggests that if they were a different race, they might be treated with more respect and dignity. It highlights the way that racism is often based on superficial characteristics, such as skin colour, and that it can have a profound impact on individuals’ lives. By including this quote in Ghost Bird, Lisa Fuller underscores the need for people and communities to work against racism and discrimination, and it encourages readers to reflect on their own assumptions and

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