Introduction

Two indigenous authors that can be compared and contrasted to explore the Native American and Aboriginal Australian experiences are Joy Harjo and Kim Scott. Harjo is a Mvskoke poet and writer, while Scott is a Wiradjuri poet. Both authors write about the experiences of their respective cultures, and their work often explores themes of identity, displacement, and resilience.

Similarities

One of the most significant similarities between Harjo and Scott’s work is their shared focus on the importance of land and spirituality. For both cultures, land is not simply a physical space, but rather a sacred source of life and identity. Harjo writes extensively about the Mvskoke people’s relationship to their homeland, and she often uses natural imagery in her poetry to evoke a sense of place and belonging. Scott similarly writes about the Wiradjuri people’s deep connection to the land, and she explores how this connection has been disrupted by colonization.

Another similarity between Harjo and Scott’s work is their commitment to oral tradition. Both authors use their writing to preserve and transmit their cultures’ stories and myths. Harjo’s poetry is often inspired by Mvskoke oral tradition, and she frequently incorporates traditional stories and phrases into her work. Scott similarly uses her writing to share Wiradjuri stories and myths, and she often explores the ways in which these stories can be used to resist colonialism and affirm Aboriginal identity.

Differences

One of the key differences between Harjo and Scott’s work is their respective perspectives on colonization. Harjo writes from the perspective of a Native American whose people have been colonized for centuries. Her work often explores the trauma of colonization and the ongoing struggle for sovereignty. Scott, on the other hand, writes from the perspective of a sixth-generation Aboriginal Australian. Her work explores the intergenerational trauma of colonization and the ongoing process of healing and resilience.

Another difference between Harjo and Scott’s work is their respective representations of mainstream society. Harjo often writes about the ways in which mainstream society has marginalized and oppressed Native Americans. Her work can be critical of mainstream society, and she often uses her writing to challenge its dominant narratives. Scott, on the other hand, often writes about the ways in which mainstream society has appropriated and commodified Aboriginal culture. Her work can be satirical and subversive, and she often uses her writing to challenge mainstream society’s perceptions of Aboriginal people.

Representations of Time Period and Culture

Harjo’s work often explores the Mvskoke people’s history and culture, from their pre-colonial past to their present-day struggles. She writes about the Mvskoke people’s forced removal from their homeland, their experiences in boarding schools, and their ongoing resistance to colonization. Scott’s work similarly explores the Wiradjuri people’s history and culture, but she also focuses on the intergenerational trauma of colonization and the ongoing process of healing and resilience.

Both Harjo and Scott use their writing to represent their cultures in a positive light. They celebrate their cultures’ rich traditions and languages, and they challenge dominant narratives that portray Aboriginal and Native American people as primitive or savage.

Representations of Mainstream Society vs. Indigenous People

Harjo often writes about the ways in which mainstream society has marginalized and oppressed Native Americans. She writes about the stereotypes and prejudices that Native Americans face, and she challenges the dominant narratives that portray Native Americans as relics of the past. Scott similarly writes about the ways in which mainstream society has appropriated and commodified Aboriginal culture. She writes about the ways in which Aboriginal culture is often used for tourism and entertainment, and she challenges the dominant narratives that portray Aboriginal people as exotic or primitive.

Common Traits in Both Worlds

Both Native American and Aboriginal Australian cultures are characterized by a deep connection to the land and a strong sense of community. Both cultures also have a rich oral tradition that plays an important role in transmitting cultural knowledge and values.

Utilization of Myths and Legends

Myths and legends play an important role in both Native American and Aboriginal Australian cultures. These stories are often used to teach cultural values, explain natural phenomena, and provide guidance for living a good life. Both Harjo and Scott use myths and legends in their writing to explore themes of identity, displacement, and resilience.

Conclusion

Joy Harjo and Kim Scott are two indigenous authors whose work explores the experiences of their respective cultures. Their work is both similar and different in a number of ways. Both authors focus on the importance of land and spirituality, and they both use their writing to preserve and transmit their cultures’ stories and myths. However, Harjo writes from the perspective of a Native American whose people have been colonized for centuries, while Scott writes from the perspective of