The Emperor’s New Clothes: King Charles Reminded Of The Genocide

In a powerful moment during King Charles III’s address to the Australian Parliament, Senator Lidia Thorpe shouted, “Give us our land back! You are not our King, you are not sovereign… you have committed genocide against our people.” Her words resonate beyond the context of Australian history, drawing striking parallels to a tale we all know well: The Emperor’s New Clothes.

Just as the tale illustrates a profound denial of reality, Thorpe’s outburst highlights both Britain’s and its public’s ongoing struggle to confront the uncomfortable truths of its colonial legacy.

Denial of Reality

In Andersen’s classic story, the emperor and his subjects refuse to acknowledge the truth of the emperor’s nakedness, fearing that doing so would expose them as foolish or unworthy. This societal denial mirrors Britain’s reluctance to confront its colonial past. Many in Britain, particularly those in positions of influence, avoid acknowledging the brutalities committed during the colonial era, fearing that such admissions would challenge their national pride or identity. Much like the townspeople who ignore the emperor’s nakedness, the broader public grapples with the discomfort of facing a history marked by violence, dispossession, and cultural erasure.

Atrocities Committed Against Indigenous Australians

The brutal legacy of British colonisation in Australia is marked by widespread violence and systemic oppression sanctioned by the crown. From the moment the First Fleet arrived in 1788, Indigenous Australians faced an invasion that disregarded their sovereignty and connection to the land.

The British settlers declared Australia terra nullius, or “land belonging to no one,” despite the presence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This declaration enabled widespread dispossession, paving the way for policies that would lead to massacres and violent conflicts. Notable events like the Myall Creek Massacre in 1838, where around 30 unarmed Aboriginal people were killed by settlers, exemplify the horrifying violence that was part of British expansion.

Moreover, the Stolen Generations—where Aboriginal children were forcibly removed from their families in an effort to assimilate them into white society—exemplify the devastating cultural and familial ruptures caused by British policy. Senator Thorpe’s assertion that “we have our bones and our skulls still in his family’s possession” powerfully underscores the ongoing trauma stemming from these historical injustices.

Social Pressure and Arrogance

The emperor’s arrogance leads him to believe he must display the finest garments, as dictated by the social norms of his court. In a similar vein, Britain’s historical arrogance positions it as a model of civilisation while simultaneously ignoring its transgressions. This arrogance creates an environment where acknowledging the past feels uncomfortable, mirroring the reluctance of the emperor to accept that he is, in fact, naked.

Senator Thorpe’s demand for recognition and reparations serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice. “We are the real sovereigns in this country,” she asserted, challenging the prevailing narratives that dismiss Indigenous claims. Her unwavering stance resonates with the child in the tale, who cuts through the pretence and speaks the unvarnished truth.

The Role of Innocence and Truth-Telling

In The Emperor’s New Clothes, the revelation comes from an innocent child whose clarity allows him to see what the adults cannot. Thorpe’s candid call for acknowledgement of the atrocities committed against Indigenous Australians functions in much the same way. Her unapologetic demand challenges the collective denial of Britain’s colonial past, forcing society to confront uncomfortable truths that have been buried under layers of pride and selective memory.

“We want that back,” Thorpe emphasised, highlighting the deep scars left by colonial violence. Her words underscore the urgency of confronting these historical wrongs, underscoring the need for collective acknowledgement and reconciliation.

Consequences of Ignoring the Truth

In Andersen’s tale, the emperor’s unwillingness to accept the truth leads to his public humiliation as he parades around in his imaginary clothes. Similarly, Britain has lost all its credibility internationally due to ignoring its colonial history and the ongoing consequences of that legacy, much like the emperor who remains oblivious to his vulnerability.

Thorpe’s assertion, “You have committed genocide against our people,” challenges not only the historical narratives surrounding British colonialism but also calls into question the moral authority of a nation that refuses to reckon with its past. As she pointed out, “Someone needs to answer for that. He is the successor, then he needs to answer.”

Ultimately, the story of The Emperor’s New Clothes and Senator Thorpe’s powerful remarks serve as a clarion call for Britain and its public to confront its history with honesty and integrity. The responsibility to engage with this legacy should not rest solely on individuals; it’s the political elite who need to wake up from their horrific past. 

Just as the townspeople’s complicity in the emperor’s deception prevents them from seeing reality, the collective reluctance to confront Britain’s colonial past perpetuates a cycle of ignorance and inequality. Arrogance, cancel culture, and a patriotically aggressive media will not cut through the atrocities committed by Britain, both historically and in contemporary conflicts like those in Gaza.

In the end, it takes voices like Thorpe’s to shatter the illusion and reveal the truth, urging society to acknowledge and address its failings. “This is not your land,” she declared, reminding us all that true strength lies in the willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about so-called “Great Britain”

Watch Lidia Thorpe set the record straight