Professor’s interviews open window into Aborigine life

Monday, January 11, 1999

Professor’s interviews open window into Aborigine life

RESEARCH: TenHouten’s work prompts positive response from
natives

By Natasha Behbahany

Daily Bruin Contributor

The wall is hidden by stacked files, towering cabinets packed
with books and a single poster of a native aborigine holding a
spear.

Sociology professor Warren TenHouten has packed his office with
the papers that have occupied his life for the past 10 years, among
them are more than 600 life-interviews chronicling the struggle of
the Australian Aborigines.

"The most valuable art are the stories people tell of their
lives," he said. These interviews are part of a study to determine
how Aborigines think and categorize the world.

To the surprise of TenHouten, the Aborigines, formerly
considered to be passive research subjects, became very interested
in the study and now value the interviews as priceless.

"I have had opposition to my research from white academics in
Australia because they have a cozy relationship with Aborigine
research centers; it’s a matter of control because Aborigines are
supposed to be ‘subjects,’" TenHouten said.

This opposition, however, has not stopped his work. Not only is
TenHouten is in the process of negotiating a documentary deal with
public broadcasting TV station KCET, he is also finishing a book
about his research.

"TenHouten has gained the respect of the Aborigines and the
respect of the students at UCLA," said Daniel Cardenas, a
fifth-year sociology student.

Cardenas, TenHouten’s research assistant, has been working with
the professor for two years and played an active role in gathering
undergraduate students to work on the project.

According to Cardenas, interviews must be broken down into
groups such as gender, age and speakers. It is a lengthy process
that requires the 35 undergraduate students working on the project
to spend 15 to 20 hours a week organizing the interviews, often
meeting on weekends and in the evenings.

"Without student input, the life history project would not have
happened," TenHouten said.

Students, however, recognize TenHouten’s efforts and many say
they have been personally affected by it.

"When you see someone with passion, like TenHouten, it makes you
want to get involved," said Afri Walker, a third-year sociology
student.

Walker also became part of the project because he saw he could
relate to the Aborigines. "I can identify with the oppression they
have experienced," he said.

People often know little about Aborigines prior to working on
the project.

Interestingly, TenHouten’s interviews are providing Aborigines
information about themselves. "When they interview each other, they
pour their hearts out," TenHouten said.

The Australian Aboriginal Research Institute (AARI), which is
not yet completely established due to a lack of funding, will
provide Aborigines the chance to conduct research on themselves.
TenHouten will act as chair of the Scientific Advisory Board.

"These people aren’t stupid; they need opportunities," he said.
Through the AARI, Aborigine students will be able to use computers
and attend workshops training them for research.

TenHouten estimated that they will be done categorizing
interviews by the spring; but the work for Cardenas will not be
over.

"I hope to carry on from where TenHouten leaves off," Cardenas
said.

Cardenas said through his involvement, he will be able to help
preserve a dying culture. "From this closet at UCLA, we are
learning about a language and culture that are trying to
resurface," he said.GENEVIEVE LIANG/Daily Bruin Senior Staff

Sociology professor Warren TenHouten is a specialist in
Aboriginal studies.

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