Deadly Unna? is a novel conveying a series of power struggles portrayed through football, race, family and community.

The complex power struggles reflected throughout ‘Deadly Unna ? ‘ can be defined within a number of key topics such as football, racism, community and family. This makes up their remote communities approach to life. The Competition for dominance can also be represented by bullying and to a subtler extent, language and change.

Racism is greatly accepted in the community. It goes to such an extent were it is normal and expected to separate yourself from the other kind. It is in much the same way that most children expect their peers to have watched an interesting show on television. Racism is a means of gaining power over the victims giving you a false sense of superiority. In their community, it earns respect from peers.

Mad-dog refuses to shake the extended hand of Dumby Red because of his skin colour – pg.29

The silent dispute between Blacky with Tim against the often drunken father eventually escalates to become an intense confrontation. Set in the fathers tool shed, Blacky is found attempting to take his fathers paintbrushes which he dearly treasures. Blacky is questioned about the reason for his action and instead of telling a simple white lie, he boldly tells the truth. This act of rebellion is an attempt to gain freedom and power. If he was allowed to go without punishment, the children will feel a greater sense of liberty. They may believe that if Blacky could get away with wrong doing, they should be able to aswell. Not too long after, the siblings prove their team-spirit by accompanying Blacky to rid the walls of the ‘Boongs *iss off’ graffiti. Earlier they had stood up to the enraged father to protect Blacky from his wrath in the tool shed. A family that sticks together, stays together.

Together his siblings accompanied him to finally clean the graffiti and stand up to their father – pg 268

The respect immediately gained by Blacky from his unintentional interception of the ‘thumper’ just proved the significance of a football feat. Excellent performance on the field raises the popularity of an individual off field. Following the football grand final were this all happened, a great party was held. There were people that Blacky did not even know slapping him on the back. Football can greatly alter the holdings of power.

Many people recognised and congratulated him who he previously would not have even said ‘hello’ before – pg. 131

The community which Blacky and his company live in promotes a variety of deeds which most of us see as horrendous. The most emphasised of such is the racism. Choice lies in the hands of men, who spend a great deal of their time at the local pub. In the process, they are forsaking their family. Aswell as this, underage smoking is a common sight among Aboriginals and the White people alike. Both of these actions advocate freedom and as a result greater power for respectively the men and the underage smokers.

Blacky is offered a cigarette from Clarence which he accepted, but instead of inhaling the smoke he immediately releases.

Bullying is a major theme excluded from the topic statement. It is a common event that is integrated into nearly ever one’s daily lives. It used as a means of amounting power by putting another person down. This may give them a false sense of superiority and continue to bully. An example is Mr. Robertson who is called ‘Arks’ behind is back. This is because he tends to say ‘arks’ instead of ‘ask’.

‘we call him ‘arks’ behind his back because he says ‘arks’ instead of arks’ –Blacky – pg 3

Although the topic statement is apparently true, there are many truths that are left out. Power in this Outback Australian community determines a great deal to other aspects of their life. As a result of gaining or loosing power through activities, there is the prospect that you will be treated differently next time it is performed. If you are known for making humorous interjections, people will give you a chance for ‘one-upmanship’ before them ; thus shifting the balance of power in your favour. Not only in this novel but in the world, people’s respect or fear  you will be product of gaining power.

Deadly Unna?

By Arun B – 8a