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 |
It floods the market with poor quality imitations and diminishes the chance for Aboriginal artists and musicians to promote their culture and crafts. It is a corrupt and tasteless legal copyright. |
| Anonymous from Belgium |
I disagree with imports |
Well all production and exportation of a product will involve a competition about prices versus quality then we all care about having the quality in the respect of aboriginal people who knows their product the best isn't it? |
| Andre Bakkers from Netherlands |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Because I'm a big fan of aboriginal art and I don't like to be 'screwed' with fake stuff when I think I have genuine arts. They will ask much money for it and is isn't real. |
| Anonymous |
I don't care |
Really It doesn't have to do with me in anyway So I don't care too much about it |
| Anonymous |
I disagree with imports |
I think that the cheap imports can help to put Aboriginal people out of work |
| Anssi from Finland |
I strongly disagree with imports |
These is no reason to import copied arts and crafts when the real deal is already available and could benefit the Aboriginal people whose art it is anyway. |
| Anonymous |
I disagree with imports |
I don't think they should be sold as genuine if they are copies. |
| Ariane from Canada |
I strongly disagree with imports |
It doesn't provide an authentic image of the aboriginal culture and arts (Aboriginal art is everything but cheap art....) it supports children work |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
These should be made by aboriginal people only and noone else. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Fraud is fraud a lie is a lie. Cheap imports from non-aboriginal sources is unethical and is tantamount to stealing not only from Aboriginal peoples but from those who unwittingly buy a 'supposed' authentic item. The love of money;i.e. greed is not a good thing! |
| Brennan from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
False advertising |
| Brett Macfarlane from Canada |
I agree with imports |
I do not believe a piece of art should be imported as a genuine piece if it is not such. If it is labeled as "inspired" by Aboriginal art it is giving a wider population exposure to aboriginal arts that they may never get a chance to otherwise see. |
| Brian from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
A didgeridoo is an Australian instrument developed by the Aboriginal people an instrument sold as Aboriginal but made elsewhere and not using aboriginal methods is an insult and is fraud!! |
| Cheryl from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Regardless of my knowledge or lack thereof regarding the statistics in the earlier questions I am totally against any practice that undermines support of genuine culture. |
| Chris from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
They are not authentic and spoil true arts |
| Christopher from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Art should be what it claims to be. The only reasons for cheap knock offs are greed and capitalism Both do nothing to celebrate the original Aboriginal culture. |
| Collin Jones from USA |
I disagree with imports |
Despite being uninformed on this issue I imagine that the importing of goods sold as Aboriginal art affects the remaining Aboriginal people who may have a harder time selling their goods as a result of shops opting to buy cheaper imported goods. |
| Anonymous from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
My reasoning for disagreeing with importing cheap copied Aboriginal arts is because it takes away jobs and money from the Aboriginal people who need it. |
| Cynthia from Canada |
I disagree with imports |
I feel that every culture has the right to its own traditions in so far as they do not do harm to others. Certainly the arts (of any culture) qualify as a positive contribution of to the world at large. In that spirit I feel that room (socially and in the market) must be made for peoples to share the heart of their art and culture with others. They should be able to support themselves from it without it being intruded upon and devalued by shallow imitators merely after a quick profit. The spirit of the act counts. If imitators are sincere in their intent to learn the art/culture and keep the heart and meaning of the art then they should be able to participate (so long as they are genuinely sincere and forthright about their intent and honour the Mother culture of their efforts). If the intent is to flood the market with crap in order to make a quick profit then no there is no heart or culture-respect there. |
| Anonymous from USA |
I agree with imports |
I think its a way to let other countries appreciate their culture. |
| Anonymous |
I disagree with imports |
Should keep the arts authentic and not commercialised |
| David from United Kingdom |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I strongly disagree with importing copied goods to sell as authentic Aboriginal art. I think Australia should support and promote the Aboriginal people. Importing copied goods is dishonest if they are being sold as authentic and I feel it is disrespectful to Aboriginal people. The main reason I chose to buy from this site is because it stated that all merchandise was bought from Aboriginal people - the ethic appeared to be about support fair trade and sustainability. |
| David from Australia |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I believe that the aboriginals of australia should be the only ones to benefit from there culture. The boo the didgeridoo phenomenon shows and indonesian maker studying aboriginal dot art why? the didjes he makes are not australian so why should the art be. |
| Anonymous |
I disagree with imports |
I disagree with the fact that they're passing off cheap product as something it's not. |
| David from USA |
I agree with imports |
I think it will help with preserving the forests and take pressure off the illegal didge trade. |
| Anonymous from Italy |
I disagree with imports |
It's obviously a cheat; but tourists often search objects with a low price: they should be informed about the real origin of the object then you can only hope in their sensibility morality and economic capabilities. |
| Anonymous |
I don't care |
It really doesn't matter whether it is imported or not just genuine. |
| Doug from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Respect. Originality of all kinds in all places should be supported and encouraged otherwise you're just making the world a cheap imitation of what it should be. Didj on! |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I disagree with any fraudulent practice -- taking advantage of the popularity and rich nature of the unique Aboriginal culture by importing cheap shoddy knock-off workmanship is unconscionable. I've seen this trash sold as "Aboriginal - imported from Australia " and the craftsmanship is a slap in the face to the true artisans. |
| Drew from USA |
I disagree with imports |
It seems as though if one wanted to experience/learn about a culture the best way to do so is to use/buy artifacts made by that culture not made by someone else's interpretation of it. in a world in which imports/exports serve as a primary source of revenue for so many countries learning this doesn't really shock me but it is disappointing. every tribe/culture/walk of life should be sacred but unfortunately that's just not the way things are. peace and love! keep didging! |
| Drew from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I believe in taking care of the indigenous peoples not taking advantage! |
| Anonymous from Australia |
I strongly disagree with imports |
It takes away jobs from the local aborigines who's traditional crafts are unique and it's dishonest |
| Eric from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I recently saw the movie Australia and I was absolutely shocked to find out that the Australian government tried to get rid the Aboriginal people of their background and culture as recently as 1973. It made me so upset to find out that one of the most unique and beautiful people's culture was almost eliminated. I believe that the Australian government should ban the import of Aboriginal fakes and support the people that have made Australia so unique. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
My own morals believe that natives to their own land should be able to thrive on their goods and artifacts! Cheap copies are not as good as authenticity. |
| Eugene from Canada |
I disagree with imports |
I think most informed tourists would like to have "authentic" aboriginal crafts. First I believe many people want to support aboriginal craftsman and the local economy. Anyone can order a "didge" from the internet or buy one at some "nature store" at a shopping mall. However if making the journey to Australia I know most people would spend the extra dollar for authentic items. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
The uses of a population has not be imported. Their own products have to be products by its population |
| Anonymous from Italy |
I agree with imports |
I agree because I think it's a good idea importing aboriginal arts and craft into australia |
| Frank from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
It's dishonest! |
| Fred from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
If people think it is original then it doesn't reflect the true culture of the Aboriginal people |
| Ian from United Kingdom |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Gives people the wrong idea about the culture of home country as product is copied badly. which in turn gives a bad image of local crafts |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
It leads to an ignorance a lack of awareness of REAL things on this planet. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Dishonest to sell imports as original |
| Anonymous from USA |
I disagree with imports |
Misrepresentation |
| James Miller from USA |
|
Imports are just cheap fakes and rip off people. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
The aboriginal arts and crafts should be created by the aboriginal people |
| Anonymous from Canada |
I disagree with imports |
Devalues the art and culture of the indigenous Australians. This sort of trade and outsourcing for cheap labour also contributes to increasing global disparity (increasing the gap between rich and poor nations). |
| Jerry from USA |
I disagree with imports |
Firstly it takes money away from the Aboriginal Tribes and gives them a bad name for shitty arts. The art on the crafts might not be an accurate representation of the arts of the aborigines. They do the same thing here in America with our Native Indians. Some people think they're buying something made by the natives but really its made in indonesia or pakistan. I strongly disagree with the practice. plus it puts australians out of work too. |
| Anonymous from Portugal |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Imports will take out the value of genuine Aboriginal arts and crafts. |
| John Heusler from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
This should be left to the original tribes in Australia. As with Native American art we see WAY too much copied mostly poorly art that is sold as REAL Native American art. I am certain it is the same there. Strongly DISAGREE with importing. Give your nation a chance to stand on its own by standing up for the ORIGINAL peoples of the country. |
| Jon from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Imports may replace the livelihood of authentic craftspersons. |
| Anonymous |
I disagree with imports |
Passing off a copy as the original is simply deceitful. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Copies of authentic arts hurt the native Aborigines and mislead buyers. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Fakes are fakes and should be plainly labeled as such if not altogether banned. More crass profiteering at the expense of those who came up with the crafts to start with! |
| Kyyan from Canada |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I disagree because these arts and crafts are rightfully those of the Aboriginals much like any indigenous cultures around the world's arts and crafts are. To take these things which are much more then simple art or craft but have a deep historical and often spiritual foundation on which they are based upon send it over to a country that has no connection with this particular tradition and no real knowledge of its historical significance in relation to the culture just to make the product as cheaply as possible to gain as much wealth as possible is consumerism and materialism at their finest. Not only does it strip away the cultural and spiritual significance rendering the arts and crafts nothing more then objects with no spirit or culture left in them (which is where the beauty desire to possess these arts and awe towards these things comes from) it takes away the livelihood of the culture itself both directly and in directly and helps to further degrade the culture and contribute to the petty novelization of something which is much more profound then economics could ever hope to touch. Finally on the other end the buyers are duped into buying something which is not authentic at all but only appears to be. That in and of itself is something I don't agree with. |
| Anonymous from Australia |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I was a practicing artist once imitations limited opportunity & desensitised cultural tolerance for authenticity. Out of financial need I got educated in the western world got a (more acceptable not preferred) job instead of being able to exercise a cultural practice. |
| Mark from USA |
I don't care |
I live in Arizona. I can buy "made in China" American flags Native American arts & crafts etc. This is just how commerce works. If I want the real thing and I usually do I'll seek it out. |
| Mark from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I disagree because buying cheap knock-offs supports ecological destruction and is therefore disrespectful to the Aboriginal peoples that gave us this remarkable instrument. |
| Anonymous from Netherlands |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Non authentic AND bad to aboriginal economics |
| Matthew from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Selling artwork as authentic pieces when they are not is highly unethical. If I wasn't concerned about this then I wouldn't shopping here. |
| Michael Blacketer from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I believe that the whole point of appreciating or obtaining any cultural handicraft is to support that culture spiritually or financially - to support and honor the traditions and lives that conjoined to create it. I don't eat artificial food so why would I nourish my spirit with cheap copies that are not produced with the love and depth of culture that authentic art is? If it's made for profit only it is not art. A copy is not a creation. |
| Michael from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Art is the basis and signature of a culture. Cheap imports negate this signature and essentially steal the cultural heritage of the people. |
| Michael Reid from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
We have the same dilution of native crafts here in Alaska...the copies are done without any knowledge of indigenous peoples or their culture and misinform visitors |
| Michael from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Art carries an impression of the soul of its creator and the real deal is worth more both is monetary mean and artistic means. |
| Mohammad Choudhery from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
People are getting ripped off at the expense of an entire culture's artistic heritage. |
| Nathaniel from USA |
I disagree with imports |
If they are trying to sell them as genuine Aborigine arts when they are not that is wrong. |
| Anonymous from Australia |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Selling imports is tantamount to selling our soul when it comes to cultural heritage. |
| Peter Huber from Germany |
I strongly disagree with imports |
If I buy an original australian Didge I will pay a good money for an authentic piece of australian spirit. |
| Randal Wilson from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Native art must be native otherwise it is homage or replica art and should be sold as such. |
| Rene Schippers from Netherlands |
I disagree with imports |
I think that if people from where ever on this globe should buy a art or craft from the aboriginal people then it should be genuine and the aboriginal people should benefit from the sell.. not some big industry bloke from a cheap labour country. Have honour please |
| Richard from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
They are taking away money from the people who need it and should have it |
| Richard Martin from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Its necessary to preserve the custom an authenticity of the arts and crafts of the aboriginal people. for there future and others to learn from and embrace. |
| Riley from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Selling cheap copies of real aboriginal art is a cruel scam to tourists that are under the impression that it is "genuine" |
| Rodney Romano from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I oppose fraud. I support respecting cultural traditions. |
| Anonymous from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I disagree with Australia importing large quantities of cheap copied Aboriginal arts and crafts because it is stealing income away from the Aborigines. Selling fake Aboriginal arts and crafts is also falsifying Aboriginal history and traditions. This is wrong. |
| Anonymous from USA |
I disagree with imports |
I think that it's good to pass along the ancestral knowledge of a trade to survive and that if they still choose to do so they could sell something that they made and make a living form it. That way when tourist come and but goods it actually came from someone who live and breaths the culture. thanks |
| Anonymous from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I disagree especially with the misrepresentation of these items as genuine Aboriginal art. Not only does this practice undermine the welfare of the true craftsmen but it dilutes their cultural heritage with cheap knock-off artifacts being passed off as the "real thing." |
| Siddharth Agrawal from Mauritius |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Nobody wants fake things! |
| Anonymous |
I disagree with imports |
They are creating an incorrect idea of a culture of people. Tourists are getting the art of a different culture thinking it is from Australia |
| Anonymous |
I disagree with imports |
I have a major problem with imports being sold to look like Aboriginal arts without knowing they were made out of the country. If it is clearly labeled as not being original then I don't see that as a problem because many tourists cannot afford original ones. |
| Stayko Staykov from Bulgaria |
I strongly disagree with imports |
A deal is a deal. And when you're buying something that is claimed to be "authentic aboriginal" and it is not it's not a fair bargain. |
| Steve from USA |
I disagree with imports |
Importing is OK BUT all imports should be labeled as non-authentic. Though here in Alaska we actually have a "made in Alaska" stamp that companies apply for to get approval to use. |
| Susan from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
While this practice may be saving trees in Australia the didjes are inferior and not authentic. Furthermore the Aboriginal people are not receiving monies from this practice. It is cultural theft and a disgrace. I consider the didj a sacred instrument. |
| Tim from USA |
I disagree with imports |
Aboriginal arts and crafts should be made by aboriginal people. |
| Toby from Australia |
I strongly disagree with imports |
The imports have no true links to the true culture and meaning of aboriginal people |
| Anonymous |
I disagree with imports |
I feel that if you like a piece of art and you are lead to believe that is one thing and it is actually another than that is false advertisement |
| Anonymous from Canada |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I have tried the imports what else is there to say |
| Anonymous from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
The Aboriginal people deserve the payment for their craft as it is their culture. It is wrong to represent cheap knock-offs Aboriginal craft that is degrading to the culture. |
| Tsur Herman from Israel |
I strongly disagree with imports |
An unpure motive of egoistic personal benefit sold "sugar coated" as a revered instrument of healing. that is evil. |
| Tucker from USA |
I disagree with imports |
They should be supporting Authentic Aboriginal arts and crafts from the people that live there and are making these things as part of their culture... I would much rather have something made authentically by the Aboriginal people than imported from someplace and claimed to be "genuine Aboriginal art..." |
| Tyler Bond from USA |
I disagree with imports |
When one is visiting a new or exotic place it seems like robbing oneself to buy cheap imitation souvenirs! Additionally to do so at the disadvantage of the Aboriginal peoples you are supposedly interested in is purely wrong. I believe that souvenirs should be made by the locals and be authentic! |
| Adam from USA |
I disagree with imports |
If I were visiting any tribe in Australia I would hope the money I pay for a unique piece of history would be authentic and be used to uplift a downtrodden people. |
| Anonymous |
I disagree with imports |
Importing is fine if it is labeled as non-authentic aboriginal art. |
| Alan from Australia |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Do not (at all agree with imports) we are all Australians keep it here. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Authenticity and respect of aboriginal people is important for their dignity. |
| Anonymous from Australia |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Killing the industry |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
It diminishes the importance of the culture the art music and the people. It continues to spread misleading awareness of aboriginal culture. The quality is usually less than authentic pieces and that doesn't help. Once again the goal for the other countries is money and that has a whole slew of problems attached to it and how the drive for money has affected all people on the planet. |
| Andre from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I think it's self-evident that doing so dilutes the authenticity of these items confuses the marketplace and defrauds buyers who are led to believe they're purchasing authentic aboriginal crafts. |
| Anonymous from Canada |
I disagree with imports |
I wouldn't buy them for sure. The point of buying something made by aboriginal is the fact that they are authentic and have a story |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I disagree with that because the aboriginal people are NATIVE to australia |
| Bob from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I feel that this is a disservice to those who buy and to the Aboriginal people who utilize their crafts to further their way of life. Their culture will go away if it is continually polluted with counterfeit goods. |
| Anonymous |
I disagree with imports |
Authentic art is often better made and made with more care it really reflects the culture of the people and by selling knock-offs it hurts the culture. However without them many resources become used up and will eventually disappear. |
| Bryan from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
A product created to represent any culture should be made and sold by a member of that culture. I'm Native AMerican and resent the hell out of seeing imitation Native American flutes from China. |
| Anonymous from USA |
I disagree with imports |
I don't want a didj from Asia Australia RULES!!!! |
| Cary from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Not only is it a deceitful misrepresentation to the tourists but it takes away from the much needed income of the Aboriginal people. |
| Charles from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Aboriginal Art is a symbol of their culture and a way for them to provide for their families and tribes and this importing takes away from the quality of not only their products but of their quality of life |
| Cheryl from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
It is only the TRUE ORIGINAL PEOPLE of AUSTRALIA who have the right to create their original arts and crafts and sell them as such making the rightful amount of income for their work/art. |
| Anonymous from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Cheap imitations devalue and disrespect the original art form |
| Dagan Falk from USA |
I disagree with imports |
When other countries import these items which have never had actual aboriginal hands on them it's stealing from the culture and even the economy. |
| Anonymous |
I disagree with imports |
The same reason I don't take chocolate chips and mix them in peanut butter - reeses does it better than I can. Australian instruments are made with love pride and care in their native country! |
| Dana Doliber from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Importing Aboriginal art into Australia takes away from the essence of what the arts and crafts means to the Aboriginal peoples. It takes away from what Australia means for them. Original authentic Aboriginal arts and crafts have a spirit and soul to them. The imports do not. |
| David from USA |
I strongly agree with imports |
Cause they are amazing pieces |
| Anonymous from United Kingdom |
I disagree with imports |
I disagree for a number of reasons. the first reason is that it doesn't make sense why would you import products which you make specifically in your country. also its almost insulting its like saying to the aboriginals we like your culture but not enough to talk to you or pay you. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I believe that these are unfair practices both to Australian people and to the tourists. If I want to buy Australian artifacts or crafts I expect them to be made by Australians in Australia. |
| Dennis from USA |
I disagree with imports |
It takes away the livelihood of the Aboriginal people. |
| Dillon Whitaker from USA |
I disagree with imports |
I think that a people's art is second only to their language in preserving their heritage. As a member of the Cherokee Nation I would hate to see art being sold as authentic when it was made in some factory where there is no heart or soul put into the piece. It doesn't just cheapen the art but I think it takes away from the culture of the Aboriginal people. |
| Douglas Hannay from New Zealand |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Disagree a shame for those in Australia attempting to keep the practice of originals happening |
| Anonymous from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Its not right to take a old traditional craft and mass produce it for profit. |
| Anonymous from Italy |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I strongly disagree with imports because you lose the real message of the spirit of Aboriginal people |
| Graeme Hudson from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I feel that by importing Aboriginal arts and crafts we are insulting and hurting the aboriginal culture and their deserved income! |
| Anonymous |
I don't care |
I think in order to spread the Aboriginal arts it wouldn't be a problem to import them cheap to share the rich culture of Australia. But then again it does kind of diminish the purity of it. But I live in america and I don't have a huge stake in it. |
| Igor from Croatia/Hrvatska |
I disagree with imports |
If it is imported and sold as genuine than I disagree but if a tourist wants a cheap imported souvenir than its ok with me as long as he knows its fake |
| Jared from Australia |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Aboriginal sold in this country should be authentic made by the different aboriginal cultures of Aus. Representing the true culture. Plus money received should go to the aboriginal people to raise opportunities and preserve and educate others in their culture and laws. Aboriginals are an amazing culture of beautiful people. |
| Jeff from USA |
I disagree with imports |
If it is sold as genuine Aboriginal art/craft then it is a lie to the purchaser and a disservice to the Aboriginal communities. |
| Jeffrey Williams from USA |
I disagree with imports |
It is an ancient culture that should be respected. |
| Jerome from France |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Quality reasons aboriginal art make live aboriginal families |
| Joey from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Tourists should be able to get authentic Aboriginal art not something that 'looks' authentic. |
| John Brady from United Kingdom |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I believe that Australian artifacts should be clearly identified above all copied non-Australian tourists gifts and purchasers should be made fully aware of the origins of all items. |
| Anonymous from Australia |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I believe that Australia is shipping everything of shore as the labour costs rise and if we keep heading this we will end up as a import country only. |
| Josh from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
They're cheap imitations. Why not buy the genuine stuff and help support the Aborigines? |
| Kathee from USA |
I disagree with imports |
My parents were in Australia about 10 years ago and bought me a didge that was supposed to be authentic. I would be devastated to know that after traveling so far back home with it to find only it was a fake. |
| Katja Neumann from Germany |
I disagree with imports |
Destroys their traditional culture und is dumping the prices |
| Anonymous from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
It is not legitimate. |
| Anonymous from USA |
I disagree with imports |
The items are not authentic. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Making Aboriginal art & crafts should be done only a true person of Aboriginal blood. |
| Anonymous |
I disagree with imports |
Importing and selling as Aboriginal art is an easy way out for business people. Its a false representation of original local work and it promotes a loss for the local artists who's work should have been in its place. Its all about $ and cheapest. When a spirit is placed into a creation it should fully represent that creation/place of origin/artist and be exchanged as such. |
| Anonymous |
I disagree with imports |
I believe it is unethical to import cheap versions of genuine aboriginal art and not only convince tourists that what they are purchasing is authentic but also taking away from profits that could otherwise be turned around to the aboriginals from which the product originated. |
| Anonymous from USA |
I disagree with imports |
That seems like misrepresentation and dishonest. If I was in Australia and bought a Didgeridoo only to find out it was a cheap import passed off as the real deal... I would be ticked. Seems like at the very least it should be clearly marked as an import. But I guess then they probably couldn't charge as much. |
| Lukas from Switzerland |
I strongly disagree with imports |
This imports are not good for the aboriginal communities |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
No global buy local |
| Marianna from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I consider them copies (or fake) and should be labeled as such |
| Mario Restrepo from Canada |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Because Australia can provide the most aboriginal things made by themselves. |
| Anonymous from USA |
I disagree with imports |
I believe that the Aboriginal peoples should benefit from their culture. By importing and I assume selling to tourists this takes a large chunk of money away from the Aboriginals. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly agree with imports |
Don't know |
| Matt from USA |
I disagree with imports |
I feel like people would be getting ripped off when they think that it is authentic aboriginal art but at the same time there probably isn't a whole ton of original aboriginal art out there so the tourist economy would be effected by the lack of original art and it would be a lot cheaper to buy a memorabilia item if you don't want to spend a lot of money. |
| Matthew Brewster from Guernsey |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Should be kept in Australia made by local people who will reap the rewards of their labour when their stuff sells and those buying it will get genuine and true products that support the locals and their country. |
| Matthew from USA |
I disagree with imports |
I don't like the idea that its not culturally based and is just sold for profit |
| Michael Ivester from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
They're simply not the real thing. Fuelling an economy is one thing but abusing one's heritage my making fakes and copies of its artifacts is very wrong in my opinion. |
| Anonymous from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
If the native cultures in Australia are oppressed to the extent that Natives are in the U.S. Aboriginals probably need as much economic support as they can. By supplying counterfeits the government (mainstream society) is benefiting from the marginalization of one of the (presumably) only economic markets that Aboriginals have the sale of the crafting styles and innovations of their culture. Some would say that this is copyright infringement:) |
| Nicolas from Chile |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I disagree because they must uphold the ancient art that Australia has in its culture |
| Anonymous from USA |
I disagree with imports |
It's a lie. |
| Anonymous from Australia |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Because imported Aboriginal artwork is not authentic. This is a deceitful practice to those purchasing not to mention the fact that it takes valuable funds away from our aboriginal communities. the financial saving is not worth the ethical and moral cost someone would pay if they buy imports. |
| Anonymous from United Kingdom |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Because this is taking away the livelihood of aboriginal people and often deceiving the person who is buying the item. |
| Randy Mccormick from Canada |
I strongly disagree with imports |
First nations art is sacred to the memories of the forefathers who developed it. |
| Ricky Simpson from Us Minor Outlying Islands |
I disagree with imports |
That is their heritage |
| Anonymous from Brazil |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I think that original arts from Aboriginal People comes from direct Spiritual and Identity of there clans and costumes. I think that making money with copied arts is a great disrespect with the Country and History of its people. That's it! Thanks. |
| Rune from Norway |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I think it is undermining the value of real Aboriginal art and pardon me but it is my strongest opinion that Australia has treated the Aboriginal people bad enough already |
| Ryan Anderson from Australia |
I strongly disagree with imports |
When cheap mass-produced imitations of aboriginal arts and crafts are sold as souvenirs Aboriginal artists must compete to sell their own more expensive authentic work. Each authentic aboriginal artwork and instrument is unique and much of the beauty is in the imperfection and soul of the work. Cheap carbon-copy replica Aboriginal art has no character and is rarely hand made. I believe this has an extremely negative effect on the entire art culture especially when the cheap imitations are sold as genuine and purchased by unaware consumers thus tarnishing the reputation of Aboriginal artists and their work. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I'm just not a fan of cheap nock offs of anything. especially cultural Antiquities from any culture. but there is a plus side. the cheap nock offs of aboriginal arts and crafts do sell at cheap prices to tourists all over the world. getting the word out about the culture and the people of this country is important. and I think this is accomplished by the nock offs. but the true blue stuff. such as this sites wares will always come first. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I think that it's wrong for anyone to take part of a culture and mass produce it. That's what makes the world so commercial and passionless. |
| Shishir Agrawal from India |
I strongly agree with imports |
Because the labour is cheap in china n indonasia......corporations need profit that's it.....they don't care about the need of the locals....n that's bad |
| Simon from Australia |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Its a blatant rip off and wrong I'm more than happy to pay a fair price for the genuine product and keep jobs at home! I'd be surprised if other cultures would find it ok for Australia to produce products to export as someone else's. |
| Anonymous from Canada |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Well I disagree with the cheap imports of fake aboriginal art because it undercuts every aspect of what real aboriginal art can provide. if nobody buys the real art then the real aboriginal artist will not continue to make his or her genuine artworks and we all risk loosing the authentic art that is out there. |
| Tanya from Canada |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Importing cheap fakes and passing them off as real Aboriginal art is incredibly disrespectful towards the Aboriginal people. The quality is nowhere near as good as the real thing. The Aboriginal people are the experts on making the Didj and their other arts and crafts so why bother importing? Support the people in your OWN country!! |
| Tim from Canada |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Tourists aren't getting the real story or the real goods. Aboriginal artists suffer as they can't compete with mass-produced Chinese imitations. Awareness of Aboriginal issues is severely impacted. Artists receive less credit than they deserve. |
| Trevor Briggs from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I strongly disagree with imports of aboriginal arts and crafts because it is taking away from the culture and many of these imports are violating manufacturing labor laws and the ecological damage that corrupts the very heart of the aboriginal. |
| Anonymous from USA |
I disagree with imports |
I disagree with copies being sold as authentic/ genuine art; however if there is full disclosure it is up to buyer to decide if they want to purchase such a thing. I think a cheap copy made outside of australia would not hold the same essence as an authentic piece and would be a waste of money. |
| Vance from USA |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I believe that if the imports are copies and not actual Aboriginal works then they must be advertised as such. It is unethical to advertise a product as something that it is not. |
| Anonymous |
I strongly disagree with imports |
I strongly disagree because aboriginal native art should be carried out by their original authors with its own principles and faithful to their convictions so that they can express through art their own ways to see and live life. |
| Wayne from Australia |
I strongly disagree with imports |
Totally disagree not only are our indigenous sharing there heritage/religion with us they trusted us too maintain and respect there heritage however greedy people see that as an opportunity to take advantage of this extreme privilege of being trusted and try to exploit and damage this by importing from overseas and selling as a genuine article |
| Anonymous from Australia |
I disagree with imports |
It pulls money away from aboriginals who are the originators of the art and therefore the rightful owners of its income. |
