In a powerful poem, 'Welcome,' Ziggy Ramo sheds light on a disturbing incident that occurred on Anzac Day. The poem serves as a stark reminder of the deep-rooted issues within Australian society, particularly the country's relationship with its Indigenous people and its history.
The Incident and Its Impact
The poem was written in response to the booing of Uncle Ray Minniecon, an Elder, during a Welcome to Country ceremony at an Anzac Day dawn service. This incident is not just about disrespect towards an individual, but it symbolizes a larger issue of Australia's selective memory and its struggle to honor its First Peoples.
A Ceremony Collapsing
Ramo's poem begins with a familiar acknowledgment, but quickly twists it, highlighting the lack of knowledge and respect for Indigenous culture. The poem is a ceremony in itself, one that collapses under the weight of unspoken truths. It is a powerful metaphor for the state of affairs in Australia, where certain wars are remembered and revered, while others are conveniently forgotten.
Sovereignty and Custodianship
A Welcome to Country is more than a polite gesture; it is an assertion of sovereignty and a reminder of the ongoing custodianship of the land. By booing Uncle Ray's welcome, the audience revealed a deeper issue - a desire for the comfort of ceremony without the burden of acknowledging historical truths. This incident exposes a country that wants to pick and choose which parts of its history to embrace.
The Blunt Reality
The poem's bluntness mirrors the bluntness of the moment. The disrespect was clear, as was the denial of history. The logic of 'finders keepers' becomes a disturbing justification for invasion, and the conditional 'invitation' to the table highlights the expectations placed on Indigenous people to be grateful and compliant.
Seeing the Mask Slip
'Welcome' captures the strange relief that comes with seeing the true face of prejudice. It is a refusal to accept the accusation that speaking truth makes one ungrateful. Ramo's poem is a powerful statement, a call to action, and a reminder that true reconciliation requires more than empty ceremonies.
A Bitter Irony
The bitter irony of the poem lies in the contrast between the sacredness attributed to Anzac Day and the neglect shown towards the frontier wars. It is a reflection of a society that honors soldiers fighting abroad while forgetting those who fought and continue to fight for their own land.
Conclusion
Ziggy Ramo's 'Welcome' is a thought-provoking piece that challenges us to confront our own biases and the uncomfortable truths of our history. It is a reminder that true progress and healing require an honest and respectful engagement with our past.
