Australian Identity “It’s not a house, it’s a home”. Aussie Films are renowned for their quirky comments like this, and their representation of characters, often using exaggeration to exemplify the inimitable nature of Australian cultural identity and accent. Good morning all, I am Dereck Letcher and I am here to talk about how Darryl is the Australian identity personified. The 1997 film, The Castle, produced by Rob Sitch, is about Darryl Kerrigan, an everyday Aussie forced to fight for his home after they have been told they must vacate by the airport authorities. Darryl takes the challenges to heart and shows the persistent, dogmatic and satisfied nature of Australians.
To what extent has my understanding of ‘being Australian’ been influenced by the texts (and films) you’ve studied? (Deadly Unna?, Summer Heights High). My understanding of ‘being Australian’ has changed through the study of the book ‘Deadly Unna? (Phillip Gwynne 1988) and the comedic documentary Summer Heights High (Chris Lilley 2007).
Stereotypes have helped to build Australia’s identity, some true and some false. Different images such as Text One: “Australia Day Barbeque” and Text Two: “Farming Family” provide representations of Australian identity however they are different in how they represent Australia. There are some similarities, for example in both texts a sense of togetherness is present. When comparing both texts the Australian identity is represented with similar attitudes, values and beliefs, the pictures also reinforce particular stereotypes. These images also portray a side of the Australian culture that is privileged rather than those who are marginalised.
But before I begin, I want to pose the question. What truly is the Australian identity? Well, its not just fashionable mullets, jars of vegemite and people riding kangaroos.
From the quote mentioned above, Comparably, our Australian identity that is also exhibited in the film, is emphasized. We, as a nation, believe that we are compassionate, resilient, accepting and that in times of need we will come together and unite as one. This is the true Australian identity. However, from other countries perspectives, Us, Australians are conveyed as being racist, disrespectable and that we are not accepting.
The Gallipoli Campaign Why did I choose this question for my essay? I chose this topic for my essay as the Gallipoli Campaign was a significant event in Australia’s history which extensively affects the national identity of our country. I wanted to research more in depth of the outcome and the events which lead to the process of forming the campaign itself. I also wanted to focus on the failed series of attempts and how it affected Australia’s national identity. By choosing this as my topic question, I will expand my personal knowledge and understanding of the Gallipoli Campaign.
Robert Drewe’s 1996 novel The Drowner is, among other things, a representation of Western Australian lifestyle, culture and identity in the late 19th century. At the time, Australia was still a young nation; an “underdog” among Western countries. However, numerous gold rushes brought wealth and prosperity to the nation, attracting millions of immigrants from mainly European countries. Australia’s national identity developed into one centred around the values of hard work, perseverance and mateship—values which are still central to our identity today.
This report extracts relevant knowledge from professional and educated individuals that commonly study the subject of Australian identity. Not many folk have a clear understanding of the concepts that make up the Australian Identity or even what could be defined has having an Australian Identity. Through thorough investigation of reports, surveys and journals done by professionals a conclusive answer can be given to the question “What factors play a major role in the Australian Identity?”. Through profound investigation evidence has found that there are four major factors included in the identification of the Australian Identity these include; Traditional Values, Stereotypes, Contradictions and Diversity and Change within Australian Families. These findings have brought to the worlds attention what clearly defines what the Australian Identity is really about.
The Truth: In the United States in the mid-1800’s people from both European and Asian countries began to immigrant to New York City in the search for a better life. Coming to the United Sates was not an easy task but based on the conditions in their native countries it was well worth it. There were many reasons as to why people left their native countries which included overpopulation, crop failures, religious and political corruption and plundering economy due to the industrial revolution and job losses. The reason they came to the United States and saw it as a better way of life was because of the freedom that was offered, economic opportunity and the abundance of land.
The purpose of this report is to address ethnocentrism and Islamophobia in Australian society and how it can be reduced. This report will cover three key points. The history of ethnocentrism in Australia, how extreme versions of ethnocentrism such as Islamophobia is effecting Australian society, and how it can be resolved. This information has been drawn from peer reviewed academic journals and online newspaper articles. ISSUE History of Ethnocentrism
Abstract Being an aborigine in a white dominated society is a complicated identity. Australia, one of the white governed nations, also owns many aboriginal tribes. They lived harmonious lives in the early period. But European colonization has made a profound effect on the lives of Aboriginals in Australia, which led to the total demolition of their native culture, identity and history. As a result the new generation Aboriginals have lost their Aboriginal heritage and have been accepted neither by Aboriginals nor by whites.
One Australian minority group that has been effected drastically is that of Indigenous Australians. Indigenous Australians are the traditional custodians of the land and have living in Australia for over 40,000 years. Since the arrival of white settlers in the late 18th century, their culture has been subject to a high degree scrutiny. Using the Australian ethnocentrism scale, it has been concluded that white Australians held negative attitudes towards Indigenous Australians (Beswick, Hills 1972). A popular negative attitude that can be viewed in today’s society is that
Language is an essential role when affirming or challenging culture and identity. Through the use of poems people are able to express cultural and personal experiences, which in doing so can reshape the understanding of their own identity and the identity expressed in their communities. In Ali Cobby Eckermann’s poems “Unearth”, “Eyes” and “Trance” she uses language to affirm and challenge the personal and cultural identities of indigenous Australians. These poems explore themes of cultural resilience and personal identities of the indigenous Australians. These three poems explore the themes of forced displacement, cultural resilience, and the impact of colonialism as well as the power of language to transform and heal.
A large majority of Australians have been presented with a version of Australian history that has minimised and ignored important events regarding Aboriginal people that include many violent and painful deaths that until recently have been hidden quietly. History is extremely important in forming cultural identity which in turn leads to an increased sense of security and belonging. Therefore a need for shared history is required in Australia for recognising the history of both Aboriginal and non-aboriginal people (Gore, 2008). When studying the history of Australia it is important to recognise that it is a shared history. The shared history of Australia acknowledges that the history of Australia began long before the British started to
From the 1970’s Australians have been viewed as bush people as they were seeming as heroic and brave. Never the less, internationally, Australians have been showcased as vulgar, racist that have strong pride for their country. Consequently, Australia has also been viewed as an alcoholic nation as companies continuously push the stereotype to market their products. In turn, Australian’s collective identity is made up of multiple other stereotypes that have been fed into. Despite being incorrectly portrayed; the Australian identity has a positive effect on Australian culture.
