David Unipon Case Study

Examine the story of David Unaipon. Why was his undoubted ability not used in science?

David Unaipon was born in 1872 in the small aboriginal community of Raukkan, South Australia (ABC, 2015). Unaipon was the fourth of nine children and his childhood was changed by conflict between Christians and Aborigines due to the lack of understanding between the different culture and belief systems (ABC, 2015). His education was limited as he began school at the age of seven, at Point McLeay Mission School and left to become a servant at 13 (Walker, 2013). He was known for his intelligence through his schooling life and was highly praised by the “Aborigines’ Friends ' Association” for his intellectual abilities (AWM, 2010). As a young adult, Unaipon

One instance was when he was credited by one newspaper for his sheep shearing invention (AWM, 2010). The article was abundant with racist remarks and “jokes” towards Unaipon (AWM, 2010). One of these included Unaipon being labelled as “Australia’s cleverest darkie” (AWM, 2010). The photo of the article that produced this can be seen in the appendix under figure 1.1. The Australian War Memorial website states that although David Unaipon was adequately well known, he was refused accommodation and many other services due to being of Aboriginal ethnicity (AWM, 2010). Even though Unaipon was a prominent figure within Australia, he was refused many services and rights that Caucasians and other races would have received. His undoubted scientific knowledge being used within the Australian community is one of

In 1901, the same year Australia was federated, the Commonwealth constitution stated that “Aboriginal natives votes shall not be counted” and thus placing them into the flora and fauna section and introducing the white Australian policy (Korff, 2011). David Unaipon was just 29 years old when this occurred (Gizmodo, 2004). While Unaipon was alive there were many instances of institutionalised racism that further widened the gap between aborigines and Caucasians (Gizmodo, 2004). In 1926, when Unaipon was 54 years old 11 aborigines were murdered, however when the criminal was caught, they were let free (Korff, 2011). This shows that aborigines were being discriminated against throughout Unaipon’s life with many laws targeted against them and many legal options being taken away from them. It was only in 1967 that the indigenous were given basic rights, and were included in the Australian census and fully classed as a “person” and recognised for this (Korff, 2011). Sadly, this was held 109 days after Unaipon died and proves that he had to endure racism during the entirety of his life. It is evident through these examples that racism played a major role in why David Unaipon’s ability was not used in science and this is seen through the institutionalised racism present during Unaipon’s life.

In conclusion it is evident that David Unaipon’s undoubted ability was not used within the scientific