Black arm band theory of history
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The black arm band theory of history is a claim made by right-wing Australian politicians and intellectuals that Australian history is told as a story of atrocities and mourning. The black arm band theory of history also advances an argument that Australian historiography is dominated by left-wing intellectuals.
According to the theory, Australian and United Kingdom treatment of indigenous Australians was relatively humane and not a series of planned atrocities; and, those historians who write other accounts write 'while wearing a black arm band' of mourning and grieving. Proponents of the black arm band theory argue that Australian historiography should tell a story of ANZAC and Commonwealth triumph and growth.
John Howard's involvement in the National Museum of Australia controversy and Keith Windschuttle's claims about Tasmanian settlement constitute arguments within this theoretical perspective.