Rabbit-Proof Fence: Shades of Difference Racism is defined as “the belief that all members of each race possess certain characteristics or abilities specific to that race, especially in order to distinguish as inferior or superior to one or more other races” (Merriam-Webster). Director Philip Noyce conveys Webster's definition of racism in his 2002 film, Rabbit-Proof Fence, by examining 1930s Indigenous racism through the eyes of three young girls: Molly, Gracie and Daisy who are forcibly removed to their mother by the Australian government; and a man, Neville, who believes that giving mixed-race people a chance to join his "civilized society" is the virtuous thing to do, even if it means stripping them of their families, traditions and culture. The film follows the girls as they escape from the Moore River Aboriginal Settlement, an indentured servant training camp for mixed-race people, and walk 1,200 miles back home to Jigalong. Noyce weaves story progression and character development throughout the film to demonstrate the theme of racism and evoke the discrimination that occurred against the Stolen Generation and Aboriginal Australians during the 1930s. Specific elements of the storyline that display the theme of racism include: display of animal treatment. , imposed religious practices and historical comparisons. The film reveals the government's general belief that the white race is more intelligent and purer than the inferior, uncivilized and misguided, darker-skinned Aboriginal people. This belief is demonstrated throughout the film and reflects the government's attitude towards the mixed race as uncivilized animals who need a trainer to discipline them. For example, the film shows the girls being transported like cattle middle of paper...... Through the use of story and characterization, Noyce accurately depicts the theme of racism as an important element of the film and also shows audiences the deep-rooted attitudes towards Aboriginal culture in Australia in the 1930s. The film convinces us that racism and cultural prejudice lead to pain and suffering and harm the diversity of this world. In the final minutes of the film, we learn that Molly and her two daughters have been taken back to the Moore River Aboriginal settlement and made the 1,200-mile journey for the second time. This shows the audience that racism in Australia didn't just stop with the film; there were many more years of oppression against indigenous culture. Works Cited Noyce, Phillip, ed. Rabbit proof fence. Miramax Movies, 2002. Movie. April 3, 2014 “Racism”. Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, 2014. The Web. April 3 2014.