274
17.3 Cultural Viability
To a large extent, cultural viability will depend on the
preservation and strengthening of the role of language. Language
X *
not only socializes individuals into a world view alternative to
that of white society; it also forms a ’boundary from within’,
promoting the cultural cohesion of the group and preserving the
1
secret∕sacred∙ elements of the Law . .
This particular area is given the greatest importance by the
group; there is no doubt that the vernacular is held in greater
esteem than English.
The viability of the culture will also depend on the ability
of the group to discern and control those elements of white culture
which they wish to ’take', but which, in fact, contain latent
possibilities for harmful effects on the culture of the group
once they are embraced.
It would seem that some values, sedimented from white culture
(housing, clothing as possessions), are neutral when they are
adapted to Aboriginal use, not prized in themselves.
Other elements, in particular the money economy and motor
vehiclesa clearly have the possibility of suffering the same
mutation from use value to exchange value that is found in white
society. If these elements come to be prized in themselves, then
the beginnings of esteem and prestige based outside the Law will
be seen.
What is the viability of the cultural component of Strelley
vis-a-vis mainstream culture?
ɪlt may be noted that both secret societies, and societies
maintaining secrets, have great cohesion. One part-Aborigine, far
distanced from tribal culture, interviewed in the urban situation,
implied a claim to tribal culture (and identity) by purporting
to know secrets which could not be revealed.