Not everyone agree's with Blainey. But lets discuss this: Firstly, prior to colonization, Aboriginal people would have had tribal conflict, similar to all countries. These were often law related, as Aborigial people had a powerful law structure and territorial boundaries. Second: To say life was hell on earth really makes little sense...How does a population survive for 40,000+ years in hell?? Thirdly: Yes, life expectancy for men was estimated to be 25. But, to put this into context, prior to 1800, the life expectancy of any man living anywhere was below 40. The average was 29. Fourth: Infanticide was practiced at times, but it was not "extremely" common. It was sometimes used as a form of population control during drought or famines. Also for "sickly" infants. What you dont point out is that infanticide was not just an Aboriginal thing. It was reasonably common in all peoples in all countries. "Infanticide has been practiced on every continent and by people on every level of cultural complexity, from hunters and gatherers to high civilization, including our own ancestors. Rather than being an exception, then, it has been the rule" (
http://www.infanticide.org/history.htm).
You last comment about admitting their terrible pasts is not entirely relevant to reconcilliation. Do you think Aboriginal history prior to settlement has any relevance to reconcilliation?
I agree that Aboriginal people did kill white people and this is relevant to reconcilliation, but needs to be considered in context: If your people and land was invaded would you have fought back? If you saw white men rape, steal and kill you women would you have fought back?