RE: Isa’s Librarian Q&A
Isa, I apologize for this post but your post won’t allow me to submit my answer to the question you asked 
“I have been focusing on movies/TV shows because books have been harder to find.
Of course, there is the “father” of modern racial stereotyping “They’re A Weird Mob” by an Englishman who writes under the pseudonym Nino Culotti.
Christos Tsiolkas “Loaded”. The movie “Head On” was based on this. However, these works are heavily homosexual so some folks may not be able to deal with it.
I notice most “Ethnic” fiction in Oz is geared to the teen reading market. Melina Marchetta’s “Looking for Alibrandi” & “Saving Francesca”. There was also another teen book I found called “Does My Head Look Big In This?” by Randa Abdel-Fattah. This book dragged on a little with all the text but what I found most revealing where the adult moments especially with her uncle and the Greek neighbour.”
I identify with the term "Cross-Cultural Kid". Born of Croatian parents, I am the first-generation born outside the "homeland". Being viewed as "Ethnic" in Australia was socially isolating and being moved to more "Anglo" places with every move was very difficult. Moved to Canada when I was 19. My real formative years. Going back to Australia when I was 22 was traumatic. One year later I moved to America where I have been since 2003... I have never lived in a place more than 5 years at a time. I have been asked "where are you from" since as far as I can remember. My accent changes subconsciously in different groups of people. I am not bi-lingual but I pick up languages quickly. I have diverse interests which makes people think I am weird (c'mon, you know you relate lol). I relate to minorities quickly and know many other's peoples customs, culture etc yet am always viewed as an outsider because I also am a minority wherever I go (usually living in minority neighbourhoods where Croatian-Australians do not reside lol). I usually find anyone I form a bond with is also a Cross-Cultural Kid or come from a family that is politically active with a global mindset. I am looking to meet new friends and maybe for once feeling I belong somewhere.. Peace, M
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3 Comments to “RE: Isa’s Librarian Q&A”
July 7th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Hi!!
I’ve seen parts of the film “They’re a weird mob”.
As for Marchetta: i ADORE her! I loved Alibrandi and Francensca. And i also read and really liked “Does My Head Look Big in This?” and find it amusing how Amal has been described “like Alibrandi but with a hijab”. I have not red here new book tho - i shall get onto it tho.
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July 7th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
PS. Marchetta’s new book “On the Jellicoe Road” is a departure from her Italian identity quest genre to another one - but still dealing with identity. It’s very good.
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July 7th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
I haven’t purchased the DVD for “They’re A Weird Mob” yet for my collection. The book however makes me cringe…I have been unable to finish it…
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