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 |
| Adrian from Australia |
I don't care |
There was not really a box that suited my opinion. I believe in free choice however perhaps a better labeling or consumer awareness could be put into place so people are more informed. |
| Adrien from France |
I agree with imports |
I agree if it is respectful of the people who do the artwork in order to everybody to see the beauty of their art and open every people to the natural truth they have in their culture it must be with equitable selling I of course disagree with exploitation |
| Anonymous from United Kingdom |
I strongly disagree with imports |
They need all the help they can get! |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Local people should benefit not outsiders |
| Alan from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Why can you not use an illegal copy of Windows on your computer. Everybody knows that spending $10 for a copy of Windows is a lot cheaper than spending $299. |
| Alasdair from United Kingdom |
I disagree with imports |
The cultural value of true aboriginal art must not be confused by imports..though I am sure the true and honest work will shine out |
| Alex from New Zealand |
I strongly disagree with imports |
They are not authentic. selling cheap replicas is robbing the aboriginal people of the right to sell there authentic craft work rather than tourists buying cheaper replicas. |
| Anonymous from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
By creating cheap copies they are stealing the culture and livelihood of the Aboriginal people |
| Alexandr from Ukraine |
I agree with imports |
It is intercourse between the people of different nationalities foremost cultures at times quite different but identical in the desire to see wonderful. |
| Allan Klausen from Denmark |
I strongly disagree with imports |
They are undermining the original and genuine crafters and degrading the quality with cheap but low quality products. I would NEVER buy imports and think there should be a law to protect the authentic art |
| Anonymous from Canada |
I strongly disagree with imports |
They are not genuine and they undermine an economic opportunity for Australian aboriginals. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
It is not aboriginal if it is imported. plus it is taking away an income for many people |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Well the money should be going to the aboriginal people and nothing should be sold for what it is not. |
| Amber Fauson from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Cheap copies diminish market potential for the Aboriginal People and dilute their cultural heritage. |
| Anonymous from East Timor |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Obviously I can't be against imports when we discuss the matter generally but in such case it seems to me that it is unacceptable to give priority to foreign (and fake) products. that is a deception to tourists and a deception to the aboriginal rights. |
| Andre from Canada |
I strongly disagree with imports |
It will be helpful for Aboriginal people if they get money or some return from there own culture art and craft. Tourist buy something made in India the money go back to India. |
| Andrew Oman from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
It is stealing the culture style and product of a historically important and proud people. |
| Andy from Canada |
I strongly disagree with imports |
It's deceptive and does not promote or support the true origins of the items. |
| Angela from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
The products should be original and support/sustain the culture that is left. |
| Anonymous |
I agree with imports |
I think if they choose to sell their work than why not? |
| Angie Pierce from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
It takes away from the Aboriginal community being able to make money from their wares. Traditions are changed through replicas which are untrue. It changes the stories and takes away from the spirit. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Its not fare on Aboriginal people |
| Anthony Kubiak from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
The spirit and the truth of aboriginal art is inimitable. Its spirit emerges on the music and art itself and cannot be copied |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
It is misleading to the tourists/general public and harmful to the Aboriginal people. Not only is this practice denying them of income it is cheapening the export of Aboriginal art and flooding the market with fake artifacts. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Taking crafts away from indigenous people is always wrong |
| Barbara from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
So many wrong things have happened to the Aboriginal people they should at least be able to make a living on their traditional arts and crafts without having to compete with cheap junk. |
| Anonymous from Australia |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Because they are claiming to be genuine when they aren't. |
| Benoit Bégin from Canada |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I don't like people who sell stuff that is supposed to be genuine and that isn't! |
| Betty from USA |
I disagree with imports |
I like original and don't like counterfeit |
| Bob Frenock from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Aboriginal arts and crafts should be created by the Aboriginal people. If there are not enough genuine articles imports may be OK but only if clearly labeled as such. Else it is an outright lie and an attempt to cheat. |
| Bradley from USA |
I disagree with imports |
It confuses the shopper and makes all similar product suspect. |
| Brett Houser from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
It is stealing a unique cultural item for capital gain. |
| Brian from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I think it undermines the integrity of all true aboriginal arts |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
If the art or craft is of lesser quality then it reflects negatively on the Aboriginal people. Also importing takes money away from local Aboriginal communities. |
| Catarina from Portugal |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I strongly disagree because the people who do that are gaining money thanks to the fame of aboriginal arts and they aren't even genuine |
| Cesar Mayoral Figueroa from Mexico |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Authenticity is first. There is a risk of losing identity |
| Chace Bedford from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I would say that is the stance of an opportunist. I dislike when bootlegged merchandise is pawned off onto unsuspecting travellers. However nobody truly likes tourists. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I feel the aboriginals should be the ones to profit from their own culture |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I would pay the asking price for an original piece of Aboriginal art knowing it wasn't a copy. |
| Anonymous from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
The Aboriginal people should be passing on their heritage through their arts and crafts. The replicas diminish the historic value of the products. |
| Anonymous from Australia |
I strongly disagree with imports |
It seems unfair that the indian indonesian and chinese are allowed to do this. The products are also inferior to anything hand-made by Aboriginals. I also presume they would be putting authentic Aboriginal arts and crafts vendors and craftsmen out of business as the are unrealistically cheap. |
| Chris from United Kingdom |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I think the profits from all aboriginal art and craft sales should go back to the people imitations should be outlawed |
| Chris Thorn from United Kingdom |
I strongly agree with imports |
It provide's money and also remind's the World of the plight of the Aboriginal culture |
| Anonymous |
I disagree with imports |
They are not authentic |
| Chuck from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Copied work in the nation or origin devalues the original work takes income away from the Aboriginal people and is a form of deception. |
| Claude from France |
I disagree with imports |
It's not original australian crafts |
| Cody from USA |
I disagree with imports |
I generally disagree with the mass importing or exporting of anything. |
| Col from Australia |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I think that Aboriginal people should benefit more from the creation of arts and crafts and remove the "carpet-baggers" who are skimming the profits from those that really deserve it. |
| Anonymous |
I disagree with imports |
I think that is very dishonest it also takes away money from authentic aboriginal artists. |
| Anonymous |
I disagree with imports |
I think it should be originals. That is what tourists want. |
| Corey Olomon from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
They should use the creaturation as these items to help provide economic development in the aboriginal communities as well as to assure that the items are truly authentic. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Reduced the value of authentic Aboriginal goods |
| Cristian Toaca from Canada |
I strongly disagree with imports |
That's stealing art that's a horrible act. I understand that they could say that they are trying to spread their culture but in reality it's clear that they just want a quick buck. Stealing art be it music poetry literature or painted art is one of the worst things someone can do in my opinion. What suffers is not the person's wallet but their very soul. |
| Cynthia Tierra from USA |
I disagree with imports |
The products that are imported are not authentic. They are for commercial gain only. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
ALL copies of ANY kind is theft from the original artist / producer. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Its a lie and the quality of the goods probably isn't as good as it would be if it were genuine |
| Anonymous from USA |
I disagree with imports |
They are fakes. People are being scammed. That's not fair to the buyer or Authentic Aboriginal Artists. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
It's disingenuous and robs the Aboriginal peoples of potential livelihood and the opportunity to present their culture properly. |
| Daniel Pollaro from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Not only is it their source of income but it takes away from the originality |
| Daniel from Australia |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I believe in supporting local business as well as disagreeing with the carbon footprint of importing. I also feel bad for people who buy an import believing it is genuine. |
| Anonymous from United Kingdom |
I strongly disagree with imports |
There is enough depth variety and uniqueness in aboriginal culture. No more is needed. |
| Dave from United Kingdom |
I strongly disagree with imports |
It demeans the original product. |
| Dave from United Kingdom |
I strongly disagree with imports |
They are effectively lying to the public and cheating the genuine aboriginal artists out of a living just to make profit for themselves without thinking about the indigenous Aboriginal. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
They need to be authentic |
| David Carmichael from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Maintaining a tradition of authentic production is central to cultural survival of indigenous peoples |
| David from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
To truly appreciate the culture only originals should be considered for exporting and commercialism. Other wise the creativity of the culture could be watered down and lost. If the demand for these types of artworks is too high for the industry in Australia to provide then skilled artists should be trained to make items with quality. |
| David from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Importing undermines the money making opportunities of indigenous peoples and allows for the possibility of tourists to get the impression that aboriginal arts and products are cheap and not of high quality. |
| Anonymous from USA |
I disagree with imports |
I do not think that traditional designs from one culture should not be copied by another culture. |
| David from USA |
I disagree with imports |
I think it's disrespectful of and harmful to the preservation and livelihood of Aboriginals to sell copies in Australia. I don't object to copies of aboriginal artifacts being sold outside Australia if they are clearly labeled as not Australian. |
| David from USA |
I disagree with imports |
It is important for nations to maintain a cultural identity. It keeps the people unified. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Disrespectful exploitative bad for national economy |
| David Yates from Canada |
I strongly disagree with imports |
It makes no sense to outsource something that is traditionally created in Australia itself by people who live there and have history there. Importing imitation goods belittles their work and pushes them from the market. It happens everywhere sadly and is an unfortunate consequence of the existence of a world market (the positive side being the chance to buy authentic goods from their true source). |
| Dean Archer from United Kingdom |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Australian aboriginal art must surly originate in Australia. |
| Dean from USA |
I don't care |
Should be original |
| Debbie from USA |
I disagree with imports |
Because it would make it hard for the Aboriginal people to compete with the prices. |
| Anonymous from USA |
I disagree with imports |
If they are claiming they are authentic than it is not right. The Aboriginal people should get a fair trade price for their artwork. |
| Derek Murphy from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I believe quality is more important than quantity. A good reputation is very important in a successful business. |
| Anonymous from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Cheap bad quality products are useless for people who would like the real thing and for the people who makes them but can't sell them because the imitation sells instead. |
| Anonymous from France |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Protection of aboriginal art and people |
| Don Martinelli from USA |
I disagree with imports |
Selling copies as originals is fraud. You can import copies if you must but the imports must be identified as copies. |
| Donald Cassel from Us Minor Outlying Islands |
I disagree with imports |
Devalues the craft and culture of the originals |
| Donna Clark from USA |
I disagree with imports |
They should use originals. Or at least copies made in Australia. |
| Anonymous |
I agree with imports |
Bring more $ into the community |
| Douglas from USA |
|
I have no selection because I believe information and knowledge about aboriginal people is more important than imports |
| Dustin from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Degrades the art false advertising etc. |
| Eddy from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Just as american indian false artifacts... Very disrespectful to the people native to the country. |
| Edilson Calheiros from Brazil |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I do not agree that other countries produce aboriginal art products to be sold as original art aboriginal make sure aboriginal art will never be copied because the aboriginal Australian so have the capacity in which never be equal it is distinct appreciated and here in my country beyond the withdrawal of artists gain necessary for maintenance of aboriginal tradition. |
| Edith Hokin from Australia |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Imports are not genuine and take finance from the true Australians who have made them for hundreds of years |
| Elliot from United Kingdom |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Aboriginal people are the indigenous population of the country pushing them out of a way of earning money is not right I guess it is no surprise that the people doing this are my criminal ancestors! But it would be no good to see it go the other way like Zimbabwe there has to be a middle ground in which the the rightful owners of a country can stand higher then they do without destroying a nation. Unfortunately it is the same everywhere and mostly our fault look at America and the native Indians the only way they can get any leverage in the community is to use their land for casinos! |
| Emilian Skrzynecki from Poland |
I strongly disagree with imports |
1. You should write "Aboriginal-like" art to differentiate between genuine Aboriginal art and Aboriginal-like art only. 2. Because it s not an original Aboriginal art. Such practice makes total disinformation about the true Aboriginal culture 3. Aboriginal arts is a real work too - importing "pseudo"aboriginal art into Australia means loss of work to Aboriginal people. 4. Aboriginal art as an art as is it - should be protected as a culture heritage |
| Eric from Canada |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I disagree with the imports of "Aboriginal arts" because it is fraud. These imports should be clearly marked as non-genuine and royalties should be paid to the people who invented these objects. |
| Anonymous from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
The images and motifs in Aboriginal artwork have specific often sacred meanings. Labourers in other countries don't know or care about this and will misrepresent and besmirch these meanings. Also the proceeds from the sale of Aboriginal art and work should go to actual Aboriginal people. |
| Anonymous from USA |
I disagree with imports |
Originals are best and support the native artists |
| Anonymous |
I disagree with imports |
To make the art mean something you can not have thousands of cheap copies out there.. if you do the real thing is less because no one knows I its real or not.. and financially to the people who make the real thing why would some one buy art from them if they can get a fake for half the coast?? |
| Erin from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
It is not right to fake Aboriginal Art and try to pass it off as the real thing! This is their art and they should reap the rewards! |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
It's obvious - it's fraud and theft from Indigenous Australia |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Bad for the aboriginals |
| Anonymous from France |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Making profit on the art culture of others |
| Anonymous from Brazil |
I strongly disagree with imports |
The true art Aboriginal will can die. |
| Forest from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
They are false not Aboriginal. They are cheap copies plain and simple. |
| Anonymous from USA |
I agree with imports |
The aborigines should share their culture with us |
| Garrett from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
It is cheap knock-offs of aboriginal art. the interpretation should be left up to the aborigines |
| Gary Ahlstrom from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
All original arts and crafts have a history in them and those depicting this history should be rewarded.for maintaining this history. |
| Gary from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Australia has its own unique cultural arts and crafts as do Indonesia india and China. I think Indonesia India and China should export their own arts crafts and music. This would encourage increased participation of a nations indigenous people in a nations arts crafts and music; and additionally will provide greater opportunity for the people of Australia through participation in and promotion of their own cultural practices. Everyone would benefit. |
| Anonymous from Norway |
I disagree with imports |
Souvenirs sold as 'genuine Aboriginal' art should be made in Australia by Aboriginals. |
| Gerard from Netherlands |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I disagree with imports because in this way they steal and devaluate the market for aboriginals they should at least be honest about the fact that it is imported |
| Gina Tines from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I feel that it is disrespectful to the aboriginal people. If the art has been an aboriginal art for centuries I feel that it should stay as such. It is unfair to import and take away there business by providing cheap copies. furthermore it is sneaking to pass them off as aboriginal originals. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Unless they have contracted out the making of such crafts It is a major source of their income. Additionally to contract that out is to sell out their heritage |
| Gordon from Australia |
I disagree with imports |
The Didgeridoo belongs to a culture and as such demands respect. |
| Gordon White from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I feel it is an infringement and disrespect to the artistic and cultural property of the aboriginal people and it takes legitimate acknowledgment (e.g. remuneration validation) away from those who have created it. |
| Graham K. Glover from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
When it's art it should be the real thing which means made by the real Aboriginal artists and crafts people. |
| Greg from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
It's fraud to pass them off as genuine. And it cuts into the income of authentic Aboriginal artists |
| Greg from Australia |
I strongly disagree with imports |
The industry and cultural practice could be in danger without proper nurture including the loss of income to rip-offs artists. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly agree with imports |
It lessens ones culture |
| Gregory from Canada |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Not only is the art historically owned and produced by aboriginals it's sacred! |
| Hamid from Iran |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I think there is no reason in order to let them be imported |
| Hans from Netherlands |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I believe the aboriginals have the right to make their own original products and sell these products so they can earn this money for the aboriginal families! |
| Anonymous from Canada |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Imported products are not genuine and are of low quality. They reduce the ability of aboriginal people to make a living from the proceeds of their own crafts and culture. |
| Ian from Australia |
I don't care |
The good quality stuff will be on show here. |
| Ian from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I think they are taking the art away from them and turning it into a chop shop. |
| Anonymous |
I agree with imports |
It brings others around the world in touch with the Aborigine people |
| Jacqueline from Belgium |
I disagree with imports |
Artisanat=âme d'un peuple. Lâme ne s'achete pas |
| James from USA |
I disagree with imports |
Craftsmen and women in South Asia have their own traditions--we do best making local crafts not whatever the market dictates as profitable today. |
| Anonymous from USA |
I disagree with imports |
The consumer wants product as advertised. It makes it more difficult for Aboriginals to sell their product if they have to compete with cheaper knock offs. |
| Anonymous from Czech Republic |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I think that it not authentic and has fault quality. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
1. It is "ill-gotten gains" - benefitting those who do not work for it nor have any right to it. 2. you don't get a good/comparable to the original/product. |
| Jared from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Their importing a culture that naturally resides in their own country. kind of like how america has their flags produced in china. |
| Javier Miguel from Spain |
I disagree with imports |
They are lying about the origin of the didgeridoos. They are selling a lower quality instruments taking advantage of the people who is making these instruments since years. Aboriginal crafts are an important source of wealthy for them and the others shouldn't spoil one of the little opportunities that aboriginals have to keep developing their culture and their people. |
| Jay from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
In keeping with the historical truth to the creation of aboriginal art such art should be created sold and benefited by aboriginals |
| Jay from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Imports take away a valuable piece of culture and income from aboriginal peoples. In many cases they are already not well off and by denying them this access to income companies that import didges are participating in another form of structural racism. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
It is just morally wrong to steal another's cultural spirit and ideas just to make a buck. We have done the same thing here to Native Americans here in the Untied States. |
| Jeff Fullmer from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I strongly believe that any product should have total transparency concerning its origin. The only way I would agree with these imports is if these items were being sold with full public disclosure of their origin. |
| Jeff Mcelwain from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Exploitation of an already marginalized people. Have we learned nothing about our treatment of indigenous people. |
| Jenni from Australia |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I think it is a disgrace that we allow such imports entering Australia. It should never be allowed. We are loosing our most precious assets and traditions at an alarming rate and I think we should be focusing on protecting Australian icons and traditions not commercialising them. |
| Jennifer from Australia |
I strongly disagree with imports |
It's a gut response to what might be a complex situation but essentially it's ethically wrong exploitative disrespectful and a great shame. |
| Jenny from USA |
I disagree with imports |
Tourists who come to Australia to buy original Aboriginal art. |
| Anonymous from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
It is a lie and disrespects the actual native art. |
| Anonymous from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Aboriginal artist works should not be compromised by the fakes. |
| Jim from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
The Aboriginal arts belong to the Aboriginal people. |
| Jim Barrett from Sweden |
I strongly disagree with imports |
The images and objects that belong to the various surviving Aboriginal groups of Australia have been passed down from generation to generation in an unbroken line of knowledge stewardship. The use of images derived from the knowledge base of these groups for commercial gains by those who have no idea what these things mean is immoral. |
| Jim from USA |
I disagree with imports |
It's fraud to sell non-indigenous items as Aboriginal made and I am sure the imports are less expensive than the genuine items so take sales away from the Aboriginals |
| Johan Thaens from Belgium |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Steeling one's culture is steeling one's identity is steeling one's life. Goes beyond the worst crimes if you ask me. |
| John from USA |
I disagree with imports |
It is a crime seen throughout the world. People claimer to make a profit selling false " Original Cultural pieces" in the name of making a profit. Thus it takes way from those who are the true authentic makers of their craft and are the ones who are truly victimized. |
| John from Ireland |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Aboriginal arts and crafts should be just that and not made in other countries. |
| John from United Kingdom |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I think it takes away from true aboriginal art and its people |
| John Robinson from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
When an item is listed as genuine aboriginal art that implies it is from the country it is being sold in. this is not only wrong but unethical. |
| Jon from Canada |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Not genuine but being promoted as such. stealing intellectual and artistic property |
| Jonathan from Canada |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I would imagine that Aboriginal people do not see a single red cent for the blatant exploitation and "rip-off" of their culture. |
| Jonathan Kool from Canada |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I disagree with the imports of aboriginal arts and crafts into australia because they are not genuine and in that way sort of disrespect the aboriginal culture whom spent much time and energy investing their beliefs and love into making these arts which are now being made in mass quantities in factories to make some money. I don't think the ancestors would have accepted such a thing. It's like destroying the sanctity of an entire civilizations art and culture. |
| Anonymous |
I disagree with imports |
For two reasons it is criminal to copy art and pass for genuine and also you are destroying the profit for these people |
| Joshua from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Because if there not made in australia by aboriginal people then there not authentic that's misleading the buyer and taking away from the aboriginal people its crap |
| Judy from USA |
I disagree with imports |
I want to know that something is Original and crafted by the best or origin. |
| Julia from USA |
I disagree with imports |
Something native shouldn't be imported |
| Anonymous |
I disagree with imports |
Import of these arts and crafts would take away from the Aboriginal people. |
| Julie from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
It is stealing someone's culture and is not right. |
| Kandelka Koreovit from Australia |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Indigenous people are often destroyed by adapting to western industrial life because they are psychic-sensitive artists at heart. Art and craft restore the culture and give these people livelihood. Copies of this work are completely unethical and destructive. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Unfair |
| Karl from Australia |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Seems to me ridiculous that indigenous paintings (of the Dreamtime for example) could be done by people that have nothing to do with that culture. Aboriginal arts and crafts are solely the domain of indigenous Australians and noone else can lay claim to such things. Making money by importing cheap knock-offs like this is such a white-man concept and a the very least fraud. |
| Anonymous |
I disagree with imports |
It's not genuine if it's not from the Aboriginal...so how can it be sold as that? |
| Anonymous |
I disagree with imports |
I don't necessarily disagree with imports; however I strongly disagree with false representation that something is claimed to be genuine Aboriginal art. I also strongly believe in supporting the local economy that one chooses to reside in this also tends to benefit the environment. |
| Kathleen from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Cheap imitations will make tourists think real Australian art is really cheap work. |
| Kathy from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
It is important to support the people who make these not some factory. it is important to consumers that they buy the real thing not some fake |
| Kathy from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
The aboriginal people of Australia should be the ones making the arts and crafts and benefitting from their sales. They have suffered enough. It's time for them to be rewarded. |
| Keano Martinez from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I would like to think that the Aboriginal people had a beautiful art form developed over the thousands of years possibly spanning back 125 000 years ago. I would also like to think that when I buy this craft the money would go to benefit the remaining Aboriginal people and their rich culture. |
| Keith from USA |
I disagree with imports |
If they are labeling them as authentic they are being fraudulent. If they |
| Kelly from USA |
I disagree with imports |
I disagree with any 'knockoffs' being sold in general not just when it comes to Aboriginal art. I think the true artist should be consulted when reproducing their work. It's unfair to them to sell something they supposedly made and not compensate them for it. |
| Ken from USA |
I agree with imports |
It's the way of the world |
| Kent from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
It's cultural identity theft and as always it's purely about money. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Because they are replacing the original domestic product |
| Anonymous from USA |
I disagree with imports |
Cheap imports are grossly disrespectful to the Aboriginal people. |
| Larry from Canada |
I disagree with imports |
It is not Aboriginal art if it is not made by an Australian Aboriginal and therefore should not be sold as such. |
| Lars from Sweden |
I strongly disagree with imports |
The import of this type of product undermines the work of genuine Aboriginal artists. I feel that genuine Aboriginal art needs to be protected and preserved as a world heritage. |
| Anonymous |
I agree with imports |
Agree. they have right to earn |
| Laura Larson from USA |
I disagree with imports |
When they chop down a tree which is often not ready it just shows what kind of disconnection they have to the spirit of the tree and then they sell it as aboriginal which is unfair to the people who buy it and the aboriginals who could probably use the money themselves. |
| Laura from USA |
I disagree with imports |
It will take away from sales of authentic Aboriginal crafts. |
| Anonymous from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Not fair to native artists. |
| Lee from United Kingdom |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Its a disgrace |
| Anonymous |
I disagree with imports |
Imports meant to copy a native craft is like a lie. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
It is not good |
| Lori from Canada |
I strongly disagree with imports |
The manufacturing of cheap imitation arts of any kind greatly diminishes the ability of artist to financially support themselves and to continue their craft. The will lead to the reduction of genuine arts available and lead to an under-appreciation of the talent that these artists possess. I believe that ALL imported imitations should be prohibited from being imported to any country. I also feel that the government should play an important role to better assist artist in the promotion of their work. |
| Luca from Italy |
I disagree with imports |
Simply it is not honest for tourists and above all for aboriginals |
| Malcolm Pascoe from Australia |
I strongly disagree with imports |
The original Australian Didge was a product of Aboriginal Australians and should remain such. To me it is blasfulness to have other cultures manufacture and find profit in selling fake renditions of indigenous culture. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I believe if there are going to be items to sell to tourists the Aboriginal people should be able to make the items themselves and better their clans. |
| Anonymous from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
They are counterfeit and cheating the original people of their art history and culture |
| Mark Bowyer from United Kingdom |
I strongly disagree with imports |
There should be clear information to show what is genuine Aboriginal arts & crafts and what is a copy. By importing Aboriginal style artifacts Australia is undermining local genuine producers. |
| Anonymous from United Kingdom |
I strongly disagree with imports |
It dilutes the culture and robs aboriginals of their right to earn a living. |
| Mark from Australia |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Because people are being deceived. |
| Mark from Netherlands |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Aboriginal people are a beautiful people art must be original. Also the aboriginal people are always suppressed by the white people and now they deserve to be recognised for their art. |
| Mark Swain from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
The beauty of the Aboriginal Arts is their originality. Knowing that one owns an original piece of art inspired by centuries of craftsmanship is what it is all about |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
You cannot replicate the original in some factory in Taiwan. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Should be recognised as uniquely aboriginal. |
| Max from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Aboriginal arts must be authentic and made by Aboriginal people who can rely on the income to survive |
| Mehak from Italy |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Aboriginal art is exclusive to Australia as are other typical products from other countries. An art from should be maintained in its form because its a part of the culture and heritage of a country. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Should come from the genuine people |
| Merl Busenbark from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
It cheapens the original native arts and crafts. I would be very mad if I found out I had bought a fake import. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
A fake can never be genuine. |
| Michael from Canada |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Imports are cheap copies are not original and deprives the natives of sharing their culture. I would prefer to purchase an ORIGINAL made in Australia item. |
| Anonymous |
I agree with imports |
I believe it enhances our understanding of their culture |
| Anonymous |
I disagree with imports |
It lacks authenticity and takes away from the aboriginals art works |
| Anonymous |
I disagree with imports |
The Aboriginal people should be getting profit. |
| Mik from USA |
I disagree with imports |
Unless they are clearly marked as imitations (i.e. replicas simulations reproductions etc.) it is at least misleading and possible fraudulent to sell such imports as Aboriginal arts. I would feel cheated to learn that I had bought one. |
| Mike Harges from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
As seen in America when native arts and crafts (usually cheep imitations) are sold first it takes away employment for the indigenous people of the land and second the cheep imitations degrade and disillusion other peoples ideas of the real artifacts of the People of the Land |
| Morgan from USA |
I disagree with imports |
Selling the imports as genuine is wrong but having history sold and shipped off as trinkets is also wrong. |
| Anonymous |
I disagree with imports |
It is not authentic and does not support the Aboriginal people. |
| Nikku from Greenland |
I disagree with imports |
Aboriginals people are importing for rest of other nations because there had a importing to tell about what to do for a future:) |
| Nuno from Portugal |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Doesn't make sense importing australia artifacts from anywhere else except Australia. |
| Pam from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Not authentic poor quality = diminishes appreciation and definition |
| Paul Murray from Ireland |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Because they are not australian aboriginal crafts. it undermines the structures being set up by the likes of yourselves to strengthen the base from which aboriginal peoples can flourish and be recognised as a unique race with so much to teach the rest of the world |
| Paul from Canada |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Aboriginal culture and art should be respected for its fundamental qualities imported trinkets dilute and cloud the goodness that exists. |
| Anonymous |
I disagree with imports |
Telling people that they are getting genuine Aboriginal art but selling them imitations is lying and stealing. They are stealing money from people that value where the art really comes from. |
| Anonymous |
I don't care |
I do not have a problem with imports as long as they don't hurt anyone. |
| Anonymous |
I agree with imports |
I agree with imports only if they are very clearly market. |
| Peter from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Undercuts the benefit available to aboriginal people creating genuine aboriginal arts and crafts |
| Peter from New Zealand |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Aboriginal arts & crafts should only be made & benefit Australian Aboriginal people. |
| Peter Johnsson from Sweden |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I disagree because its wrong to sell something when what you are selling are sold in the name of lies. It is the act of a thief and nothing else. This is widely spread in the world today and goes as deep as to the inner core of the western society... The problem is though that to take full responsibility in your own actions is as hard as life itself... so to round of this motivation for myself I must quote a great thinker who walked this earth a long time ago: "Let him who stands without sin cast the first stone" |
| Randy Cook from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
That's fraudulent and should be illegal and is definitely immoral. I see the same thing happen here with souvenirs. my Dad came from the Smoky Mtns area and when I visit< I see fake Indian Arts. Much the same and way not kewl. |
| Ray from Australia |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Fraud & Theft. What else do you call it when they pretend that their bodgy fake item is something that it is not. They then steal the revenue from these items which they mislead people into believing are made by Aboriginal communities. The money goes overseas & the Aboriginal community has been duped twice - They don't get any revenue from the sale and the customer now has an item which he will not need to buy again. |
| Remy from France |
I strongly disagree with imports |
These imports will kill aboriginal culture and it doesn't allow aboriginal crafters to live of their works that they are the only one that can do it it is their own culture. Imports are all but respect for aboriginal people! |
| Reynaldo Brutton Cieza from Peru |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Because it works economical and cultural against the aboriginal people and the australian country it could derivates to less people making local craft and losing tradition. A country must preserve its culture by manufacturing the elements that characterize them and makes them prevail in history. |
| Rhonda Cross from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
This diminishes the importance of retaining original Aboriginal arts and crafts. Once this craft is extinct then what will happen. The Aboriginal arts must remain pure in order to represent the truest essence of the culture. |
| Anonymous from Canada |
I disagree with imports |
I disagree if they are marketed as genuine. Otherwise the aboriginals have as much right to make a buck. |
| Anonymous from Australia |
I strongly disagree with imports |
It devalues the culture. |
| Anonymous |
I disagree with imports |
I believe it takes much business away from any culture imports that is. plus if someone is going to buy something it shouldn't be a fake or as I like to call a lie. |
| Robert from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
An original Aboriginal didj is a unique high quality item. It should not be confused with lesser the lesser quality fakes. It is important to give work and support to the native population. |
| Robert Heller from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
How can something be passed off as genuine if its imported and the didj market should be used to help support the aboriginal people |
| Robert from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I think its wrong because it cheapens the work real Aboriginal people do and it's wrong because only Aboriginal people should be selling that's called Aboriginal. |
| Robert from Australia |
I strongly disagree with imports |
They are not the real deal. buy from real australian aborigines not from other countries |
| Robert from Japan |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Because it is stealing both income and identity. It is fraudulent and ought to be illegal. |
| Robert Pettit from USA |
I disagree with imports |
They should not be passed off as authentic |
| Anonymous from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Culture is being lost. |
| Robert from USA |
I disagree with imports |
It's not all bad..but the aboriginal arts should be protected |
| Robson Castilho from Brazil |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I disagree because we are spreading the Indian culture |
| Rodney Cornelius from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
1. Deprives all Aboriginal people of their birthright (including adequate remuneration for their art work. 2. Selling artifacts as genuine (when in fact they're not) is fraud. |
| Anonymous |
I disagree with imports |
Si toglie il significato all'artigianato locale e si specula sul loro costo |
| Ron from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
The word "fraud" comes to mind which basically means someone is making money at the Aboriginals' expense. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I believe that importing cheap replicas is first an insult to the original craftsmen and second it provides unfair competition to the real artists. |
| Roseanna Cannaday from USA |
I agree with imports |
I think everyone should be able to enjoy the beautiful artwork of the aborigines. |
| Rosemary Mclean from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
It cheapens the art. As a teacher we had a project where the kids each made a didge. Some used bamboo some used pvc pipe. This gave them an appreciation for the art and the tremendous work that goes into it. When I visited Australia in 1980 we bought a didge and still love it today--as an original piece of Aboriginal Culture. If they are selling small plastic copies as a cheap memory that is one thing and I wouldn't disagree with that; but selling them as original art and taking away from the people whose craft it is--I find that unacceptable. |
| Roxann from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I think history has shown that when you import counterfeit art the native aboriginals stop making their own resulting in an extinction of crafts/arts/languages/customs etc etc etc |
| Anonymous |
I disagree with imports |
It puts local people out of work and is not genuine. |
| Anonymous |
I disagree with imports |
I think the items should be properly identified as to place and mode of manufacture. |
| Anonymous from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
They misrepresent the Aboriginal culture and rob real Aboriginal artisans of their living. Would you want to buy Italian leather shoes when visiting Rome that were made in Beijing? |
| Anonymous from USA |
I disagree with imports |
For products to be called Aboriginal they should be made with true Aboriginal techniques. The more copies are made the more authentic techniques are compromised and lost. |
| Samuel from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
It interferes with the legitimate livelihood of Aborigines and floods the market with crappy products. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Unfair to Aboriginal people. |
| Anonymous |
I agree with imports |
I agree because it promotes history of aboriginal arts and helps the economy. |
| Sasa from Croatia/Hrvatska |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Aboriginal arts and crafts are amongst the oldest arts in the world done in a beautiful spiritual and meaningful way. Aboriginal community should have the benefits of their culture if they chose to sell it and their art should not be trivialized in a factory money-making setting of cheap labour and stashed in "made-in-china" souvenir department. Aboriginal art has a real spiritual power and it should be felt and respected. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
The copies are not originals. In order to keep the tradition alive no cheap imports should be sold as genuine art. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
It is all about one word _ "Respect" I am sure the word says it all |
| Anonymous |
I agree with imports |
Well I think it could be good so people from other countries may learn about Aboriginal culture. |
| Anonymous from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I despise the practice of passing things off as original. I would much rather pay more for something that I know is real (a real Gucci or Prada bag over a knockoff). |
| Shirley Elmore from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I think this is an original art and no one should try to take the place of original people. |
| Sid from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I know that this is done other places. When I visited Hawaii I bought a hat made in China for a company in Florida to sell as a Hawaiian souvenir. It made me wonder what was real and what was "made up" just for the tourists not only in the souvenir stands but in all aspects of the culture that we were witnessing. My opinion is that this practice creates a false impression of the real personality and nature of the Aboriginal people. They become more two-dimensional less real and when the time comes to deal with issues that concern them the mental images conjured up are of cartoons rather than real-life people. |
| Siegfried from Germany |
I disagree with imports |
In principle it's unserious to deal with forged culture goods but on the other side it prevents the aborigines to sell out their culture or to see the own culture only as a thing to earn money loosing all affinity to the own roots. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Originals are better |
| Simon Clutterbuck from Canada |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I disagree because they are not made from the same materials and by the Aboriginal peoples who know how to produce them correctly and with the cultural expertise that goes into making them. it also creates a bad impression for aboriginals when these low quality instruments are portrayed as the real thing and takes away the money from these people who can supply quality instruments. |
| Anonymous from United Kingdom |
I strongly agree with imports |
I believe that any country should encourage local cultural traditions firstly to keep the traditions alive (especially considering the poor treatment of the Aboriginal Australians firstly by the British government and then their own) and also because I imagine the work conditions of those making cheap imitations is probably quite poor. |
| Stephan from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I think that "genuine" imports are misrepresentations of actual Aboriginal art. It is as you stated - "a copy" and should be identified as such. Authenticity versus representation should be differentiated when identifying a people's culture and way. |
| Anonymous |
I don't care |
It depends on the product. |
| Steve Meek from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I think it takes away from the native culture and takes away almost all the meaning of the arts and crafts! |
| Steve Timms from United Kingdom |
I disagree with imports |
Aboriginal art should be done by aboriginal people |
| Anonymous from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I disagree with anyone exploiting and any native groups whether American Indians or Australian Aborigines. |
| Anonymous |
I disagree with imports |
I am not totally opposed to importing them just opposed to selling them under the illusion that they are genuine. |
| Suzanne Flusche from USA |
I disagree with imports |
For the crafts to have value to tourists they must be made the people they represent |
| Anonymous |
I disagree with imports |
People buying them might think they're authentically made by aboriginal people but the aboriginal people don't profit from the sales. |
| Takisha from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
It's false advertising. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I strongly disagree because although people have the right to choose to buy a cheap instrument they need to know what they are buying rather than being mislead. |
| Anonymous |
I disagree with imports |
The regional culture is too rich to be stolen or sold. |
| Anonymous |
I disagree with imports |
Unfair to the aboriginal people |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
It "cheapens" aboriginal art and takes money away from those who craft the genuine items. |
| Anonymous from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
If I were Australian I'd be opposed to world trade to keep my nation autonomous from other countries. But I'm not an Aussie and I don't mind importing goods made in Australia into my America. |
| Anonymous from Switzerland |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Its not an original! |
| Thomas from Australia |
I disagree with imports |
I think it's important to know where these products are coming from and understand their significance. It means that someone overseas is making money for false aboriginal products. |
| Tiago Francisquinho from Portugal |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Is very simple my dear friends.. is a false culture that are selling!it seems like injustice to me!what about you? " |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Apart from not supporting and empowering Australia's indigenous peoples I think people should clearly know what they are buying. The world is so full of deceitful crap already!! - in this case it cloaks a wonderful culture with tacky materialism. I could start ranting and raving...but I'd rather go and didge it out!! |
| Timothy from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
As with Native American Arts Crafts and other products these people make their living in most cases this way. If you want a copy of something make it yourself! |
| Todd from Canada |
I strongly disagree with imports |
When I pay for something like a didj I'm sorry but I demand that it be authentic if advertised as such... to sell something under false pretense I believe is illegal |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I don't think that it offers pieces that are authentic. Sometimes the quality suffers. |
| Victor from Netherlands |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Misleading to sell imported stuff as "genuine". If called "replica" it would just be trade although one could question the labour conditions of the people manufacturing these goods. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I have nothing against copied crafts but in that case case they have to clearly say it otherwise it is just robbing of a culture and a scam for those who buy it |
| Warner Recabaren from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
The imports cheat buyers into believing they are purchasing authentic didgeridoo due to the local it was purchased from. |
| Anonymous from Canada |
I strongly disagree with imports |
It's not much a souvenir if it's not made by the people it represents |
| Anonymous from Netherlands |
I disagree with imports |
The import of the cheap copied arts is a crime. They just destroy the aboriginal culture with it. It's a beautiful culture but this is not the right way to send that message to the world |
