True Australian Identity Essay

To the world, we are amusing admired for our sense of humor and one of a kind accents, that many around the world try to imitate- and fail. When you think about the characteristics that an Australian embodies, what comes to mind? Is it the proud, hard-working, down-to-earth, artistic, creative qualities we aspire to unhold? Or is it the laid back, bogan, with no care in the world?

Australia is a very culturally diverse country, meaning that it consists of many cultures and ethnicities from around the world. This diversity is mostly due to immigration,

Australian people and culture are often stereotyped in the media in different forms, one of them being film. The two films being examined, ‘Red dog’ (2011) and the ‘Sapphires’ (2012), are an example of the Australian identity but from different points of view. ‘Red dog’ shows the kind and positive side which exemplifies mateship and loyalty. The film ‘Sapphires’ ,which takes place in the 1950’s through to the 1960’s, shows a negative and racist view towards the indigenous people. Both the films show different aspects of the Australian identity, not all insights of the films accurately represent contemporary Australian identity as the Australian identity has changed by the evolution of people and their lifestyle.

Given the diversity of Australia and the increase in multiculturalism, the definition of the true Australian identity has changed over time. However, I believe the two main characteristics

Over the course, Caring for Country, I have learnt that there are a number of contrasting ways individuals’ believe is the key aspect to an Aboriginal persons’ identity. For example Trigger (1995) believes it is the group language or language name that is key aspect to an Aboriginal persons’ identity, while Rosalie Kunoth-Monks from the video ‘I am my Homelands’ (Amnesty International Australia 2011) believes that the participation in the day-to-day management of their own community is what underpins an Aboriginal person’s identity. Fabienne (1994) follows a similar ideology on Aborignal identity to Kunoth-Monks (2011) and believes

Australia has never had a definable national identity prescribed by institutions or politicians; rather, most of the identities are tied to folklores and models (Hogue 2005). For over 150 years during colonization, Australia was widely identified as a British nation. Additionally, the Australian residents did not have valid citizenship until 1948. Before that period, all people born within the country were regarded as British citizens and were expected to uphold their values. At one time, authors described the residents as anonymous, nothing-men, and featureless. However, Australia had always had underlying national identities

The authors assessment and opinion on the australian identity is that we lie about every part of our identity and it needs to change. I agree strongly with this opinion and the australian identity must be modified. The author shows us this when he uses certain techniques such as humour and rhetorical questions. Richard glover has used humour to portray his thoughts and opinions by using humour to convey his thoughts. One example of this is when he writes, “if we ever want a national slogan, it should be;this isn’t going to end well” this use of humour shows the reader that this is a serious problem and something should be done. Another key way the author has chosen to show his true opinion is through rhetorical questions for example. “ this

I believe there is no such person as a ‘real’ Australian. The 21st century Australian refers to a very broad range of people. In the past six years, recipients included: an equality advocate, a family violence campaigner, an AFL player and community leader, a media icon, an oscar-winning actor, a social entrepreneur and a mental health expert. All people from different backgrounds, of different ages, genders and races. Even though everyone is unique and there may not seem to be a clear Australian image anymore, I believe that there is still certain qualities that all of these people share, such as

The first people to live in Australia are the Aboriginal people which have said to be here from around 50,000 years ago. It says in the book True Blue “No culture can exist unmodified in a new environment” ( Peter Goldsworthy, 2008, page.57). but the Aboriginal culture is one of the longest lasting ever through their ability to change and adapt to the time which proves this quote wrong. Aboriginal people help in shaping Australia's identity as they are the main core of culture and history through their art, land and tourism. These aspects help create a cultural country which everyone can live

The discovery of gold changed the nature of Australia more than any other event before or since socially, economically, environmentally and socially. The gold rushes of the 1850’s had a significant impact on shaping Australia’s identity.

Australia has always been centered around diversity and change, specifically with the vast multiculturalism and migrant culture throughout the nation. The specifics of Identity hold an important role in shaping our identity as students and as a nation. Australians pride themselves on being a land of the free and full of diverse culture. This is specifically referred to in our national Anthem; “For those who've come across the seas, We've boundless plains to share; With courage let us all combine,”(McCormick, 1984). Displaying Australia’s open attitude towards immigrants and contributes to the diversity present within our society today. Even before this, much of Australia’s Identity was associated with caucasian culture (Originating from British Settlers). Which is the dominant perception of Australia through the media with australian representation being present through the stereotypes of Bogans, which was made popular through shows like Kath and Kim (ABC, 2007). Also, represented through the popular depiction of Australian people - the bushman made popular by movies like Crocodile Dundee (Faiman, 1986) and through famous real life bushman; Steve Irwin. An important aspect of Australian identity which is consistently neglected is the culture and representation of the initial owners of the land; the aboriginal people. Throughout history the constant mistreatment and neglect of the indigenous, has lead to a massive gap in privilege between the aboriginal people and our

You might disagree with this, as the majority of Australian’s describe our identity as compassionate and true mateship. Although, really the media portrays our national identity as a multicultural mix-mash of the British, frequently racist and low class stereotypes. The media has always done this as they only show on screen drug scandals, racism, violence and stereotypical baloney which apparently describes us Australians. We don’t just see this, the whole world does. I don’t think we all want to live in a country that represents us as bigots, do you?

Australia is a country that is diverse, multicultural and unique. Our geography and cultural history are different to anywhere else, which has definitely captured the attention of the rest of the world. For migrants from diasporic communities, assimilating to the Western identity while trying to maintain the cultural heritage is not an easy task, especially during the 20th century, where racial discrimination played a large role in impeding multiculturalism. I believe my childhood experiences is an example of global framework where race, class and gender are the factors that made not only me, but mostly every other coloured child living in Australia felt like we were ‘second-class citizens’. But because of such upbringings, my familial tie with my external family became more strong and made me who I am today.

Cultural identity: The privilege of all Australians, inside deliberately characterized breaking points, to express and share their individual social legacy, including their dialect and religion.

Seldom seen by the masses who judge 24 million Australians based on misperceptions and stereotypes, is a nation whose rich history and prosperous agricultural and tourism industries drive and motivate the Australian population to proudly uphold their identity. So what is the Aussie identity? Is it courage? Is it equality? Is it hard work? Or is it all of these? What about vegemite, and thongs, and singlets? One thing that can be said is that whether it’s leaving butter in the vegemite jar or blowing a plugger, Australians are united not through appearance or slang but rather through our qualities and values. The film ‘Australia’ follows a rich English woman who travels to Darwin to force her husband to sell a property they own. When Lady Sarah Ashley travels to Faraway Downs, she is met by an Australian man referred to as ‘Drover’. Straight off the bat Drover epitomises the true Australian identity by exemplifying hard work, equality and courage, values every Australian should be proud to possess.