“You can’t share a country.

“High Ground explores the consequences of trying to control and own a

country. Discuss

The First Nation People are forced to adhere to European ways of living, which leads to tension and
conflict between the two groups in the movie “High Ground” directed by Stephan Maxwell Johnson.
This tension in “High Ground” was a direct result of violent European settlement and their fight for
control over the nation and over the First Nation People. The film showed constant ethical struggles
within characters, on both sides and we watch as they argue their point of view endlessly instead of
keeping an objective standpoint where they can learn and grow in character. The frustratingly
stubborn mindset shown by the majority of the individuals was intentional by writer and director
Stephan Maxwell Johnson to represent the times the movie was set in and to show a contrast
between the characters that showed glimmers of hope.

Conflict begins with intituled European settlement imposing cultural norms on the First Nation
People. When you force someone to do something resentment will form but if you can convince
them that what you want them to do is worth doing, they will do it willingly and the job will be done
properly with little ramifications. Instead, the foreigners chose forceful action and where meet by
resistance. "You can't share a country. We have to fight for what we believe in." Former police officer
Travis says this after siding with the First Nation People after witnessing a totally avoidable massacre
of the First Nation People. Following this incident, a rebellion group created by survivor Baywara was
formed to fight against the growing threat against Indigenous Australians lives. This led to an even
greater level of conflict between the opposing groups when a European village was attacked
supposably killing a white woman. When asked why he fought back and chose violence Baywara
explains “I’m not a violent man. But when you take a man’s land and his family, you take everything
he has. And that’s when a man has nothing left to lose.” Force is never the correct way to get what
you desire, disusing a mutual agreement using your manners and not invoking violence is a correct

The dangers of imposing one’s groups cultural norms on another;

The need for reconciliation and mutual understanding.

How acceptance of cultural differences lead to a happier, safer country