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Big White Lie

Chinese Australians in White Australia

By John Fitzgerald

(2)

| Paperback | 9780868408705

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Book Description

Much has been written about the White Australia Policy, but very little has been written about it from a Chinese perspective. Big White Lie shifts our understanding of the White Australia Policy--and indeed White Australia--by exploring what Chinese Australians were saying and doing at a timeContinue

2 Reviews

This is a fascinating history; from my own knowledge and family experiences I would've expected most of it, but it was interesting to read about the key players. It's understandably NSW & Vic centric, but given my own history I would've liked to see some of the history of Chinese Australians in Quee ... (continue)

This is a fascinating history; from my own knowledge and family experiences I would've expected most of it, but it was interesting to read about the key players. It's understandably NSW & Vic centric, but given my own history I would've liked to see some of the history of Chinese Australians in Queensland. Ultimately, though, it's a great and well-researched book, and a good counter to the still-pervasive idea that the White Australia Policy was some kind of understandable reaction. What's frightening about it is that when Fitzgerald talks about the justifications, there's an eerie parallel to the talking points about Middle Eastern Australians. I want to hand this book to everyone who spouts ridiculous talking points about "those people" not understanding "our values".

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Jennifer Gearing said on Nov 16, 2008 | Add your feedback

This is a fascinating history; from my own knowledge and family experiences I would've expected most of it, but it was interesting to read about the key players. It's understandably NSW & Vic centric, but given my own history I would've liked to see some of the history of Chinese Australians in Quee ... (continue)

This is a fascinating history; from my own knowledge and family experiences I would've expected most of it, but it was interesting to read about the key players. It's understandably NSW & Vic centric, but given my own history I would've liked to see some of the history of Chinese Australians in Queensland. Ultimately, though, it's a great and well-researched book, and a good counter to the still-pervasive idea that the White Australia Policy was some kind of understandable reaction. What's frightening about it is that when Fitzgerald talks about the justifications, there's an eerie parallel to the talking points about Middle Eastern Australians. I want to hand this book to everyone who spouts ridiculous talking points about "those people" not understanding "our values".

Is this helpful?

Ariella Drake said on Jun 29, 2008 | Add your feedback