Supported by comments from academics Ann Curthoys and Peter Pierce, Jopson argues that white Australians have consistently perceived themselves as victims and have therefore been reluctant to acknowledge the oppression of Aboriginal people. Jopson cites characterisations such as Rufus Dawes in For the Term of His Natural Life, Eliza Fraser in Fringe of Leaves and various representations of Australians at Gallipoli to support her case.