Stability, security and survival: a conversation with Mary Graham | The Philosopher’s Zone

Intro

In this episode of “The Philosopher’s Zone,” Mary Graham, an Indigenous Australian philosopher and adjunct associate professor at the University of Queensland, discusses the impact of colonization on Aboriginal culture and society. She explores the Aboriginal worldview, emphasizing the deep connection to the land and the importance of autonomy and relationalism. Graham also delves into the concept of multipolarity and the need for countries to prioritize the well-being of their people and the environment. The episode highlights the ongoing process of decolonization and the challenges faced by Aboriginal people in reclaiming their sovereignty and autonomy.

Main Takeaways

Tragedy of Colonization

• The podcast episode explores the impact of a certain political logic that prioritizes safety and well-being of one’s people over justice for others, resulting in dispossession and violence.
• Mary Graham reflects on the tragedy of colonization and its consequences.

Aboriginal Worldview

• Mary Graham discusses her background and upbringing, highlighting the impact of legislation on her family’s life.
• The conversation delves into the concept of world views and their significance in Aboriginal culture and philosophy.
• Mary Graham explains the Aboriginal perspective of world views, emphasizing the deep connection to the land and the multi-dimensional aspect of time and ancestral spirits.
• In Aboriginal culture, the sense of belonging is deeply tied to place and ancestry.
• The Aboriginal worldview is multifaceted, with each place having its own stories and meanings.
• The traditional Aboriginal system is based on ecological stewardship rather than religious faith.

Autonomous Regard and Relationalism

• Reflectivity is what sets humans apart, allowing us to work things out, have society, and culture.
• Autonomous regard is crucial for long-term thinking about future relations with others and the land.
• Autonomy is important for individuals and societies, and women are meant to be autonomous beings.
• Traditional governance should be gender-neutral, with men and women having equal authority in society.
• Nature, including flora and fauna, is also autonomous and must be respected.
• Autonomy and relationalism coexist, seeking relationships while maintaining individual autonomy.
• Autonomous regard should occur at an international level, with nations being aware of each other’s interests and security.

Multipolarity and Survivalism

• Mary Graham emphasizes the importance of standing up for one’s sovereignty and autonomy in international relations.
• She discusses the concept of multipolarity, where all countries have the right to defend their own sovereignty and there is no domination by one big, strong country.
• Graham highlights that the idea of multipolarity is not new and was present in Aboriginal societies, where stability and security were achieved through diplomatic traditions and conflict management.
• Aboriginal people have maintained trade relations with neighboring groups, avoiding large-scale conflicts and wars of conquest, as the land is considered sacred.
• The survivalist ethos has shaped political systems and worldviews, with the need to adapt to crises and accommodate changes in the environment.

Decolonization and Conflict Management

• Survivalism is becoming an increasing concern for ordinary people, particularly in the context of Australia’s colonization.
• Colonization is viewed as an ongoing process, not just a historical event.
• Conflict is inherent and must be managed with certain rules, but it should not be ideologized.
• Fighting back against colonization without demonizing the colonizers is a significant aspect of Aboriginal culture.
• Humiliating the loser, as seen in historical events like the Treaty of Versailles, is not acceptable in Aboriginal culture.
• Aboriginal people understand the consequences of humiliating the loser, as it can lead to further conflict and revenge.
• Aboriginal people have historically fought back against colonization and continue to resist in modern ways, despite the absence of fear.
• Decolonizing the country involves working hard to rebuild and regenerate old ways of running a country, and it may take another century or so to convince the colonizer to have a different system.

Summary

Tragedy of Colonization and Aboriginal Worldview

Mary Graham, an Indigenous Australian philosopher, reflects on the tragedy of colonization and its consequences. She discusses her background and upbringing, highlighting the impact of legislation on her family’s life. Graham explains the Aboriginal perspective of world views, emphasizing the deep connection to the land and the multi-dimensional aspect of time and ancestral spirits. In Aboriginal culture, the sense of belonging is deeply tied to place and ancestry. The traditional Aboriginal system is based on ecological stewardship rather than religious faith.

Autonomous Regard and Relationalism

Reflectivity is what sets humans apart, allowing us to work things out, have society, and culture. Autonomous regard is crucial for long-term thinking about future relations with others and the land. Autonomy is important for individuals and societies, and women are meant to be autonomous beings. Traditional governance should be gender-neutral, with men and women having equal authority in society. Nature, including flora and fauna, is also autonomous and must be respected. Autonomy and relationalism coexist, seeking relationships while maintaining individual autonomy. Autonomous regard should occur at an international level, with nations being aware of each other’s interests and security.

Multipolarity and Survivalism

Mary Graham emphasizes the importance of standing up for one’s sovereignty and autonomy in international relations. She discusses the concept of multipolarity, where all countries have the right to defend their own sovereignty and there is no domination by one big, strong country. Graham highlights that the idea of multipolarity is not new and was present in Aboriginal societies, where stability and security were achieved through diplomatic traditions and conflict management. Aboriginal people have maintained trade relations with neighboring groups, avoiding large-scale conflicts and wars of conquest, as the land is considered sacred. The survivalist ethos has shaped political systems and worldviews, with the need to adapt to crises and accommodate changes in the environment.

Decolonization and Conflict Management

Survivalism is becoming an increasing concern for ordinary people, particularly in the context of Australia’s colonization. Colonization is viewed as an ongoing process, not just a historical event. Conflict is inherent and must be managed with certain rules, but it should not be ideologized. Fighting back against colonization without demonizing the colonizers is a significant aspect of Aboriginal culture. Humiliating the loser, as seen in historical events like the Treaty of Versailles, is not acceptable in Aboriginal culture. Aboriginal people understand the consequences of humiliating the loser, as it can lead to further conflict and revenge. Aboriginal people have historically fought back against colonization and continue to resist in modern ways, despite the absence of fear. Decolonizing the country involves working hard to rebuild and regenerate old ways of running a country, and it may take another century or so to convince the colonizer to have a different system.

Conclusion

Mary Graham’s conversation highlights the profound impact of colonization on Aboriginal culture and society. She emphasizes the importance of autonomy, relationalism, and multipolarity in creating a stable and ordered society that respects the environment and the well-being of its people. The ongoing process of decolonization requires addressing the legacy of colonization and working towards rebuilding and regenerating old ways of governance. By understanding the tragedy of colonization and embracing a worldview that values autonomy, relationalism, and the well-being of all beings, societies can strive towards a more just and sustainable future.