Culture

  • Remembering how to fight

    When history is denigrated, such as in these times, Renato Redentor Constantino’s book of essays, which brings together an array of little-known facts about the history of imperialism — from the Philippine-American war, World War II, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq — is a welcome and refreshing read. The sharp analysis is delivered with passion, humour and style. Underlying his writing is the commitment of an activist involved in the struggle for social change.

  • West Papua's struggle for justice

    The arrival of the 43 West Papuan asylum seekers in Australia in January forced Australians to confront two blights on this country’s history: the government’s appalling treatment of refugees and the same government’s ongoing support for the Indonesian occupation of West Papua. The nation held its breath (and some of us kept up the protests) while Canberra sent the West Papuans off to Christmas Island and decided on what to do next.

  • On the box

    Message Stick: A Line in the Sand — The story of the Palm Island community as it prepares for the second anniversary of Mulrunji's death in custody. ABC, Friday, November 17, 6pm. Science: The Age of Aids — After a quarter of a century of

  • Killing the future

    Who Killed the Electric Car? exposes the scandal involving oil companies, car manufacturers and the US government in killing the EV1 - the battery-powered electric car produced by General Motors in 1996. The EV1 was clean, non-polluting, cheap and efficient, and could have contributed to saving the environment.

  • Rocking the Block

    Gathering Ground: history ceremony protestThe Block, RedfernNovember 16-18, from 7.30pm

  • Hope for a barren world

    Children of MenScreenplay by Alfonso Cuaron and Timothy J SextonDirected by Alfonso CuaronWith Clive Owen, Julianne Moore, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Clare-Hope Ashitey and Michael CaineIn cinemas now

  • Save the Goolengook

    The Last ValleyDirected by Peter VaughanCapitol Theatre, 113 Swanston St, MelbourneNovember 14, 8pmentry $10/7conc.<>