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Who We Are

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A place we would quite like to be

by David Dale.
The average Australian is cheerful, humane, inventive, mischievous, obsessed with novelty, cycling between self-confidence and self-doubt, generous, skeptical, and aggressive only when cornered. Anyone who lacks even one of those qualities is simply un-Australian.

That seems to be the contention of Who We Are, a small book published on Australia Day. It brings together a pile of data on the details that define us -- how we behave, what we enjoy, and who we admire -- in an effort to pin down those elusive "Australian values" that politicians and pundits keep going on about. In the process, it may provide a basis for feeling patriotic -- except it also says the average Aussie is uncomfortable with displays of nationalism.

You're bound to be dubious about generalisations of this kind, but these are some of the characteristics the book suggests as typical values:

A similarity to marsupials. Who We Are quotes John Carroll, Professor of Sociology at La Trobe University in Melbourne, thus: "One of the leading symptoms of insecurity is a tendency to extremism, to fanaticism or fundamentalism. It is a leading mark of Australia as a political culture to have always and without exception been skeptical of idealism, hostile to extremists, innately drawn to the moderate. The marsupials [koalas, echidnas, kangaroos, platypuses] set a tone, in their way of being. In part it is their lack of aggression: except when cornered. The quiet way they go about negotiating their habitat has affinity with the way the people respond to bureaucratic controls."

A festival of failure. Founded by rejects from British society, Australia has a holiday devoted to a military fiasco, a hero hanged after bungling a bank robbery, an alternative anthem about a thief who commits suicide, and a film industry that keeps making self-critical movies that nobody goes to see.

The cultural cringe. A belief, prevalent until the 1970s, that any work done by Australians would inevitably be inferior to the work of British and American people, and that we needed them to teach us how to be "world class".

The cultural strut. A belief, growing since the 1970s, that we have nothing to learn from other countries because Australians are the best at sport, acting, directing, winemaking, modelling and music.

Early adopting. Australians embrace new entertainment technology faster than most other nations: colour TV, the CD, the VCR, the mobile phone, the DVD, the iPod. Same story with food. The national diet now includes spaghetti bolognese, satay, butter chicken, pad thai noodles, sushi, and yum cha in equal proportions with Big Macs, pizza and meat pies.

The tall poppy syndrome. A tendency to ridicule those who display arrogance about their wealth, fame or success.

Self-deprecating humour. Why do Australian men come so quickly? So they can get to the pub and tell their mates about it.

Linguistic cuteness. The garbo's off on compo because he went troppo. We'll give the kiddies their Chrissie pressies by the barbie, so come round for brekkie and bring your cossie, a few tinnies and something to stop the mossies.

Backshed creativity. The book claims that Australians invented the notepad (Tasmania, 1902); plastic lenses (Adelaide, 1960); counterfeit-proof money (Canberra, 1988); prepaid mail (Sydney, 1838, two years before the London post office started using stamps); ultrasound (Sydney, 1961); preferential voting (Queensland, 1892); a cure for most ulcers (Perth, 1985); forensic lights as used in CSI (Canberra, 1989); and Kiwi boot polish (Melbourne, 1906) even if the Kiwis invented the thong.

In the introduction to Who We Are, the author thanks "the readers of The Sydney Morning Herald, whose thoughtful responses to my weekly column, The Tribal Mind, spurred me on to new inquiries and corrected many a misapprehension". So we'd better turn this discussion over to you. Below, you may care to dispute the national values listed here, or suggest some alternatives.

David Dale is the author of Who We Are -- A snapshot of Australia today (Allen and Unwin). His latest book is Soffritto -- A delicious Ligurian memoir. To join a daily discussion of Australian attitudes, go to http://blogs.sunherald.com.au/whoweare.

COMMENTS

This media-led obession on what is "Australian" sets up the thought crime of being "un-Australian". It's absurd

  • by John Hookway on January 24, 2006 at 01:57 AM

WE ARE SIMPLY THE BEST

  • by roger on January 24, 2006 at 01:57 AM

The 'who are we now' attitude is answered differently by each generation. The babyboomers are a signification proportion of the group yet the 30-45 yr olds may have done more in their work life while the 20 somethings are in a hurry to find a life partner. The definition of who is a real Aussie these days can be over shaddowed by race riots or be represented by the remainder of the population whom the media insist only adhere to the law when they like. Congratulations once again to the media, if you ever thought you're life was difficult we now know all we have to do is switch on the TV.

  • by Opinionated on January 24, 2006 at 02:08 AM

I live in America. I find that whilst America is all about reinforcing, and celebrating who they are.. Australians seem to be all about celebrating what we are not!
"That's just UnAustralian!" or"True Blue" are good examples of this. I agree with what I have read from the book and look forward to celebrating Australia day over here, at my local Seattle "Aussie and Kiwi Bar''. Have a great Australia Day everyone...

  • by malena morris on January 24, 2006 at 03:07 AM

Australia's identity and success has always been based on comparison to other nations.
Its inferiority complex (the cultural cringe) is still prevalent today, but it's hidden underneath the veil of a supposed superiority complex (Australia invented the world's first [INSERT SOME OBSCURE INNOVATION HERE], before the UK or the US or Japan!; or Australia's film industry is BURGEONING... because the US decides to film Superman/Matrix etc here!).
Australia's identity is also based on myth - the fun-lovin' larrikin, which overshadows the reality of a disturbingly racist society.
I loathe the phrase 'un-Australian' -- who is to say these supposed 'Australian values', which are decided by the image-makers of the time (writers, the media, the spin doctoring politicians) are what Australians really are like? They're pretty mediocre values if you ask me!

  • by JasmineTea on January 24, 2006 at 03:44 AM

Could not agree with John Hookways response - media get a life and if your bored go find something worth while by actually contributing to society somehow. I think they should do a survey - What do we think of our journals? Whatevery you get paid it's too much!!

  • by Vicki Thompson on January 24, 2006 at 04:02 AM

The real Australian hmmmm dosent live in sydney! most have moved to the bush. Or is it the now a new definition of "Australian" a person who cant talk, read, or comunicate in the national language.

  • by Get Real on January 24, 2006 at 04:05 AM

I lived in Australia for four years as a student and had a great time: nice country, nice weather and nice people (mostly). But few things bothered me, one being the way most Australian still associating with their British/European white background and treating new comers with a bit of suspicion. I always felt Australia lacked a bit of national individual identity. The way the whole Aborigine history was overlooked was also a bit curious for me. So few things I suggest: Australia be a republic; a national anthemn that reflects its ancient past and yes a new national flag- may be Aborigine sun in the middle flag. And yes, saying sorry for the past wrong deeds doesn't make you weak, it just shows you are strong enough to accept and learn from your mistakes and head towards a better future.

  • by MKaphle on January 24, 2006 at 04:11 AM

How to generalise a whole race? Laid back almost to the point of complacency. Mateship and the whole drinking issue is done to the point of stupidy yet worn like a badge of courage. Tolerant of other cultures and races provided they appear to be trying to fit into the "Aussie mold". To say accepting would be pushing it, its just that in the climate of all this political correctness everythings said behind closed doors, or over beers. Almost as patriotic as the yanks. Generaly hard working. Im affraid I didnt fit into the prefab Aussie mold so I did "piss off" elsewhere. Must say Im better off for it.

  • by Keven on January 24, 2006 at 04:30 AM

you disgust me! What is an Australian? my Austrian born husband, my two German born children? I was born in Australia, 6th generation. THAT is Australian.

  • by Anne Cook on January 24, 2006 at 04:38 AM

Our arrogance, racism and continued decline of common sense is only exceeded by USA.
Even the Kiwis seem to have more class than us.

  • by Dean on January 24, 2006 at 04:58 AM

I think we're cool stuff. Oh and I hate Marcos Baghdatis' mouth. He looks like a freak. Damn he's ugly.

  • by Evan on January 24, 2006 at 05:44 AM

I'm afraid the average Australian is a shadow of our collective former-selves. We are ignorant of what it means to be a good world citizen; astonishingly for a young country born of immigrants we are fearful of other cultures and defensive of our borders; and the once world-renowned 'forward thinking, good-natured and easy going' Australian way of life has given way to a culture where fear and ignorance has fuelled the rapid erosion of our civil liberties. It used to be a lucky country, nowadays I'm not so sure.

  • by Bart on January 24, 2006 at 06:38 AM

we are dobbers, we pinch everything we can lay our hands on, we are gossips, we lie at every turn, we only care for one person, we'll do anything for a dollar, our main interests are booze and sex, we let pollies get away with anything because we ae to lazy to do anything about it, we crawl to the boss and stab people in the back, we have forgotten what sport is all about,

  • by patrick on January 24, 2006 at 06:40 AM

Why are we so surprised that our country has become so fractured along cultural and social lines ? Sucessive state and federal governments over the past 20 years have activly sought to undermind the one institution which united us all - public education.

  • by Sandra Smith on January 24, 2006 at 06:55 AM

I think you would make a fine journo for the News of the World here in the Uk. They take great joy in making fun of Aussies, so I think you fit right in.

  • by Steve Mitchell on January 24, 2006 at 07:02 AM

I'm an aussie living in london for the past 3 years. I love australia, but can really see how ignorant and intolerant some of the people are. This is highlighted by whats happened on Manly beach. More education and tolerance is needed on our great country. They're qualities that we unfortunately lack.

  • by Lee on January 24, 2006 at 07:09 AM

We are:
conservative,patriotic,warlike,
competitive,narcissistic,TV watching,sports obsessed,insular,carnivorous,celebrity loving, over policed and in the main uneducated, overpopulated mass of people. In otherwords, we are American.

  • by right wingman on January 24, 2006 at 07:33 AM

Australians are a pack of forelock-tugging, cringing, xenophobic morons waiting for a Hitler to make their decisions for them.

  • by Ian on January 24, 2006 at 07:55 AM

Great humour loving, creative, modest and uncomplicated nation ..... but heading towards becoming a bunch of dingbats idolising sports people over scientists and artists, increasingly intolerant mostly due to rubbish fed by media morons like Alan Jones & Ray Martin, increasingly superficial.

  • by sfx on January 24, 2006 at 07:57 AM

Australia is one of the most multi-cultural countries in the world. Therefore it is hard to define "Australian" as it is a blend of many cultures. Therefore what makes us Australian has alot to do with tolerance and acceptance of this cultural diversity not little iconic symbols. Internationally we have a reputation of being friendly easy going people who enjoy a good barbie. Lets work on this in our home reality and be more tolerant and easy going for everyone.

  • by Ron on January 24, 2006 at 08:02 AM

Yuk!
"...cycling between self-confidence and self-doubt, generous, skeptical, and aggressive only when cornered?"
More like oblivious SUV driver than a cyclist I'd suggest.
Thank the accidents of history that produced the western suburbs of Sydney.
That, dear all, is the face and future of Australia.
In 2006 Changi's an airport and Gallipoli is a Turkish pizza bar or Paramatta Road.
Get over it.
Get into it.

  • by Audrey Chen on January 24, 2006 at 08:02 AM

Official and academic descriptions of Australian people and culture always seem to ignore two things: the darker sides of our culture as reflected in events like Cronulla and the views and lifestyles of anyone who isn't anglo.

  • by Tim Scott on January 24, 2006 at 08:10 AM

Who is Australian???

How do you define being Australian

Who knows anymore

  • by Dan on January 24, 2006 at 08:56 AM

Until recently I was a very proud Australian who angered with comments by friends of how better it was in other countries. It has saddened me to now agree.
Being a mother taking a child on a holiday in Australia in January is now impossible. The cost is 3 times that of any other time. Why? There were no public holidays last week that increased wages, the cost of food and petrol remains the same, yet accommodation for my family and my pets (yes even the vet has got holiday rates) increased because it is Jan.
A road trip in the school holidays use to be very Australian -what's happened? Australians now seem to be self obsessed, untrusting and disinterested in our country and the world. Shame!

  • by Wanda on January 24, 2006 at 08:58 AM

We are a Christian nation, who has forgotten our first love, GOD. We are stiff necked, hard headed, think we know best, arrogant and even downright foolhardy, yet GOD has mercy on us all.

Whilst everyone knocks us, and puts sh*t on us, we still manage to hold things together in an uncanny way. Our Christian values are being eroded away by allowing ourselves to be influenced by what other nations are doing. We should NOT let the minority groups impact us. We must stand strong, to our true Aussie values. Because this is after all, Australia and this is GOD's country.! Keep praying everyone that we don't become like the US.

  • by Raw on January 24, 2006 at 08:59 AM

Nationalism is an outdated concept (and still the last refuge of warmongering scoundrels).

It's time to break down the borders, not reinforce them with meaningless stereotypes.

Australian should aspire to be a place where all citizens of the world can find peace, harmony and opportunity. We need inspired leaders with the vision to make it happen.

  • by gandhi on January 24, 2006 at 09:00 AM

The problem is that being Aussie is probably impossible to define. "Who we are" is not the same as "Who we were" or "Who we want to be".
Maybe being Aussie is as simple as wanting to belong: "I choose to be Australian". We are certainly not as blindly patriotic as some (if that is what the politicans want). I hope the knee-jerk insistance on defining our values by "respect" and "responsibility" does not destroy who we really are.
Being Aussie is not about the flag - or (sorry Mr Iemma) the National Anthem.

  • by small poppy on January 24, 2006 at 09:06 AM

Australians have good priorities in life, given that they live in a land of richness. Many Australians speak and act with genuine care for others who live on and away from their land. Australians have clear visions to advance in this world of change. They choose though, not to be fiercely aggresive in their strategies.

  • by Margaret on January 24, 2006 at 09:07 AM

White Australian Policy was abolished in 1971/2- a mere 30 years ago. It has taken more than 60 years for the world to remotely come to grips with the genocides of WWII. This nation still has a long way to go before it will have properly dealt with its racist past. The current model of multiculturalism seems limited to YumCha on Sundays and buying Italian foods in Leichhardt but fails to address the underlying xenophobia. We as a country remain in the infantile stages of true democracy. Finding a government capable of saying sorry will be the first step towards growing up.

  • by Nina on January 24, 2006 at 09:16 AM

I am grossly disturbed by the numerous accusations that "Australians are racist". Sure there was some inexcusable behaviour by a minority of people in an incident in Cronulla a month or so ago. I wonder if the people whose knee jerk reaction of claiming Australians are racist make the same leap in the face of other similar evidence? Do they claim all Japanese people a whale killing Greenpeace hating sailors? Or do they think all Muslims are suicide bombers? I certainly don't. Never underestimate the media ability to push an angle to the Nth degree to secure ratings. Frontline anyone?

I have travelled extensively and unlike most countries Australia's lack of a historical class system and the fact that peoples behaviour is judged on an individual basis make it one of the least racism effected countries in the world. Australia is about a "fair go" for all. Not to give others a fair go is the basis of "UN-Australian" behaviour.

  • by troy on January 24, 2006 at 09:17 AM

From the perspective of living in Europe for the past four years, Australia is always a refreshing memory. In the thirty years I spent in Sydney I was witness to the most extraordinary change which could be expected from what was for two centuries a distant and unambiguous extension of England. Most of those changes improved the country and, by osmosis, its people. Although improvement is a never-ending chore, Australia can hold its head high on many fronts. The result so far is a country that is admired and envied by those who are well informed on this side of the world. I miss it.

  • by Xavier de Barcenas on January 24, 2006 at 09:23 AM

A nation that worships excessively paid sportsmen (not women) as heroes, while putting down or ignoring anyone with creative or intellectual talent.

A nation that makes a song and dance about the values of mateship, but you are only a mate if you are Anglo, working class and male (and not a poofter)

A nation that STILL holds on to a romanticised and inaccurate identity that is linked to the bush - and that anyone who lives in the bush is a " battler". Never mind the fact that the majority of Australians have always lived on coastal cities.

A nation that believes in the fair go but is innately racist.

A nation that has a day off to celebrate a military failure in a Britsh war by some 18yr old cannon fodder, and then calls them heroes......again it's all about being Anglo, male and working class

But also...being Australian means despite all the negatives, reminding yourself we still live in a beautiful country, and that alone is worth celebrating.

  • by Jamie on January 24, 2006 at 09:25 AM

Just in response the MKaphle, I don't see why I should have to "apologise" for something I didn't do. I admit, the way that the British treated to Aborigines was atrocious, and it no doubt influences some of the terrible disadvantages Aborigines face today but I didn't do it. In my opinion, the Aborigines should be asking the British for an apology as it was the British who treated the Aborigines badly and implemented the "bred out" plan and the missionaries that took children from their parents.

I'm not responsible for something that happened all that time ago, well over 200 years have lapsed since then and many generations of my family have lived their lives. I am not directly responsible for what was considered "the right thing to do" by the British and it is for that reason that I, personally, will not agree to apologise.

Besides, Aboriginal history isn't overlooked at all. In the syllabus when I was at school we spent the last year of primary school and the first year of high school studying Aboriginal history such as the dreaming, etc. We also studied the British colonisation of Australia also and the effect the aftermath had on the Aborigines. Our education system does not overlook Aboriginal history.

Before you call me a racist, I am not. I have many friends and family members of different backgrounds and I love them all equally and I don't believe Australia would be the country it is today were it not for the multiculturalism we are lucky enough to enjoy. It is a true blessing that we have so many people of different cultures, religions and traditions bringing such wonderful new ways of life and living to our shore everyday.

As for the values, pardon me for going off on a tangent, I have to admit that I can't agree with all of them and certain things on that list I don't agree are "values" perse, but rather personality traits which differ person to person. I don't think these are a national, collective value as a whole. The term "unAustralian" is an unfair generalisation used by politicians and the media to make us feel shame for something minorities of individuals have done, such as the Cronulla riots, or corporate fraud, or a politician stepping out of sync. It's just a guilt tactic.

  • by C to the J on January 24, 2006 at 09:35 AM

>>Early adopting. Australians embrace new entertainment technology faster than most other nations: colour TV, the CD, the VCR, the mobile phone, the DVD, the iPod. Same story with food. The national diet now includes spaghetti bolognese, satay, butter chicken, pad thai noodles, sushi, and yum cha in equal proportions with Big Macs, pizza and meat pies.

Have you been reading the surveys? we are among the lasts in adopting new technology, our broadband / telecommunication is a disgrace compared to other so-called "first-world" nations in the world.

  • by SF on January 24, 2006 at 09:35 AM

I dispute Australia's inferiority complex or 'cultural cringe'. We have been a nation who does not need to be constantly reminded that we are indeed Australian, that we are the greatest nation in the world. Australia and Australians dont need to prove themselves to the world. We do not necessarily need Australian flags draped everywhere to remind us that we are in Australia, we already know where we are. Most of all we do not need to constantly define Australian values, after all I am, you are, we are Australians. If you value and respect those around you that Australian enough for me.

  • by Ash Salardini on January 24, 2006 at 09:41 AM

An article appeared in the Herald on September 13th last year that addressed this question. The Centre for Social Research at the Australian National University asked 4,270 adults to answer a mail questionnaire on what they believe.

Here is what more than two thirds of us believe:

1. "A father should be as heavily involved in the care of his children as the mother": 90 per cent agree

2. "The gap between those with high incomes and those with low incomes is too large": 84 per cent agree.
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3. "A woman should have the right to choose whether or not she has an abortion": 83 per cent agree.

4. "Generally speaking, Australia is a better country than most other countries": 82 per cent.

5. "Media ownership is too concentrated among a few rich families": 81 per cent.

6. "When big businesses break the law, they often go unpunished": 81 per cent.

7. "Large international companies are doing more and more damage to local businesses in Australia": 75 per cent.

8. "Immigrants make Australia open to new ideas and cultures": 74 per cent.

9. "People who receive welfare benefits should be under more obligation to find work": 73 per cent.

10. "Television violence is a cause of social violence": 71 per cent.

11. "The media should have less power": 70 per cent.

12. "Immigrants are generally good for Australia's economy: 69 per cent".

13. "Cutting welfare benefits would damage too many people's lives": 66 per cent.

14. "Australia should limit the import of foreign products to protect its national economy": 65 per cent.

So..... looks like we're not quite the beer-swilling hillbillies we sometimes think we might be.

  • by Anthony on January 24, 2006 at 09:42 AM

Wow lets get on the bash ourselves line. Just feed right in to the very left elements. Next thing we'll be allowing Toni Collette's opinion to matter!

Come on all of you. Yes there are social divisions in this country. I think you'll find that for better or worse they exist in most countries. The treatment of African Americans in the USA is a nice example.

As is the idea that only Chinese born citizens can get a drivers licence in China. Try bringing a law like that in here.

I really don't think that as a society we are too far down the food chain!

Whether it's a BBQ, Religious Service or time with your loved ones have a great Australia Day all!

  • by Scott on January 24, 2006 at 09:43 AM

Multiculturism in Australia is an impact of the expansion of globalisation. I dont believe in this. The reason why people moved to australia from other countries is driven by economic motive not the idea of multiculturism!
The economic segregation based on race are easy to find in big city like Sydney. Places like Lakemba and surrounding areas are likely dominated by a certain race (lack of education and neglected). In other countries, australians are considered stingy. It has a great land, weather, but need some effort to make the society more civilised.

  • by zapata on January 24, 2006 at 09:43 AM

I had travelled for some time, some time ago, due to an overwhelming need to be free of home country Australia at the time. This was not just a travel bug but a real urgency to be freed of the conservative nationalism that purveryed.
In summary I consider Australia to be far too conservative with no history of ever having to fight for anything it (it) possesses. With this lack of grit Australia proves perpetually spoilt, self-obsessed and bloated.
Even with the few magic (icon) moments, the Eureka stockade, Ned Kelly, the Swagman, Gallipoli, Barry Humphreys, the stock of Australia has been built on traditionalist, antiquated European beliefs and practices that has brought Australia to its current condition and, in total, swells those finer moments as would a tsunami.
As with anything a national trend toward conservatism or toward more liberal needs is cyclic though Australia seems to suffer very long stints of the conservative affliction once it has taken hold. During which times individualism and self-thought seems really to be shouted down.
This would be called the tall poppy syndrome. During which time soldiers can be ordered to empty their guns and charge the machine gun placements with bayonets attached; and they did it, for King and another country. Dirty pool such as the recent explosion of the real estate market inundating everyone with a massive mortgage, engaging their implied need for a stable government and so returning the conservative mood over and over again.
It's very clever political and economical action that only a bottom-line conservative movement is able to achieve. Australia, Conservative; and characteristically blinded because of it.

  • by David Clarke on January 24, 2006 at 09:45 AM

Australians are self-made and industrious people. From a colony of english convicts, in a space of 200 years we have become an country with a wonderful standard of living that is envied by billions throughout the world (consider that majority of the earth's population live in 3rd world conditions).
There are not too many countries in the world that can boast about being envied. In fact, a lot of the older countries, even modernised countries, have the legacy of hate, political instability, undemocratic governments, deep-seated corruption, civil war, discrimination and other negative traits that hold them back from being as good as we are. The history of violence in those countries make the so-called "Cronulla race riots" appear like a Sunday morning picnic through the Botanic Gardens.

For all the knockers out there, if you don't like what you see, then pack-up and go elsewhere. I'm sure ratbag whingers such as yourselves would complain wherever you are.

  • by Raffi on January 24, 2006 at 09:47 AM

If our elected leader is anything to go by, we are increasingly a nation of bigoted, selfish and inconsiderate snobs. I see evidence of this all around me every day. I'd like to think I have something to be proud about on Australia Day, but as John Howard and his cronies try to push through legislation that makes it even harder for the millions of working poor it makes me wonder what happened???

  • by Simon on January 24, 2006 at 09:48 AM

Being Australian? That's easy. It's the love of the land, embracing our culture, looking out for a mate, 'paying' your friends out, caring for the flora and fauna and sometimes playing the fool.

It's knowing our history from humble beginnings and being proud of it, attempting to learn and understand the Aboriginal culture. Going bush to renew our minds and spirits, having a coldie, being innovative, confident and above all, knowing we're living in the most unique land on the planet and loving her just the way she is.

  • by Chips on January 24, 2006 at 09:53 AM

The fact that the country stood still when an awful man like Kerry Packer hits the bucket says alot about Australians. Aussies are becoming more and more like Yanks everyday. I have found Austrlalians to be Xenophobic and ignorant. They are property and money obsessed and don't seem to show much consideration for their brown skinned fellow men. The fact that a pig like Howard has been in power for so long says it all. I'm glad I'm a Kiwi...oh and happy Australian day.

  • by David Martin on January 24, 2006 at 09:54 AM

I have lived in Australia for 2 years now... I believe that I belong to this country even more than my own.. Recent happenings are not at all the true reflection of what Australia is or what Australians are like..I have met the friendliest and the nicest people here than anywhere else..AS A MESSAGE FOR AUSTRLALIA DAY I SAY TO EVERYONE - LEARN TO FORGIVE FOR THE FACT THAT THERE ARE NO GOOD OR BAD PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD - ONLY GOOD PEOPLE BUT SOMETIMES WE MAKE BAD CHOICES...Aussie, Aussie, Aussie- oi, oi, oi.....

  • by Pat on January 24, 2006 at 09:56 AM

What is Australian...

Being told to F**K OFF on new years eve while waiting for the fireworks because i stood behind someone...who happens to be in the army.

Making stupid jokes like "show us your tits" at the Indy by army men in a helicopter viewed by millions around the world.

Thinking that getting drunk every weekend and partying heaps is what makes you cool.

The laid back attitude and "no worries, be happy" that is very similar to the hippies...leads to a social and cultural decline, fueld with alochol and stupid tv shows like Big brother and australian idol...yuck.

That immigrants living in Australia don't know the difference between liberal and labour. They don't even know what vegimate is, and good luck asking them to sing then national anthem.

That being Christian is old fashion (and in a lot of cases, told to F**K OFF cause Jesus doesn't exist) and being muslim is a terorist. Being a catholic makes you a pedaphile and being a mormon makes you an annoying door knocker.

That's the Australia I know.

  • by ABC on January 24, 2006 at 09:56 AM

Re MKaphle
I know Howard still hasn't said sorry to the Aborigines, but, trust me, their history is not overlooked in schools- I've been studying them year after year after year...it never ends....

  • by H on January 24, 2006 at 09:56 AM

The perception out there that our Australian Society is laid back are just limited to the weekends! Get into work force such as customer services...your colleagues might be laid back and friendly but many clients are highly agressive and demanding, they want things their way, not the way it has been set out! Thats highly unAustralian. Being Australian means we should 'live and let live'!

Also, its highly unAustralian to wag like we are wagging as if we are US's tail!!

Mainly I'm just pissed off the uncanny and untolerant behaviour of people, with lack of regard for people. I wish school and uni could last a bit longer! At least I would have been sheltered from this agressive society for a little longer!

  • by S on January 24, 2006 at 09:56 AM

In the 1970s, 80s and early 90s, Australia embraced forward-looking policies especially in regard to education and culture (including the arts) as a way to explore our identity. In the last decade, we have become much more culturally lazy, trading in previously hard-won cultural vibrancy for wide screen TVs and super BBQs. I think we are selling ourselves short.

  • by Paul on January 24, 2006 at 10:00 AM

Australian values are like a great blackhole gradually dragging everyone in. Currently there are friction between some segments of the society because they are on the cusp of surrendering to Australia-ness and the elders of the community don't like it. Everything that is more serious overseas seems stupid here after a while, especially religion and cultural differences. In a generation I daresay we won't be hearing any complaints about Muslims in Australia, because they'll be more interested in who won the footy than Allah.

Likewise, I hope the Christians remember that this nation was founded on the resourcefulness and ingenuity of the early settlers, and not by God. Read Banjo Patterson's "Song of the Artesian Waters" if you are unsure of colonial attitudes towards God.

  • by Deonon on January 24, 2006 at 10:06 AM

having lived in most other English speaking countries I'll add - Kiwis and Canadians have a more forward thinking - outward thinking attitude towards both minorities in thier own countries and other countries. Australia and USA are attrocious dealing with Minorities and are totally self serving. Look at who didnt sign Kyoto - OZ and US.
The "good Aussie Bloke" sits around a pub, treats woman badly, interested mainly in sports, and as long as he doesn't see any dark people - won't complain.
There is a general level of ignorance here compared to other countries due to poor education and the fact that there is no culture here (exception of sport).
Stop kidding Ozzies - I love the place but hate what is considered being a good Ozzie - you would NEVER see anything like what happened in Cronulla in UK, NZ or Canada - US maybe. I'd be embarrassed and be looking at where that all came from

  • by ben on January 24, 2006 at 10:12 AM

I don't think that because of the multi-cultural nature of this country, that it is "difficult" to define what it is to be Australian. I was born overseas, and was raised here, and I consider myself nothing BUT Australian. To be thought of as anything else simply because I don't have blonde hair or blue eyes is a bloody shame!

While we are a mish-mash of cultures, it remains that we all live in the one society and are necessarily influenced by it. I share all the "elusive Australian values" and am proud to do so. Its that simple.

  • by Jose on January 24, 2006 at 10:17 AM

I'm an Australian who has lived in Asia (just moved from HK to Singapore in 2004) for several years recently, as well as the UK.

I love my country, and once you spend some time out and about in this part of the world, you realise; yes we are racist, but no where near as bad as some other countries.

Room for improvement? damn right! Should we be ashamed? no - we are a good country with solid values and a great work ethic.

We should do more to develop our own culture and talents. Immigration should only be for refugees and family re-unions.

Australia should never have to import 'skilled' labour (ie IT specialists etc) we should invest in our education and training systems.

Thus we become a more humane society, whilst developing our own talents.

Be proud to be Australian, but be prepared to open your eyes and learn

  • by John on January 24, 2006 at 10:19 AM

The people who most fully realise what an Australian is, are those Australians who travel and live for an extended period overseas.

Being Australian is revealed to you in little realisations which twinkle at you when, for example, people stare at you in a London restaurant because you unashamedly drank from a beer bottle, or when you witness the inequity of Middle Eastern societies, or when you are forced to get your cheque book out before you are treated in a South American hospital or when you walk along a freezing European high street and meet a picture of Dunk Island or Uluru in a travel agent's window as your trenchcoat collar flaps against your cheek.

All these little realisations form a constellation of who we are and what values we stand for and only then - when we see this shining vault - do we fully appreciate what it means to be Australian.

  • by Ronny Jones on January 24, 2006 at 10:22 AM

A comment was made at a dinner party recently on how to decide what makes an Australian, and a friend stated that it was not what others thought, but what the individual thought.
If you believe that you are Australian, then you are. You don't have to love the country in its entirety, many multi-generation australians complain with fervor about our country, yet we would just as hotly defend it on the parts we love.
Immigrants have made this country what it is today, all except the aboriginies were immigrants at one point or another, and while it could be argued that the country would have been much better off had settlers not come, and certainly the way of our coming should be apologised for, I am happy to be an Australian and am just as happy to welcome others to our country with tolerance, understanding and friendship.
And part of that tolerance is not judging any society by what individuals may do. For instance, I have not focused on what a relatively few did during the cronulla riots, but instead on the large public outrage that any "Australians" could act in such an intolerant and violent manner.

  • by Tamsin on January 24, 2006 at 10:23 AM

Just enjoy being in Australia and be proud that we are not overcrowded like the rest of the world.
Jasmintea(no guts to give your own name) and the likes, get off your moral high horses and get real. Every country in the world likes their "own" before accepting others. I love how Australia gets branded with this stigma time and time again. If Australia was attacked tomorrow it would be interesting to see who would fight and who would sit back and let others do the work!!!.

  • by Phil Rice on January 24, 2006 at 10:24 AM

You've got to give it to Howard. He's crafted the national identity in his own reflection: mean spirited, intolerant, duplicitous, racist and boring. I might just "piss off" elsewhere, not to please those who can't tolerate difference or dissent, but to see the world (and myself) from a new, exciting, positive, fearless perspective. That's being creative, something we seem to have lost as a nation in amongst all this scaremongering and manipulation. This is my experience of Australia. Listen up.

  • by Joe on January 24, 2006 at 10:24 AM

Well its quite simple really. If you live in Australia you are as a matter of absolute fact an Australian. As for values, well everyone is entitled to their own, and those (particularaly conservatives and the Alan Jones types)who seek to impose their views on how individuals should live their lives are plainly wrong. They are wrong because of the fact that they attempt to impose their values by outright lies!

  • by Faramarz Ostowari on January 24, 2006 at 10:26 AM

Australia to me?
As a person who has been born and grown up in this land it saddens me that it has come to the stage where I have to leave to find suitable work in my field (aka brain drain).
However Im not sad to be leaving the aggressive, racist, narrow minded and conservative society that Australia has now become.
Good bye to my HECS debt and to you all.

  • by Paul on January 24, 2006 at 10:29 AM

Well its quite simple really. If you live in Australia you are as a matter of absolute fact an Australian. As for values, well everyone is entitled to their own, and those (particularaly conservatives and the Alan Jones types)who seek to impose their views on how individuals should live their lives are plainly wrong. They are wrong because of the fact that they attempt to impose their values by outright lies!

  • by Faramarz Ostowari on January 24, 2006 at 10:31 AM

lets all just forget about racism and enjoy australia day

  • by Shannon on January 24, 2006 at 10:32 AM

I have seen a huge tendency in our society in recent years with the focus on oneself. I've been around since the ice man would bring the block of ice for the ice box daily brought to your front door in his hourse drawn cart, and I'm only 53. We as a nation have advanced dramaticly since those days. However I see little respect for others in the basic human relationships, aggressive behaviour on the roads and in the supermarket and a general tendency to judge people for their material possessions (probably on hire purchase or mortgaged) than who the person realy is. It's cool to be uncool.

  • by Stephen Bradshaw on January 24, 2006 at 10:34 AM

It appears to me that Australia is having another round of "Cultural Identity Crisis". It seemed to die down around the period of the olympics but has surfaced again with particular force since the social unrest in Sydney.

The simple fact is, as Australia is an immigrant country the term "Australian" has to be redefined every decade.

I think instead of worrying about what we are today, we'd be better off working towards what we can be tomorrow.

This country lacks people in power with a vision.

Stop whining and look to the future!

  • by Jason on January 24, 2006 at 10:38 AM

I'm an American living in Australia and I don't know how anyone could pin down what 'Australians' are. In any country you are going to find all sorts of different people of differing views. Especially in such diverse countries like Australia and America. Narrowing the public down to a specific mold is not possible. Much like a lot of you are doing towards Americans, which is ignorant. In general, I think Australians are wonderful and friendly. Most of the time, it's a smaller part of the community causing trouble, which makes it bad for the rest of the community.

On another note, by this article defining "The Tall Poppy Syndrome" as ridiculing people who DISPLAY ARROGANCE about their wealth, fame or success, it is in itself, showing the tall poppy syndrome. It is ridiculing ANYONE who has wealth, fame or success, not just the ones who display arrogance. Its about saying, "Why did you have to strive for a more successful life, do you think you're better then us?"

  • by Stephanie on January 24, 2006 at 10:47 AM

How dare they use The Man from Snowy at the opening of the 2000 Olympics when this country has become a bunch of litigating urbanised softies dependant on political correctness in order to serve minorities. As a seventh gen (free settlers mind you) - I am appalled at the rapid growth of consumer based lifestyle this country has adopted and it makes me sick when so-called books entirely miss the real mark. Un-Australian is the behaviour of most Australians these days. The spirit of this land is lost on conuming four wheel drive boat shoe investors..

  • by BM on January 24, 2006 at 10:50 AM

Australia to me? Well if you are born in Australia you are Australian. The sad reality I find is that many migrants have taught their children born in Australia that they are infact not Australian first but whatever their parent ethnic origin happens to be. This is what brings this country down and prevents national unit & one common identity.

  • by Gabriel Yohanson on January 24, 2006 at 10:54 AM

As a non-Australian (former Brit) who enjoys living here and loves many things about my adopted country I have to confessed to be a little bemused by the whole "Australian - Un-Australian" thing. I've never encountered a country so desperate to pigeonhole its people and so determined to identify certain "universal" characteristics.
Australia, like any other country is as blend, its people are no more courageous than any other nor less intelligent than any other. Australians are no more generous than anyone else nor are they more aggressive. To be honest, most everyday Australians I've met dont buy into this mass-media garbage.
There is however a little concern, for me anyway, over the extent to which sport has become the opium of the people. John Howard must be clapping his hands at the fact that people are more interested in Ricky Pontings men thrashing the Pom's than the fact that their country doesnt have one university in the Worlds Top 50. For a country with the potential that Australia has, priorities need to be more clearly considered.

  • by Steve on January 24, 2006 at 10:55 AM

Once upon a time....

Australia was a country to be entered on a 'take it as it is or leave it' basis. We were proud of our country and values and, in simple terms, didn't give a rats a@#$ about anyone else. We didn't need to because we lived in a land far, far away...

Australia has changed through exposure and involvement with the international stage and multiculturalism.

The legacy of the global village is that our values and beliefs are confused no end.

So let's reassert them:
Our cultural cringe has faded, our language IS special and there's nothing wrong with self-deprecation (an advanced humility?) and lopping the tall poppies.
Sport and science are our contributions to the world stage.
We've a history of courage and larrikanism that has survived the powerful challenges of war, misadventure and an incredibly tough continent.
And etc.

But it's easy to see why we're always questioning our values because in an age of lacklustre politicians and ubiquitous media spin, sensationalism and bulls#@t, Australia has become somewhat i) leaderless and consequently ii) devoid of direction and purpose.

We need to proactively elect leaders that are courageous, forward thinking, egalitarian, humble and topped off with a liberal dose of common sense.

If we get more men and women with these traits into parliament, our sporting teams, our universities, our school staff and our workplaces, Australia will be the nation we all want it to be.

It would also help if we cut 'political correctness' from our national psyche.

Enjoy Australia Day and don't forget to eat plenty of lamb on Thursday - souvlaki or BBQ.

  • by Nick on January 24, 2006 at 10:56 AM

I feel depressed after reading the comments made. Wake up to yourselves and stop being so negative. It's not all bad and doom and gloom in this country but it seems some of you are just dwelling in the bottomless pit of despair that you live your lives in. I'm proud to be born and bred Australian, I'm glad my parents emigrated here in the 60s.

Cheer up negative people and take a look at this country in a positive light - you might be surprised! :o)

BTW David Clarke - I think you've forgotten about Darwin during WWII.

  • by Mandy on January 24, 2006 at 10:58 AM

I used to love this country and its people dearly, but over the last few years its been increasingly hard to ignore the dark side of our culture. Underneath the larrikin humour and friendly nature of this country there's a deep ocean of racism, redneck attitudes and violence towards women. A culture where bogans and idiots get applauded for doing something stupid while achievements in the fields of science, medicine or engineering are routinely ignored has to raise some questions about the values of that culture. Maybe its time we as a nation start living up to the high opinions we like to have of ourselves, rather than sit there on the couch in front of the telly with another beer in hand.

  • by Scott on January 24, 2006 at 10:59 AM

Australians generally have a healthy distrust of authority, a great self-deprecating sense of humour and complete contempt for any pretentiousness. Everytime I return to Australia after being overseas I appreciate more the space, great weather, relaxed lifestyle, and opportunities this country offers.

  • by Steve on January 24, 2006 at 11:04 AM

Ronny Jones couldn't have said it any better. I'd like to have a beer with you Ronny; my shout mate.

  • by James on January 24, 2006 at 11:05 AM

Ben,

You mentioned that "Kiwis and Canadians have a more forward thinking - outward thinking attitude towards both minorities in thier own countries and other countries".
Wasn't it only a handful of years ago when there was a special election held in Canada to vote on whether it's French-speaking province Qebec should be allowed to separate and form it's own country? Talk about lack of tolerance! As you remember, the vote went down to about 1% deciding NOT to separate. It's lucky then that in Australia, most people get on with each other well enough that you don't have half the population who don't want to live with the other half.

  • by Raffi on January 24, 2006 at 11:06 AM

Re Lee's comment.... What happened on Manly's beach? I think you may be thinking about Cronulla. One is on the Northern Beaches and one is far south of Sydney. You are obviously so far removed from Australia that you really have no idea what is going on here, what has fuelled the problem and I don't think you are overly qualified to comment since you obviously have no idea as to what is going on.

  • by Ainslie on January 24, 2006 at 11:12 AM

Being Australian (to me) is a mix of:

* Loving
* Caring
* Laid back
* Ego inflation
* Appreciation of our quality of life
* Mateship
* Looking after the environment
* Slight patriotism
* Fun!

All mixed into one, I also believe that every Australians have a right to live how they like.. as long as it doesn't involve telling other people how to live or any criminal bearings.

All that sad, its put a tear in my eye that decades of immigration and new cultural/religious clashing has sadly eroded our once, proud values.

  • by Vishy on January 24, 2006 at 11:12 AM

Australians are not so easily defined. We are a WAY OF LIFE, A WAY OF THINKING more than a race of people. Being a 5th generation Australian, I believe that what makes us really Australian is the fact that we all believe very strongly in FREEDOM and JUSTICE.

Australians do have common themes and ideals but what makes this country so wonderfull is the fact that we are ALL VERY DIFFERENT but we all share a very common thought process.

To me it is very simple, if you believe in looking after your family and mates no matter what part of the planet they come from, then you are ONYA way to being Australian.

HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY, and try not to think to much about who you are because you allready know.

  • by Morgan Salsby on January 24, 2006 at 11:15 AM

at the end of the day, we can rest our feet up, and chill out by the river, damn lake or beach - at the end of the day we can can stroll down the road in or thongs and cossies, at the end of the day we can meet new cultures, at the end of the dayu we are not so damn serious, at the end of the day WE ARE SAFE!

  • by nik on January 24, 2006 at 11:17 AM

It should be mandatory that every Australian travel out of Australia just so that they know what it is to be Australian and to be proud of it!

I am Australian-born from a migrant family, and we are all now a mish-mash of cultures in my family and it's absolutely glorious.

As for the direction we are now heading as a nation, I am deeply worried because we are losing our individuality, our openness, our humility and our spirit.

Don't lose our true Australian values and don't be ashamed to be an Aussie.

  • by muzzy on January 24, 2006 at 11:25 AM

Australia to me is a big, wide, diverse country where the things that make us different to one an other are also the things that unite us and make us facinating as a people. It has to be about mutual respect not mere tolerance. What it's not about is inflicting political ideology and religeous bigotry on each other. Democracy is a fragile thing, however, and we ignore at our peril the threats posed to our freedoms by a motley cabal that includes Christian and Islamic fundamentalists and neo-conservative ideologues.

  • by Wayne Sievers on January 24, 2006 at 11:26 AM

Its pretty sad to see that there are many Australians out there who are intent on knocking everything about Australia. I am proud to be Australian and I do find that there is much that Australians identify with in the book "Who We Are".

Yes,I agree that politically we are having a certain narrow minded idealism (bigotry, racial suspicion, "Americanisation", destruction of a fair workplace etc) rammed forcably down our throats. however, we DID vote this certain twit in, and if I recall his slick ad campaigns, he nailed us with a percieved threat to our own greed.

There are many who have replied in this column who seem to believe that we are all warmongering, narcissistic, racist, bigoted and overwhelmingly ignorant. This I feel more relates to the people we have in government, not to the main populace as a whole as I have found the majority of Australians to be to the contrary.

Question is to the people who say that they are ashamed of being Australian for various reasons, what are you doing to rectify the situation?. Who out there has the guts to stand up to the likes of PM and Co. and challenge thier core beliefs of what they believe is best for this country. Or do you prefer to sit back in comfort and bleat about what is wrong in this country without caring to do a thing about it.

  • by Sarah on January 24, 2006 at 11:31 AM

I don't quite understand this current political and media-fueled obsession with defining who is an "Australian"; and alternatively who is "Un-Australian". It appears that calling somebody "Un-Australian" is some kind of bizarre condemnation of character.
It's time to give up on this thinly-veiled intolerance disguised as a poor attempt at defining a unifying Australian character.
Setting parameters for how a person conducts themselves for fear of being ostracised as "UnAustralian" is wrong and dangerous. Forcing ridiculous ideals of "national character" upon individuals smacks heavily of fascism.

  • by The Wombat on January 24, 2006 at 11:41 AM

For all of you that dont like it here piss off somewhere else i say!

  • by j.rogerson on January 24, 2006 at 11:43 AM

Paul;

Once you get out and about, like many other talented young aussies you'll learn:

a: your HECS debt will be here waiting for you

b: conservative has a new meaning once you have worked in Asia (or some parts of the states as well)

Enjoy your expat experience!

  • by John on January 24, 2006 at 11:45 AM

I'm an aussie who lives in Dubai and everytime i tell someone im from australia, they go green with envy. And up until recently, i didnt have a single bad word to say about australia as having lived in various places around the world, australia is definitely a cool place to be, but all this riot stuff going on recently isn't typically aussie and its not cool. Being an aussie is a way of life and if you dont like it, then get the hell outta there, or shut up. I hear lebabanon is great this time of year..

  • by Patsy on January 24, 2006 at 11:51 AM

What it means to be Australian?

VERY VERY LUCKY!!!

Enjoy it and all it's glory!!!!!!

  • by MHR on January 24, 2006 at 11:53 AM

Grow up. As a sixth generation Aussie, I say just look around you sometime. The article contains a list of things we've largely got over. The "image" has never been the fact. It's more of a self mockery. The comments contain the current state of self awareness, which seems to vary from political to cultural biases working on more or less the same expectations. Do you really want an Australia with no self criticism?
The "arts and intellectual" argument is another story. OK, we have a supply of our own idiots, so what? The ockers have never been Australia. They don't have the genitalia, for one thing. Stop feeling sorry for yourselves, forget the excuses, and beat the bastards. To hell with Cringe By Other Means. I'm a writer and a graphic artist, and I honestly couldn't care less what they "think". So why do you?
Fair Go doesn't come with a colour scheme or any other sort of window dressing. Nor does mateship. If you happen to be an Aussie, you don't ask who you're "allowed" to have as friends. You don't ask what you're "allowed" to like. I've lived with a fairly representative collection of the human race, including a bloke from near Timbuktu up the road, and the only ones really getting on my nerves are a couple of ockers. Wake up, fools. Australia doesn't live in the pub any more.
If you don't like and don't want to live in the soiled nappy of current global culture, you're probably an Aussie. Variations on this theme include a genetic distrust of wowsers of the many persuasions, and other market based vermin. We are the people we think we'd like to be... Or are we? Have a look in the mirror sometime, Australia.

  • by Paul Wallis on January 24, 2006 at 11:53 AM

I came to Australia at 14 and all my parents encouraged me to do was to become Australian. I did that without any regrets.
Yet almost 25 years later, I may be in a supermarket, in a shop, paying a bill, at a party and I still get asked "where are you from?" After a quarter of a century and the holder of only one passport and citizenship -- Australian -- what does one reply? I went to school in Adelaide, so I often reply Adelaide.
The questions persist --"but where are you from?" So much so that I often think I never fully feel 100 percent Australian when in Australia and I probably never will.
Does the mere fact I don't speak with a broad Australian accent make me a lesser Australian? No, but the Australian obssession with identity shows we are a long way off from having found our own.
For the past five years I've been living in Asia, where when I say I am Australian, it's accepted and we move on.

  • by Mary on January 24, 2006 at 12:00 PM

we'll know what being australian is the moment we see a colored guy playing for the australian cricket team.

  • by matahri on January 24, 2006 at 12:02 PM

Who the blazes are all you so-called aussies insulting our great nation. Have a butcher's around the place mate, it's the best bloody country in the world.
If you're ashamed of it, get yourself along to some other place where they don't have half the reason to crow about what they have. Yes, as in all countries we have a minority who are non-accepting of others, but by and large, you can summarise our culture as "a fair go for everyone".
If the minority groups got off their high horses and stopped feeling sorry for themselves, they'd realise that everybody in this great country has the opportunity to be whatever they want to be and do whatever they want to do.
Get over yourselves and consider what you do have, not what you don't have.
What you have is a great opportunity to live in a country that will embrace you if you're willing to have a go, regardless of your place of birth. You can be influenced by minority opinion expressed by "commentators" or you can open your eyes and understand that most true blue aussies will shake your hand and let you buy them a beer! So this Aussie Day, slap on your thongs, grab a coldie, throw some lamb on the barbie and celebrate the fact that as a nation we're al-bloody-right mate. Just get on with it.

  • by Bazza on January 24, 2006 at 12:05 PM

We Australians are mere pawns for the rich, and so it is for every country. The rich lead us to believe and value certain things, like ?economic progress is essential and must always be placed ahead of social advances?
In terms of business and community management, I find we are a fairly gutless people. As an example, we should have stopped the banks from charging excessive fees just because they can, we should stop local councils introducing stupid rules and charges, we should be stopping the extreme levels of government waste that come about only because of politically inclined egos, we should not have allowed successive governments to increase taxes via bracket creep, we hardly ever support inventors, we allow media moguls to take control over social directions, we allow governments to spend too much on the military in times of peace - the list goes on and on.
These are all weaknesses that a healthy country should be able to prevent, so while I am glad I live in this lucky (read minerally wealthy) country and that it is a democracy of sorts, I do not see that we should be patting ourselves on the backs for any personal efforts in making this country as good as it can get. We need to be more willing to see problems for what they are and tackle them - don't let political (read ego) correctness deter us from introducing change that benefits the long term.

  • by jimhaz on January 24, 2006 at 12:16 PM

Well I do have to agree that the majority of Australians are not that intelligent.
But I was told that it wasn't your fault, and that your education system is to blame.
So don't feel bad it isn't your fault that you are thick. Plus you are good at sports and playing on the beach.

  • by jake mason on January 24, 2006 at 12:19 PM

Being 6th gen or having just been made a citizen is irrelevant. I am 6th gen and a direct descendent of Edmund Barton, and given the age of our great country, if it comes down to amount of time here, none of the european imports of the last 200 years are truly australian.
The mateship reputation that prevails in Australia has come from a nation of people who believed they live in the 'lucky country.' For the most part we have been taught this from very early on and rightly so.
We have sun, snow, the best beaches in the world, coral reefs, tropical islands, deserts, unique wildlife, and a rock that would make any national tourism organizaton jealous. Why in the world would you want to live anywhere else??
Stop whining about how politicians are making your life difficult and get out and enjoy yourself instead.
Life is what YOU make of it. Think positive. Without the positive thinking individuals who have been coming here for 200 years to the "land of opportunity" where would our great nation be?? Probably still a penal colony.

  • by Nic on January 24, 2006 at 12:19 PM

What kind of people are we? Last time I checked - Human

  • by No into Labelling on January 24, 2006 at 12:19 PM

I live abroad at the moment so Australia Day seems really important to me. I keep looking at our country and feeling a mixture of pride and shame. Being overseas does make me see just how "lucky" our country is, but reading about the riots in Cronulla (and not even being surprised that it had come to this) sickens me. I feel like we're a country moving backwards. I meet many foreigners and I envy the Canadians and the New Zealanders who can claim pride in their nations government. To the people who keep saying we're Americans, I feel I have a lot in common with them because when people discuss politics I find my eyes dropping to my shoes mumbling that I don't agree with my governments policies, just like all the Americans I know.

  • by Jeska on January 24, 2006 at 12:21 PM

To be Australian is to live in a wonderful, mostly tolerant society that neverthless has a bunch of problems and needs to realise that telling anyone who dissents from a view of it as utopia to get out - that's not how things get fixed.

  • by Steve Crilly on January 24, 2006 at 12:24 PM

To start with Sydney is completly different to the rest of the country
Sydney is largely a divided city. Its segrated according to background. Almost every suburb is identified as "home" by a paticualr ethnic population.
Segregation allows mistrust and non understanding of other peoples.
Its hard for a migrant to adapt to Australian society and its values, if they persist in isolating themselves amongst their own culture
The "riots" of Cronulla and other suburbs in Sydney were the children of these background problems.
Allowing migrants of any background to take over suburbs and make others feel unwelcome is the cause of ethocentric views and intolerance
Being Australian is a mindset. It doesnt matter what colour, bacground etc you are. I personally have friends from all kinds of backgrounds, and they are more dinky di than I will ever be!
My point is if you grow up in a community of all different backgrounds, all with sharing the Australian culture in common. Be proud of your background, but be proud of where you are now.

  • by Fuzzavelli on January 24, 2006 at 12:25 PM

Why are we obsessed with trying to self-define ourselves? Seems like mass narcissism to me. Asking what makes us "Australian" is the same as celebrating our differences to other people from other countries. How is this helpful? Aren't we isolated enough?

  • by ash on January 24, 2006 at 12:28 PM

Matahri - what about Andrew Symonds?

  • by Pedant � on January 24, 2006 at 12:29 PM

Great parody, Bazza maaaate! What do you mean you were serious? oh
how sad

  • by Shaun on January 24, 2006 at 12:32 PM

Australia ( and Australians) are just like any other country in the world. Has its positives and negatives. So, stop saying that it's the best bloody country in the world because there are 100s of other countries that can make this claim too. However, the difference is they do not blow their trumpet so much.

  • by Adam on January 24, 2006 at 12:40 PM

Manners - this is what Australia lacks big time. How ofted do we wait and let those who leave a place (that INCLUDES TRAINS) go first? This would be not only manners but also commonsense.

How often do we talk over other people? The louder the better.

Europeans, when they become part of such uncivilised conversations, cringe.

There's more examples, but, in short, to feel better about ourselves, we need TO ADOPT BASIC MANNERS.

Rednecks need not reply

  • by Miriam on January 24, 2006 at 12:43 PM

I actually think John Howard is doing a pretty good job. There.. I I said it.

  • by Simon Bosman on January 24, 2006 at 12:44 PM

It's great to see so many people contributing to the discussion.

I'd rather live in a society whose citizens are opinionated, and seeking to understand more about the world they live-in.

The extension to this is that those people actually care, not just about stereotypical aspects of their culture, but take an active interest in shaping how their society is governed and how it can be improved - whether they want more of the same, or want it to change.

Take a constructive interest in how you want to live, and how we live collectively. Name-calling, emphasising difference and limiting other people's ideas contribute nothing to your community.

  • by David Cumming on January 24, 2006 at 12:46 PM