Theme and message

The main theme of the short story “Growing Up” by Anthony Hill is taught racism. The story explores how ideas about racism and racist attitudes are learned by the younger generation, perpetuating a relationship of white people as discriminators and black people as discriminated against in Australian society. This theme is further enhanced by the motif of economic inequality in Australian society.

Taught racism

By taught racism, we refer to racist and discriminatory attitudes which children learn from the adults around them. “Growing Up” is a story about racism and discrimination against Aboriginals in Australian society. In the story, an Aboriginal boy and a white boy become friends despite the general racism targeting Aboriginals. However, their friendship does not survive because racist prejudice proves too strong.

In the story, both children are influenced by the adults and children around them and develop racially influenced views. Both boys are the subject of gossip and critical looks from their peers. Neither the white children nor the Aboriginal ones view their friendship positively....