Summary Of Maybe Tomorrow By Boori Pryor

Practice Essay

Boori Pryor’s passionate short story, Maybe Tomorrow clearly portrays Australia's changing national identity. Pryor uses heartfelt examples of the various struggles that Indigenous people face, and how these contribute to the form the national identity of reconciliation and recognition. The story shows how the stress and pressure to fit in to society have caused Aboriginal Australians to commit suicide. As a result of such suicide, the Australian Government have recognised their mistakes and addressed the mounting issue. In addition, Pryor exemplifies harsh institutional racism that Aboriginals have endured. Furthermore, the lack of Indigenous rights and especially those regarding their own land are addressed in the short story.

Numerous aboriginal people of all ages have experience either individual or systemic racism from fellow Australians. Racism was particular common in the 20th century as many white Australians did not see Indigenous people as deserving citizens of society. Despite their efforts to be respected members of society, Aborigines were regarded as being inferior to white Australians. This led to many facing frequent harassment and being tricked into complying with the views of idealistic members of society. Boori Pryor strengthens this point by using two pivotal quotes. He writes about his older brother Paul’s experience with racism. “Budda did everything that white society asked of him, and still they never left him alone.” Pryor’s quote empathises the fact although his brother wished to live in a fair society, he was not given the chance to do so. In addition, Pryor also mentions the tricks played upon indigenous people. The statement, “Now in Paul’s time, mind-games are used to trick and subdue Aboriginal people”, manifests this point. No person should be tricked into complying with society, however such actions demonstrate the actions of Australians during a dark time in history. However, from these wrongfully actions, Australia’s national culture has been centered around reconciliation. As a country, Australians stand sombre in

The short story addresses that for a long time in Australia, Indigenous people did not have any rights. Instead they were categorised under Australia’s list of flora and fauna. As a result of this categorisation, they were limited by the Government. Pryor’s story cleverly expresses Aboriginal connection to the land and its importance in their culture. The phrase, “the land and Aboriginal culture go hand in hand. You can’t separate them”, explains this point. Unlike most white Australians, Indigenous people belonged as one with the land and highly respected it. Although the Government knew of this connection, they instead decided to steal it from them and sell it offshore. A prime example of such thievery is evident in the story, after Pryor’s uncle Arthur died. Pryor explained that, “when Uncle Arthur died, the unseen people as mum calls them took over all that are. The leases were stopped and it was sold off.” This unfortunate act shows that everyday developers did not care about Indigenous rights to land. While Pryor wished to care for the land, the government did not give any land rights to his family. It is because of these lack of rights to land and unwillingness to realise Indigenous connection to the land, that Australia has a national identity centred around recognition. In the years since, Australians have