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https://theconversation.com/tracing-the-long-history-of-aboriginal-chinese-people-in-australia-through-archives-and-art-273467>
"Metaphors of cooking and eating are a firm favourite among writers on
multiculturalism. No comment on cultural contact seems complete without the
proverbial “melting pot”. This metaphor tends to imply a balanced mix of
diverse ingredients, each adding its own flavour but merging with the whole.
We now associate this image with visions of broth, stew, maybe a fondue. In the
early 20th century, however, the phrase more often suggested an alchemical
blending of base metals in a crucible. The turning of lead into gold stood in
for the conversion of the foreign into the familiar.
The later move into the kitchen can tell us something about changing attitudes
toward cultures other than our own.
Our Story: Aboriginal Chinese People in Australia suggests another metaphor.
The National Museum of Australia exhibition brings together works of
contemporary art, personal reflections on cultural inheritance and a rich
selection of archival photographs.
While the melting pot isn’t entirely absent, a richer analogy arises here in
the equally time-honoured image of the market garden."
Share and enjoy,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
