Work in progress (Detail)
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what it means to be Australian. How we define ourselves, what is innate and unique, and what we bring to the world’s banquet.
I’m still thinking, and watching, and learning, but I think we do have our own definable qualities, and I get very, very upset when I see us pigeonholed into the ’sterotype’ that foreign media seems to love – that exaggerated person that is so obvious and cartoonish and based of a few Aussies that have been given the spotlight.
Yesterday I had a conversation with a fellow that left me astonished and frustrated. He firmly believes (and he is Australian) that we are a culture of binge-drinking louts – the prodigy of lower-class, anglo-celtic factory workers who escaped misery and remained miserable in a new country.
I just couldn’t agree less.
There is certainly a loud minority – as there is any country – and in my own wild youth there was a time when I imbibed a bit too much and danced a bit too manically. I don’t think this is a state of being that many people carry through their whole life, or is a definable ‘personality’ type that is carrying the country and relies on a select few to redeem.
When I look at Australia – and the people around me I see generosity of spirit, honesty, forward-thinking, inclusivity. The broad racism and ‘6-oclock swill’ that were so pervasive 30 or 40 years ago just don’t exist now. And I would have thought that the ‘cultural cringe’ that made one embarrassed to be Australian would have gone by now too.
I see a country that is design-savvy, original, unique and broad-minded. I see people who arn’t afraid to be themselves. I see a glittering tapestry that is so wonderful that overseas travel only adds to our appreciation of it.
We are a young country, and I’m proud of the progress we continue to make – individually and as a whole. I don’t wear an akubra, speak with a broad accent, or ‘throw prawns on the barbie’, but with a heritage that stretches back over 150 years in this country on my father’s side (not convict), migrants from scotland on my maternal grandarent’s side, and my own marriage to an italian immigrant, I think I am the country, and if you came here last year and have embraced all that we are and want to be – you are too.
Oh, I could go on for pages….. better stop now. 
Unfortunately much of the Australian advertising to gain international visitors plays up to the stereo type consistently – and in turn feeds it You look at the Sydney Olympics – our chance to show the world who we really are – what do we get? People dancing around with Lawn mowers and Crocodile Dundee on a float – oh and The Man from Snowy River horse show and kangaroos on bikes too….all very cringe worthy! Then you had people like John Howard talking about ‘mateship’ etc on that stupid Citizenship test – and trying to take Aus back to 1950s values.. I also find some people try to live up to the stereo type for fear of being scrutinized by others (mainly men). I don’t drink beer. I hate beer. I’d much rather a glass of wine. Though you get the odd yob who is just sooooo shocked I don’t drink beer. An Australian bloke who doesn’t drink beer!!! shock horror! And watching sport on tv? I’d rather stick a fork in my leg….
daniel cracks me up! and i don’t want to see the photo of him with a fork in his leg…
ditto your thoughts on australianism. like any group of people – always variations, subtleties, etc.
humanity. that is what is so wonderful about us all. each different. each unique.
but i love my country, for it’s failings and it’s fabulousness. no other place like it anywhere in the world.
I disagree on the disappearance of the caricatured Aussie.
Walk into any pub outside the metro area, and there are plenty. Not that I don’t like them – some of my best mates in the bush are hard-drinking, Akubra-toting farmers and I love them dearly.
But look around Melbourne on any Thursday, Friday or Saturday night and what do you see? Hard drinking, badly-behaved yobs…..
So they’re not everywhere, but you don’t have to look too far to find them.