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Location: The western periphery of Terra Australis
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On one hand you have those who are always on about 'Aussie this, Aussie that', the 'Australian way, Australian values', and the rest of the world be buggered, and those are others that don't seem to have much of an identity as Australians or care about Australian identity. Perhaps this is because we're an immigrant nation without a well-developed sense of identity.
I used to think we were more patriotic than most, but partly because of our emerging identity and perhaps lack of a unique culture (notwithstanding the indigenous cultures) Australia can feel like a recepticle for immigrants more than a place with a developed culture and history, where people have a long and proud heritage. Much of our heritage is really British, Irish.etc, but also Italian, Chinese.etc.
Thought it'd be interesting to discuss patriotism in this country. We might fly the flag on Australia day and get teary-eyed on Anzac Day, but I think some of our pride is a natural consequence of our isolation more than anything.
Patriotism, to me, is a love of one's country. I think most Aussies are patriotic, just not overtly Patriotic e.g. don't fly flag out front of house, babble on about what a great nation Australia is etc etc. (However, I have noticed a HUGE increase in Southern Cross tattoos, lol).
Australian identity to me is quite complex because of Australia's age, mix of cultures etc.
I personally love Australia's evolving, diverse culture.
Australian patriotism is just the calm knowledge that we're the lucky country. You'd look like an arse jumping around big dealing yourself talking about how great we are. No need to rub it in the faces of the rest of the world.
Location: The western periphery of Terra Australis
24,544 posts, read 56,060,466 times
Reputation: 11862
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wild Colonial Girl
Australian patriotism is just the calm knowledge that we're the lucky country. You'd look like an arse jumping around big dealing yourself talking about how great we are. No need to rub it in the faces of the rest of the world.
Very good question.
Living in a farily Anglo area of NSW, I would say patriotism is fairly high, but not over the top.
Unfortunately most tend to use events like Australia Day or ANZAC Day as an excuse to drink grog and/or have a booze up, particularly in the less educated groups.
The issue of the flag is also quite contentious - particularly as it also sparks the Monarchists vs Republican debate. Many Republicans such as myself believe that until the flag is changed we lack a unique identitiy, and this negates patriotism.
Sports are a bit different, and I will never forget Australia winning the America's Cup Yacht Race in 1983, with the Boxing Kangaroo flying and Bob Hawke stating that "'anyone that sacks someone for not turnining up to work today is a muug!""
The true patriotism of a country is inversely proportional to how often it is found necessary to publicly play the national anthem. Patriotic music plays almost constantly in public places in North Korea, but that does not make them the most patriotic people in the world.
The issue of the flag is also quite contentious - particularly as it also sparks the Monarchists vs Republican debate. Many Republicans such as myself believe that until the flag is changed we lack a unique identitiy, and this negates patriotism.
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To me the Flag is simply historical, shows where early Australian's largely came from, its not pro or anti Monarchist, its not like the British monarchy rule any country theses days including Britain. Probably wouldn't hurt to have some Aboriginal representation on the flag if it is ever changed.
Surprisingly there are quite a few people that fly the Aus flag on their house here in Brisbane, even a few that fly their favorite sports team, you know that funny Aus game with extra goal posts as the players suck at kicking and don't want to get hurt in scrums.
They should replace the union jack with the Aboriginal flag, it has over 40,000 years of history so the flag sure won't be lacking any history when we change it!.
On one hand you have those who are always on about 'Aussie this, Aussie that', the 'Australian way, Australian values', and the rest of the world be buggered, and those are others that don't seem to have much of an identity as Australians or care about Australian identity. Perhaps this is because we're an immigrant nation without a well-developed sense of identity.
I used to think we were more patriotic than most, but partly because of our emerging identity and perhaps lack of a unique culture (notwithstanding the indigenous cultures) Australia can feel like a recepticle for immigrants more than a place with a developed culture and history, where people have a long and proud heritage. Much of our heritage is really British, Irish.etc, but also Italian, Chinese.etc.
Thought it'd be interesting to discuss patriotism in this country. We might fly the flag on Australia day and get teary-eyed on Anzac Day, but I think some of our pride is a natural consequence of our isolation more than anything.
Talking of Australian ""values"" - reminds me of what are not Australian values - to coin a popularised expression by John Howard ""Un-Australian"" is the opposite.
I was born in England , raised in Australia and I feel no patriotism for either country? I don't get patriotism. I don't get how folk get attached to dirt, dirt they don't even own?
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