"We're still here. We've survived and we're still thriving."
This quote by Deborah Mailman underscores the resilience, strength, and unwavering presence of Indigenous cultures despite historical hardships. The phrase "We're still here" emphasizes continuity in the face of adversity, demonstrating the survival skills and determination of Indigenous peoples. "We've survived" highlights the overcoming of challenges throughout history, from colonization to contemporary struggles. "And we're still thriving" signifies not just endurance but also progress and prosperity – a testament to the vibrant, evolving nature of these cultures today. In essence, this quote is a powerful affirmation of the Indigenous spirit and a call for acknowledgement, respect, and celebration of their ongoing contributions to society.
"There's nothing more powerful than a strong Aboriginal woman."
The quote emphasizes the extraordinary power and resilience that lies within strong Indigenous women, highlighting their influential role in society. It signifies their ability to overcome adversity, uphold cultural values, and make significant contributions to their communities and the broader world. The phrase underscores the importance of recognizing, respecting, and empowering Aboriginal women for a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse future.
"I don't believe in role models. I believe in heroes - people who do extraordinary things."
This quote suggests that Deborah Mailman values individuals who make significant positive impacts, rather than those who simply fill a certain role or position. She believes that heroes are extraordinary people who inspire us by their actions and achievements, rather than by merely embodying a specific role or profession. In other words, her heroes are not just figures to be imitated or idolized, but individuals to aspire to and learn from in terms of their values, actions, and character traits. This perspective encourages people to focus on the actions they can take to make a positive difference, rather than simply following in someone's footsteps.
"Culture is not something that's static, it's not something that's frozen in time."
This quote by Deborah Mailman suggests that culture is not a fixed or unchanging entity. Instead, culture evolves and adapts over time, reflecting the dynamic nature of human societies. It underscores the importance of embracing change and growth within cultural contexts, as opposed to preserving them in their current form without room for evolution.
"As Indigenous peoples we have a very powerful story to tell and it needs to be told from our perspective, for our communities."
This quote emphasizes the importance of Indigenous peoples telling their own stories, from their unique perspectives, for the benefit of their communities. It underscores the idea that Indigenous narratives should not be solely defined or interpreted by others, but rather, they must come directly from the people who carry these historical and cultural tales. This perspective is crucial as it preserves authenticity, fosters a deeper understanding of Indigenous cultures, and empowers communities to share their wisdom and experiences in their own terms.
I like solitude. I'm very good at being disconnected. I do a lot of disappearing. People who know me go, 'Oh yeah, Mailman, she's gone into her cave again.' I'm like that, a bit of a hibernating bear. Like that crocodile that just sits there in the water and doesn't do much. I was always a bit of a dreamer as a kid, so that hasn't changed.
- Deborah Mailman
The Australian film industry is a small industry, so you have to really be flexible within working in different mediums. A lot of actors work in theater, film, and television, because there's not much opportunity in terms of employment there. So you do have to be resourceful and be able to flex your muscles artistically.
- Deborah Mailman
If I look at the one thorn that is in my side, of all my life, it is my weight. I fret about it, I'm anxious about it, being an actor on television - it drives me insane. It just seems to be something that plays a central part in waking up in the morning and thinking, 'How am I with myself today?'
- Deborah Mailman
Dad passed away in 2000, but he visits me all the time. He comes to me in different ways. So I have that connection with him, and that comforts me, to know that in time I can come back and still have that with my kids. It's not unfamiliar to me, that connection with the afterlife. I know it's real; I experience it all the time.
- Deborah Mailman
Because I've got an AFI award, I feel there is a certain expectation when I walk into a room, you know, that 'That Deb Mailman must know something!' But I'm just as nervous with every experience. I still doubt whether or not I can pull something off. I still think, 'When is the review going to come along that says Deb Mailman's not very good?'
- Deborah Mailman
Behind my door at home, that's when I'm relaxed, and that's when I can allow the emotions or whatever - to feel just what I want to feel - so a lot of people don't know me in that respect. I need a bit of space, a bit of a place to come home to and not have to pretend or perform anymore, where I'm just myself.
- Deborah Mailman
I have worked with a lot of really great women directors: Ana Kokkinos; Cate Shortland, who just recently directed a film called 'Lore;' another director, Rachel Perkins - she's an Aboriginal director, and I've worked with her three times now, and she gave me my first film role, actually, back in 1997.
- Deborah Mailman
About Grade 9 and Grade 10, I had a fantastic drama teacher, and it was one of the first subjects I actually felt that I was good at. I wasn't a mathematician. Didn't like science, any of those subjects. English and Drama were the two subjects that I loved and felt that I was good at.
- Deborah Mailman
I guess there's this mind shift that happens once you're on stage. I don't know, chemicals, something happens and you just... I just become completely in control of where I am. And it's all about trusting the people that you're on the stage with, listening... and it just falls into place really easily.
- Deborah Mailman
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