Australian identity and what constitutes Australian culture are prominent ideas explored by Peter Goldsworthy’s Maestro. Throughout the novel, there is a strong sense of cynicism towards Australian culture as it is painted as ambiguous and indefinite. This is established through the analogy of Paul representing Australian society and his parents representing the British influence on Australian culture. Goldsworthy also explores the European influence on Australia through Kellar’s character. Goldsworthy’s broader message is that Australian identity is in fact quite complex and open to interpretation due how culturally diverse it is.
This change in the 1960’s led to a change in Australian identity and the idea of a white Australia. One literary text that reflects the issues and challenges faced in the 1960’s is Michael Gow’s play, Away. Dealing with the challenges of this time, Away focuses on the lives of three different families and the idea of reconciliation and self-discovery. Through themes, language and characterisation Away challenges ideas
Looking at the television series and how it can be related to modern day Australian popular culture, this film focused solely on the men and undervalued the women. The women the film served roles of assistance and emotional support, qualities they men would not have received otherwise if it were not from them. While the male characters are created in a way so that they are identifiable and represent “true” Australians, this stereotype only fits a small portion of Australian society, given that not all Australian men partake in
We Can Be Heroes (2005), created and co-written by Chris Lilley, is a satirical mockumentary at the search for the Australian of the Year with six nominees all played by the ever observant man himself, Chris Lilley. Generic conventions, throughout the ever so humourous mockumentary, has had an effect on viewers to realize how Australia truly is than how Australians identify themselves as. The two characters I’m recalling are Ricky Wong and Daniel Sims. The detail and subtlety Lilley puts into each character's language and social interactions is truly striking and shows the world the real and true Australia.
In the wake of the fervent discourse around the role of the change of date for the ‘Hottest 100’, Celeste Liddle, a noted activist and freelance writer published an article “It shouldn’t have taken a survey to move the Hottest 100 from Invasion Day” in The Guardian (28/11/2017). In this opinion piece Liddle argues that the radio station Triple J should have taken a unilateral stand in regards to shifting its “Hottest 100” from Australia Day and believes believes Australians should feel ‘guilty’ for celebrating this occasion and to support awareness of Invasion Day for the Aboriginals. In similarity Nayuka Gorrie, a Yorta Yorta Freelance writer, opinion piece for The Guardian, “Triple M’s plan to run ‘Ozzest 100’ is an embarrassing plea for
This cinematography of the close-up shot highlights how the threat of globalisation is right at their door due to the growing global economy. The diegetic sound of the knocking in conjunction with the non-diegetic sound of the voice-over highlights the importance of cultural identity and a sense of belonging in the face of change. In the contextual 1990s globalisation was beginning to peak and the historical place in time is represented to impact the cultural identity within Australia.
The story also highlights the importance of community in the Australian way of life. The union members come together to support each other in the face of adversity. They share their grief and their burden, and they do so with a sense of solidarity. This sense of community is a fundamental aspect of the Australian way of life, and it is what makes us
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.
The Australian identity is questioned by many, but there still are accepted icons that most, if not all, Australians believe to be part of the Australian identity. Australian history and the Australian ‘bush’ are just two of the many icons out there stated by just one person’s perspective, communicated by just one person’s methods. ‘Sydney and The Bush’ is a poem that focuses on the clash between the first two cultures of Australia, yet manages to introduce ideas of Australian
Oodgeroo Noonuccal’s non-traditional view of Australia in ‘An Appeal’ shows how stereotypes of Australia are not always correct. The poem shows how camaraderie and mateship are not always expressed in Australian lifestyle. It is evident in the poem that not all Australians help each other to get through tough times and Australia is divided into different groups of people and is not equal. ‘An appeal’ shows how the nation stands up for themselves and fight for what is right against the power of the ‘not really’ authoritative people of Australia. The concept of inequality is a crucial part of Oodgeroo Noonuccal’s poem ‘An Appeal’.
Australia has been labelled as the country of mateship, fair-go and tolerance, but the mistreatment of Asylum seekers in Australia denies these values. In our anthem we sing “For those who’ve come across the seas, we’ve boundless plains to share”. It ironic isn’t it? As when Asylum seekers arrive in Australia we do not offer a hand of mateship instead we use punitive matters such as sending them to mandatory detention, which shows how xenophobia is manifested in Australia (Ariyawansa,
All these elements contribute to depicting Australia as one which positively supports people within their society and shows respect. Through the motherly characteristics of the host and positive recaps of the events that take place in the house we are also offered the idea that Australian society is one which is supportive, loving and happy. A common theme in all series of this television show is mateship. Having a ‘mates’ back is something in which Australian society is well known for and through the many series of this show we are constantly reminded that Austrians value people who are there for them, there mates. housemates who are shown to possess mateship are ultimately more liked by the audience and other housemates because they embody what Australian society prides itself on, which is ultimately mateship and having each others back through thick and
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.
Martin Luther King had a dream when he said these words. A dream, which if it were to become a reality, would lead to a greater society with a higher respect for its diverse and multicultural population. Although Martin Luther King was an American and his speech was referring to America, Australia could greatly benefit if these dreams were to become reality. Diversity and multiculturalism are vital and valuable aspects of our Australian culture. The multicultural population of Australia contributes to our society and helps to shape our nation 's identity.
Everything can be viewed from two perspectives; A fist fight, a murder, bullying, just to name a few situations. This is still the case with Iran and it’s people. Iran and its neighboring countries are often portrayed negatively as terrorist, or failed nations. This is not always the truth, however, and one can learn that through Marjane’s coming of age story, Persepolis. The personal nature of the story is told through Marjane’s loss of innocence, her opinions on religion, and her observation of the prominent gender roles.
