113
I
Identification is the process of recognition by the self
and others, of location in a world and of the self-sameness of
*
identity.
JVhen there is not this perception the stage is set for a
progress to identity-diffusion, that is the lack of success in
in establishing identity brought about when one is unable to
establish one’s self-sameness.
і
I
1
4
I
It was argued in Chapter VIII that stereotyping arising
from legislation and policy acted to socialize Aborigines into
negative identity.
S
І
1 !
In the case of naming, it was hypothesized that an examination
і
J
of naming would be shown to reveal the lack of autonomy of the
]
♦ I
Aboriginal people, to nihilate their world of meaning, to locate
і
their identity in racial categories within a negative identity.
I
C
1
4
It was further hypothesized that a syndrome of disturbance і
in identity formation has been caused by the process through
which Aborigines have been identified, that is, that the dominant
I
society, by constantly changing the criteria and manner of
identification (that is, by changing the criteria for self-sameness),
has created a situation leading to identity-diffusion for Aboriginal
people, preventing them from establishing a satisfactory
identity.
This hypothesis will now be examined, through a scrutiny of
the criteria used for identification for census purposes and the
criteria and processes of identification found,in general, in
government policy and practice before 1967.
⅛ypothesis 1.2, p. 42.