Contemporary Australian Society : Assignment Four Essay

As a child, Jeannette’s sense of wonder and curiosity in the world undermine the need for money. During her young adult years, a new wave of insecurity associated with her poor past infects her. Finally, as an experienced and aged woman, Jeannette finds joy and nostalgia in cherishing her poverty- stricken past. It must be noted that no story goes without a couple twists and turns, especiallydefinitely not Jeannette Walls’. The fact of the matter is that growing up in poverty effectively craftsed, and transformsed her into the person she becomeshas become. While statistics and research show that living in poverty can be detrimental to a child’s self-esteem, Jeannette Walls encourages children living in poverty to have ownership over their temporary situation, and never to feel inferior because of past or present socio-economic

One of the greatest examples of Harper’s works is “The Slave Mother.” The poem gives the reader a first hand experience of the devastating effects of slavery on the enslaved mothers. According to Janet Gray, “Harper aims to transform the listening subject not only by arousing sympathy but also by striking terror”(76). Harper does a great job of accomplishing this task. Throughout the poem she uses words and phrases that evoke powerful images in the readers’ mind and moves them emotionally. For example, “They tear him from her

One of the greatest examples of Harper’s works is “The Slave Mother.” The poem gives the reader a first hand experience of the

Are we adapting, losing or revolutionising our identity through American media and importation? If so, who is to blame?

taking refuge in fanciful dreams about herself and her surroundings. She lies about her age.

From a Tarzan- like, pun-making simpleton to a vigilante fighting for justice in the outback of a dystopian Australia, we really have it all when it comes to our vast selection of native films. Although quite diverse in plot, setting and characters they all broadcast the concept of Australian identity and ideals to the world. There are many concepts that reflect the typical Australian identity such as mateship, larrikinism and the Aussie battler and it is more important know than ever to celebrate what it means to be Australian.

The thought of never being able to go back to the comforts of her old life. P.7

Egalitarianism is a philosophy that supports the idea of equality for all people regardless of race, religion, age or gender (Fox, 2013; The Australian Collaboration, na). It is a principle which can be broken down in sub categories such as ‘economic egalitarianism’ or ‘opportunity egalitarianism’. These subcategories examine parts of society which, if equality in each was achieved, would create a situation in which the pure form of the philosophy would exist (Joseph, 2014). However, the extreme outcome of this philosophy has already shown that it has the potential of not fulfilling its ideals, as demonstrated by communism in Russia (Joseph, 2014; Fox, 2013).

The Australian Identity, it’s to believe we have the freedom of rights, speech and the independency of a nation since 1901 when legalisation from Great Britain confirmed that the six Australian colonies were allow to govern in their own right as part as the Commonwealth. But what about women? Or as we were called ‘Sheilas’. Not until 1924, all the states in Australia gave the authorities for women to vote which demonstrates a simple spotlight shine that Australia shows sexism towards women. The disrespect and disempowerment that Australian men show towards females illustrates the main identity of the Australian culture as it leads to the discrimination of our heritage.

Australia is a multicultural terrain made up of individuals from many contrasting backgrounds with disparate attitudes and values. On the surface, it would seem that Australia is fair-for-all and wholly egalitarian, and it is commonly thought that the majority of the people who live here value mateship and friendliness, and though this is true for some of the population, this representation of Australia isn't the truth for everyone. The tapestry that makes up Australia has frayed edges and broken threads, from a distance it looks accomplished and errorless, but close up there are issues. The way women writers represent Australia in texts is diverse.

What happened to those Aboriginal children in New South Wales who were taken away from their parents, either living on government reserves and stations, by government legislation, and put in the care of the whites. It is the story of the attempt to ‘breed out’ the Aboriginal race. It’s the story of stolen generation. How has the stolen generation effected the aboriginal and Torres Strait islands. All aspects of their lives are affected. Some enter a lifelong search for their parents, others never succeed as parents themselves and turn to substance abuse. Many feel they are living a life surrounded by ghosts- people they don’t know but

Aboriginal Australians have lived in Australia for over 40,000 years, however the arrival of Europeans in 1788 significantly changed the way Aboriginal people lived, their customs and their ways of life. Aboriginal Australians have been formally and informally discriminated against since.

Harper’s mother has left her family behind, without an explanation. I can imagine how terrible it must have been for her to lose her mother. Her mother was not taken away, she had chosen to leave. Usually a child needs their mother, for warmth and comfort, and Harper lost the feeling of security she had with her mother around, all she has left is her memories. “Songs without lyrics can still be sung” (Harper, 25-26). Her memories with her mother can still be remembered, without her there. With her mother gone, the only parent figure she has is her

There are a growing number of social problems existing within the Australian society and unfortunately, research does not need to prove this. All it takes is a stroll down the main street of some suburbs to realise the extent of social problems within society. Homelessness is a rising trend that is affecting people of all demographics. Homelessness is more than just a simple disadvantage; with usually many underpinning factors which contribute to it, such as domestic violence, financial stress, mental illness and drug use.

Consistent in being headstrong, since it she outwitted her in-laws from her arranged marriage. Has vitality since she was dynamic in her action, and thought processes realistic since there are a lot of headstrong women out there. Motivated enough to survive without the benefit of an arranged marriage. And people can identify with her headstrong character and admire her for that.