Nowrahigh8j's rap point 1.
Rap point 1.
Comments on what makes the binna binna man an
Aboriginal story.
Meme McDonald’s and Bouri Monty Pryor’s book the
binna binna man is clearly an Aboriginal story in its
presentation. The story with its strong Aboriginal
cultural beliefs and especially the way the story is
told, tell us that it is an Aboriginal book.
The cover of the binna binna man is obviously
Aboriginal. The earthy , dark colours and the large
photography of an Aboriginal boy attract the reader .
The boy is wearing a beaded necklace in the colours of
red, black and yellow. These are the colours of the
Aboriginal flag. The words “binna binna” are
Aboriginal and “Bouri” is an Aboriginal name . The
blurb tells us part of an Aboriginal story. Inside the
book Aboriginal illustrations like the frog watermark
continue the theme.
The story of the trip up to Yarrie, the funeral and
its aftermath, is told through the eyes of a teenage
boy whose name we are not given. We know he is “cus”
to “Sister Girl” and is part of a large Aboriginal
family including several “Popeyes”, nanas, aunties,
uncles, cousins and his mum. Inside, is his
‘Girragundji’, his frog spirit and inner voice who
gives him strength and helps him face his fears.
Although we do not find out how or why Sister Girl
died, we are told she had been locked up by the police
and that this experience has changed her:
“The bullymen, the cops, locked Sister Girl up.
My nanna reckons she never been the same when she
come out. She couldn't get a grip on
anything. That whirlpool sucked her down.She got
that fear stuck in her.’’ (p41)
The poor relationship with the police “the bully men”,
the fear and superstition are all strongly part of
Aboriginal experience. We are told that “losing too
many of us mob” is a common experience and that
alcohol is a form of escape but part of the problem.
We learn too that there is a strong sense of family, a
strong pride in culture and an enduring sense of
humour. As well, the closeness to the land is
emphasized: “The earth smells warm like home.” (p50)
(p50)
The way the story is told and the strong use of
Aboriginal language, Wiradjuri language, from Boori
Prior’s nation at Yarrie, make the book powerfully
one with an authentic Aboriginal voice “Eungee”,
“migaloo”, “jalbu”, “wongy”and “bibras” are just a
few of the many words which are used in the story. The
use of spoken language with “Aboriginal” feel and non
standard use of grammar, also adds colour. “Your
mooyu jarred up real tight, eh cus ?” (p39) “I’m not
even whispering, just praying. Shandell’s smirking at
me, but.” (p35)
Find local movie times and trailers on Yahoo! Movies.
http://au.movies.yahoo.com
