Blak and forth: Cultural pressure

This video was produced in partnership with Studio Gilay. Words by Phoebe McIlwraith, a Bundjalung Githabal and Worimi Saltwater dubay/galbaan (woman). Phoebe is a journalist and content producer based in ‘Sydney’.

Being on time, doing homework and assignments, balancing extracurriculars – school is full of expectations. And when these pile up, it can feel like a lot of pressure. But for mob students, it doesn’t always stop there. Hear how Alex, Anisha and Mia balanced the pros and cons of cultural pressure at school.

Read a transcript of the video.

What is ‘cultural pressure’?

Cultural pressure (sometimes referred to as ‘cultural load’ or ‘colonial load’) is basically the extra responsibilities that can be placed on First Nations people.

This could look like expecting us to be involved in, or lead, cultural activities, taking on extra leadership roles, or educating others about First Nations culture and history.

These kinds of pressures and expectations can come from teachers and friends, and even from family and community. And it can be frustrating or exhausting – it’s like an extracurricular you didn’t sign up for! 

Blackfellas experience cultural pressure differently!

Stepping into extra responsibilities can be super positive for young mob, too. As a Traditional Owner belonging to the Country her school’s on, Anisha would often lead Welcome to Country and other cultural activities. This helped her to compartmentalise her study and to feel removed from some school pressures through her cultural connection. 

Sometimes, though, cultural pressure can feel negative and be tied to feelings of being the ‘Token Black’, as Alex and Mia put it. Feeling tokenised, whether that’s to make an event ‘look better’ or to ‘tick a box’ for representation, can be straight-up upsetting and stressful. Especially when you’re already stressed with exams and assignments! 

Everyone’s different when it comes to this kind of thing. But for more insights and tips, hear from other young mob on how they cope.

Give yourself the tools to ease the pressure

Cultural pressure, no matter where it’s coming from, is still something extra that First Nations people shoulder that non-mob don’t. Here are some tips to reduce that pressure if it gets too much. 

• Get insight, have a yarn! Getting mob insight from a trusted person can provide clarity, validation and guidance. They could be a family member, friend, Elder, Aboriginal Support Officer, or just a First Nations person you feel comfortable yarning to.

• It’s okay to say ‘no’ … and ‘yes’. One of the worst things is feeling like you have to say ‘yes’ because it’s easier than communicating a boundary. But if you don’t feel up to it, it’s totally okay to say ‘no’. Plus, this doesn’t have to be a blanket ‘no’, because there might be some things you love doing! It’s just about finding a balance. 

• Life’s about shifting priorities. It can be tough to move away from what we’re used to investing time in. Being clear in telling your loved ones, like family and community members, about your changing priorities can help to limit the pile-on of extra commitments. It can also empower them to advocate for your wellbeing to others.

The way you express your culture is your own

When it comes to cultural pressure, practising self-awareness means owning your identity and the way you show up as a First Nations person in your life. It’s about honouring your limits, not comparing yourself to others’ expectations of you, and understanding where you feel connection and strength.

School doesn’t last forever, but the skills you build now to manage cultural pressures will set you up for success later on. They’ll help you to advocate for your own wellbeing as a proud First Nations person.