Name and Country |
Do you agree or disagree with this practice? |
Please provide your reasons for agreeing or disagreeing with imports of Aboriginal arts and crafts into Australia |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I'm pretty sure that the aboriginal people that make their art aren't the rich ones and there is a purpose of making the arts it's part of who they are and it's about their culture. their government should be more supportive and invest in their <<bient-etre>> as they are part of the nation. |
| Anonymous |
I don't care |
I never thought about this before and I don't have a opinion yet I can defend. I guess Aboriginals needs the income from tourism but there is copy everywhere not only in Australia so the tourist should make the difference and ask for better quality. Maybe Australia and aboriginal people should give more information to tourists. |
| Andy from United Kingdom |
I disagree with imports |
If it is being sold as genuine it should be genuine otherwise the genuine artists and cultures will be lost. |
| Ayrton Farias from Brazil |
I strongly disagree with imports |
How can Australia be turning such beautiful culture into business? |
| Beryl from New Zealand |
I strongly disagree with imports |
If tourists are buying they want the real thing and feel cheated if they are sold fake plus the Aboriginal people need to be able to take control of their own heritage. I believe they should be able to provide for themselves and not have to be reliant on the government. give them a fair go. |
| Brad from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Original cultural items should remain original - only produced by the Aboriginal people. They should also be fairly compensated for their work. |
| Charlie from United Kingdom |
I disagree with imports |
I can understand it in other countries - but to bring in the imports to Australia is like being robbed to your face. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
They should be Aboriginal... NOT fakes... Pay those who know to make the art... |
| Chris from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Importing Aboriginal knock-offs from other countries and passing it off as original is as useless as importing US flags made in another country. The practice is a degradation of the Aboriginal culture and dishonours the Aboriginal people. |
| Chris from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I disagree do to these peoples cultures and arts have been almost wiped out some of them make there living on there crafts when other countries copy there crafts and fake that they are real takes money away from the Aboriginal people |
| Chris Smylie from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Lying is wrong and their heritage is very amazing and unique. To make such a mockery is stupid and insulting. |
| Cody from USA |
I disagree with imports |
I don't really like imports only because most people just show them of and never use it for what its made for and that's to play it for friends and family |
| Conrad from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
If someone is buying "genuine Aboriginal" arts and crafts they should get genuine. Also when you buy authentic the Aboriginal people get the money. |
| Craig from Canada |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Only native populations regardless of where they live in the world should be allowed to manufacture and sell their native art and artifacts as such. To have non-aboriginals producing and selling "aboriginal artifacts" is theft. |
| Anonymous from USA |
I disagree with imports |
Lying is bad. Duh. |
| Dave Snyder from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Not only is it disrespectful and unfair to the people who gave didgeridoo to the world but from a practical level these guys don't care anything about sound quality like the Aboriginals do. |
| Dennis from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I believe that if you are providing an object of a native art form then the object should be made by on of the natives. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
It's disgraceful! To have original Aboriginal art compete with cheap copies must surely offend them. It destroys their heritage and waters down their culture. Australia is beautiful enough that they don't need to import large quantities of cheap imitations to sell to tourist. It doesn t matter if it brings in more money to the economy it damages Aussies roots. |
| Emily from USA |
I disagree with imports |
It's in bad taste disrespectful to an culture is a fraudulent practice and takes jobs away from local artisans. |
| Anonymous from USA |
I don't care |
Not sure I have enough information to make a decision |
| Frank from Australia |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Commercialism and disrespect of ANY culture is offensive at all levels just suggest these peanuts try and do the same in the middle east and see if they got away with it! |
| Geoff from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Because it robs from the cultural heritage and professions of those few remaining Aboriginal communities in Australia. |
| Graham from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
No other culture can captivate the authenticity of an original Aboriginal art and craft. Original pieces are the only one that can contain the spirit of the Australian Earth. Only an original piece has the spirit from the sweat of an Aborigine who went into the woods to listen to the hollow trees talk to him. |
| Greg from Australia |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Aboriginal Art should be from Aboriginals hence ab'originals'. I'd expect and original art/artifact to be from the country were you buy it original and authentic. imports demean the seller and cheapen the image of the county from where it is purchased. Also it steals (morally ethically physically and spiritually) from the indigenous people that make the artifacts. |
| Anonymous from Canada |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Aboriginal art is genuine. Importing art craft will be killed by imitations. As for what concern the Didjeridu imitations are not instruments so I thought it stupid to even exist (or at least be allow by the australian government). |
| Anonymous from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Not authentic and robs the Aboriginals of their due |
| Joao Sousa from Portugal |
I strongly disagree with imports |
The aboriginal art is supposed to be unique. Something that can give the heart and soul of the land of Australia the land of ancestors. |
| Johnny from Ireland |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Lack of respect for Aboriginal cultural heritage |
| Anonymous from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Its not Aboriginal art if its not Aboriginal. I wouldn't want fake things passed off as genuine Aboriginal art |
| Joshua from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Because the arts are part of the culture. These people take pride in what the create and it has meaning for them. To use imports as the real thing is despicable. |
| Anonymous from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Purity of a craft is the only way to protect its heritage |
| Anonymous |
I don't care |
I don't care as long as it original work |
| Anonymous from USA |
I don't care |
Capitalism |
| Anonymous |
I strongly agree with imports |
It's not unusual with all countries aboriginal arts. I am Native American and see this all the time |
| Anonymous from Spain |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Isn't it a bit like importing cheap American bagpipes into Scotland or other some such lunacy? Basically I feel that enough has been taken from them already and if they are ever going to be able to maintain what's left of their various cultures they must have a means to sustain themselves in the non-aboriginal world (i.e. $$$ made from cultural tourism that doesn't have the air of a zoo or museum) so that they can be themselves while also being able to integrate with white Australia should they choose to. Importation will prevent this from happening. |
| Anonymous |
I disagree with imports |
It should be authentic |
| Lisa from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I am native american indian and do not appreciate the discrimination against native cultures. The Aboriginal Art is beautiful and they should be able to have all profits from it. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I play Highland Bagpipes & have many friends who make them. Because of cheap imported materials to Ireland they can no longer compete in price. I think its a terrible tragedy that traditional people are unable to continue what they know best. All for profit:( |
| Lu Pierro from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Aboriginal art is sacred to the people. To sell cheap imitations from different countries takes away the sacredness and value of the work of the Aussie aboriginals. They have a right to their work and making cheap copies is stealing much like fake gucci bags and rolex watches. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Australians should have pride in their own Aboriginal arts and crafts. If tourists aren't willing to pay for Australian Aboriginal arts and crafts while they are in Australia then they don't deserve to have them. It is a real shame that some people try to pass off cheap fakes for the real thing. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I carve wood kachina dolls I liken that to me trying to knock them off as authentic Kachinas. By the way I would never sell one of my Kachinas. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Because I have one and it sucks! |
| Anonymous from Slovenia |
I strongly disagree with imports |
People from the west took everything from indigenous peoples all they have now are bits and pieces of their destroyed culture and now we are stealing from them last parts of their destroyed culture the only way they can keep what little is left of their heritage is to sell it to the world. |
| Anonymous from Germany |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Aboriginal should have the privilege to self benefit from their cultural spiritual and religious heritage. Imports of native Aboriginal arts and crafts are stealing of Aboriginal rights and identity. |
| Matt Charbonneau from Canada |
I disagree with imports |
I disagree with importers claiming they are authentic aboriginal-made didges. But considering I can't afford to pay $500+ for a didgeridoo I understand that it is more accessible for beginners to buy a 50$ didge to start off with....I started with a piece of plastic pipe... When it comes down to it though - it's the same with any other instrument - The better one gets with an instrument the better quality instrument that musician would like. Ie trading a squire guitar for a fender or trading an Indonesian made didge for an Australian Termite hollowed didge. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Aboriginals are the true artists and no other culture should lay claim to their own artwork |
| Matthew from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Importing of goods that are commonplace is one thing but importing items that are culturally distinctive is quite another. This is tantamount to the Disney-fiction of authentic aboriginal heritage. |
| Anonymous from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
People would rather have an authentic item than a cheap copy if affordable and available. Plus the aborigines can use the profits made by it. |
| Michael from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I am really interested in Australia and the aboriginal arts so if I was sent a cheap copy from another country and not the actual unique piece from australia I think I would probably be a little upset!! |
| Michael from USA |
I disagree with imports |
They should stay original |
| Anonymous |
I don't care |
I guess I would prefer for my Aboriginal art to all originate from Australia but if something significant is offered to me for a cheaper price then I will take it. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Because the art and culture only are important when is made for theirs original people. |
| Anonymous |
I disagree with imports |
I believe that the didgeridoo is part of the aboriginal culture and should not be over-commercialised nor be cheaply copied for people who just do not care about the products origin. it is important to educate people about originality and why things such as a real didgeridoo have their price |
| Nasir from New Zealand |
I strongly disagree with imports |
There are many reasons I would strongly disagree to such imports: 1) The Aboriginals have been making didgeridoos for over 40 000 years. surely they are the ones who can make the real thing! 2) For many Aboriginals this is the only way they can bring food on the table for their families. 3) Is it not a blessing when an Aboriginal makes a didgeridoo? for they have the genetic knowledge to make a perfect didge and infuse it with sprit. 4) Apart from didges Australia has a lot of beautiful arts and crafts that should be appreciated. |
| Nic Wright from Australia |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Because it floods the local market with cheap products. Apart from drawing money away from Australian products it has the dual effect of (in my opinion) of bastardising the aboriginal culture putting into 'simple' line drawings of crocodiles and natural elements whereas the aboriginals actually hold significance in these drawings they are just a method of catching the buyers eye to the importers. |
| Patricia from Spain |
I disagree with imports |
I don 't like |
| Peter G. from Canada |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Because Aboriginal Arts should be just that. Knock offs have no place in this area of expertise besides it gives Aboriginal Artists a bad name. |
| Pierre from Switzerland |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Why export the work and not getting the real quality from those art pieces. Just like making the Swiss cheese in China and sell it as real original! Same with Swiss watches |
| Quinn from USA |
I disagree with imports |
Its a disgrace to the aboriginal people and way for people to make money off their culture and musical prowess. |
| Randy from USA |
I disagree with imports |
I think it takes potential profit from people who deserve it more. I think the Aboriginal people have been exploited enough over the years without perpetuating it through imports of fake Aboriginal arts and crafts. |
| Anonymous |
I disagree with imports |
I disagree with imports of Aboriginal arts and crafts because its stealing from the culture. It may make it more known and help keep the culture alive but it seems like getting a babe Ruth autograph signed by some random person. its just not right. |
| Robert Smithee from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
It cheapens the original art both in quality and price |
| Robert Stotts from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Native culture should be preserved and expanded. non-import makes possible more native peoples becoming artisans and ambassadors for their culture. |
| Roberto Mojica from Puerto Rico |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Why give jobs or work to other people when you can give work for local people and develop some kind of economy. |
| Robin from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I think it is important to sustain indigenous peoples' crafts throughout the world. we cannot maintain 'history' if we allow cheaply made copies to dominate. |
| Ron from USA |
I disagree with imports |
Cheap copies are never good |
| Ronald from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
It is wrong to sell something as genuine when it is not. And it is not fair to take business from the true native artisans. |
| Santiago from Colombia |
I strongly disagree with imports |
The aboriginal crafts are an important resource of work and money for the aboriginal people |
| Anonymous from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
If they are being manufactured in other countries in mass production they are not genuine Aboriginal Art pieces created by Aboriginal people. |
| Sheldon from Australia |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Its an aboriginal tradition that should be kept with them |
| Simon Tannock from Australia |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Plagiarism and theft of intellectual property are illegal. The culture and art forms of the aboriginal people belong solely to those people. Copying and mimicry of such art works and techniques is theft - pure and simple. |
| Stefano Brutti from Italy |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I strongly disagree because original aboriginal artifacts must be value! And I think people who buy these items must be more informed about the origin of the crafts. Explaining how can help aboriginal societies! |
| Stephan from USA |
I disagree with imports |
It devalues the art and undermines the ability of Aboriginals to earn a fair living. |
| Anonymous |
I disagree with imports |
I think that it is important to support local industry for indigenous people who have been shunted to the sides of the economic world. |
| Steve Bradshaw from United Kingdom |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I disagree with a lot of imports from all over the world why should someone else get money for others life style and way of life |
| Steve from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
No culture or nation (regardless of where) should engage in practices that alter or dilute the heritage or history of it's native people. When a well defined people have strong ancestral as well as historical significance (aboriginal) it becomes imperative to preserve and respect tradition. Obviously my answers to the above questions are guesswork. I spent four winters in Australia as a ski professional and exposure to Aboriginal culture and/or tradition was nowhere to be seen or found easily. That was a long time ago and have realized since I feel kind of "cheated". WOW! That went a bit longer than needed but you asked. P.S. - It looks like I'll be crackin' some Australian history books. Thank You. |
| Tamara from United Kingdom |
I strongly agree with imports |
Because they are not the genuine articles and it is like stealing it is plainly wrong to copy a tribal persons art without permission and then sell it and reap the rewards.The original should come from the creator themselves they alone should be in charge of what is rightfully theirs. |
| Thomas Ryan from USA |
I disagree with imports |
Well I don't "disagree with imports " nor do I "not care." Importing products can be a good thing. But I am native american and I can see how taking the craft away from the source can diminish a reputation and pride as well as cash flow. |
| Tony from USA |
I strongly agree with imports |
If they sell them as "genuine aboriginal arts' then that is a business practice based on a lie. Also it demeans and diminishes the value and cultural importance and heritage of the Aboriginal peoples. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I feel that the beauty of original art cannot be copied. It must be pure to appreciate. It must be preserved for the sake of the culture. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly agree with imports |
I like imports |
| William from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
It's lying to the public and stealing funds from the tribes. |
