‘Isolation is always a lonely experience.

Compare how de Heer and Clarke examine the impacts of isolation in their texts.

Both authors explore the complexities of the impact’s isolation has on aboriginal communities and
growing up ‘black’ in a white dominant country. De Heer portrays his view on isolation through his
film “Charlies Country” where Charlie the main protagonist, is shown in extensive scenes being
isolated by choice and the beneficial and negative effects caused by it. Whereas Clarkes view on
isolation is shown through her memoir in “The Hate Race” where she’s shown as a ‘black’ girl
attempting to fit in and in result becoming isolated. Both authors examine the benefits and negatives
of becoming isolated, whether it being one’s choice or whether it becomes forced upon them, with
aside their own different views which is portrayed through each of their pieces.

In both "The Hate Race" by Clarke and "Charlie’s Country" by de Heer, isolation is a prevailing theme
that emanates the essence of a deeply lonely and harrowing experience. Clarke vividly captures her
feelings of alienation, expressing, ‘I didn’t know what I was doing, but I knew exactly what I was
doing. ‘This tension between consciousness and reflex articulates the complexities of her isolation as
a black child in a white suburb. Conversely, de Heer's film captures Charlie's sentiments through his
outburst: “Why did you come here? From far away… stealing people’s stuff! Is this your land?...
Fucking bastards.” Charlie's feelings of dispossession and estrangement from his homeland mirror
Clarke's experiences, though rooted in different circumstances. Clarke's "The Hate Race" unravels the
toll isolation takes on one's psyche. The contemplation, ‘here was my chance to finally get some kind
of advantage out of my blackness.’ underscores her struggles with racial identity. Similarly, in
"Charlie’s Country", the protagonist's detachment from his cultural roots is both a pain point and a
revelation. His assertion, “I’m free now. I have my own supermarket! And this is my country! I can
dance with it!”, suggests a reclaiming of agency and identity amidst a sense of loss.

Both texts beautifully encapsulate the challenges and confrontations their protagonists face against
societal biases and systemic prejudices. Clarke's voice against the racial bias is poignant in her
recount: ‘I was angry that my speech...cultural dancing was now the organising committee’s
preference.’ In parallel, Charlie's confrontation with societal norms is vividly captured when he
exclaims, “You’ve got a job, and you’ve got a house…on my land. Where’s my house? Where’s my
job?”. Both characters, through their respective narratives, challenge the conditions that enforce
their isolation.

The resilience of both protagonists shines through as they navigate their challenges. Clarke's
assertion, ‘This is my children’s country, of that, I am sure. They were born here…’reaffirms her sense
of belonging and lineage in the face of adversity. Similarly, Charlie's affirmation, “We need to teach
them… the traditional ways.”, stresses the importance of preserving and passing down indigenous
traditions. Both "The Hate Race" and "Charlie’s Country" underscore that confronting isolation
doesn't just pave the way for personal growth and self-awareness, but also sows seeds for future
generations to find their footing.