“None of the central characters in Stolen could be held responsible for their own fate and the outcome of their lives.” Do you agree?

The removal of aboriginal children from their homes dated back to the 1800’s, but was most prolific between 1910 and 1970. Official government policy was adopted surrounding the ‘stolen generation’ in 1937, and it often combined the ideologies of the church. The intention was for aboriginal culture to perish, along with the identity of being aboriginal. Aboriginal children were bought up as ‘whites’, with no links to their heritage. It was thought that this was best.
After being taken from their parents, children were placed in institutions. The intension of such institutions was to ensure that the children were turned into Christians and ‘useful’ citizens. Children were trained for cheap household labour, and were often open to sexual abuse. This caused immense physiological scaring that lead many to suicide, and left others in mental homes as adults.
The five central characters in Stolen all have their trials and tribulations. Jimmy changes from a ...