Australian Identity Crisis or Not?

Part 1:

“Forging an Australian Identity”

http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/blogs/the-razors-edge/forging-an-australian-identity/20100630-zlu4.html

Part 2:

“So who the bloody hell are ya? Australia’s identity crisis just keeps resurfacing.”

Waikato Times – September 27^th

Sorry there’s no link – it wasn’t archived on the newspaper’s website and so I only have a hard copy! Copious quotes follow though.

Part 3:

The first article is by a woman who launched a Human Rights Commission Report on discrimination against African-Australians. She looks at how through history, various ethnic groups have had their turn assimilating into Australia. She fully expects that in time, African-Australians will be able to find jobs and walk down the street without discrimination. In essence, they will still be African-Australian, but they will also be Australian. In contrast, the second article claims that there is no Australian identity to assimilate into. It describes the identity crisis of Australians arising out of its diverse history: “If you want to define Australia, choose your narrative – British colony, aboriginal, immigrant cosmopolis. In other words, there is no one shared story, no essential Australia.” Australian scholar James Curran says that, “There’s nothing at the moment that allows us to define ourselves and our future.” In light of the first article, I really question whether or not most Australians would agree with these kinds of statements that imply Australians don’t have an identity. The author of the first article uses phrases like “quintessentially Australian” and “totally Aussie,” which reinforce the notion of a collective Australian identity. In contrast to the second article which says “We have no guiding philosophy,” she also says, “The core Australian ethos is to have a go.” Sounds like pretty conflicting ideas of the Australian identity! I’m looking forward to us all being in Melbourne and looking into what it means to be Australian.

Possum Throwing vs. Possum Rescuing

Part 1:

“Pitt Street possum stops monorail”

http://www.theage.com.au/environment/conservation/pitt-street-possum-stops-monorail-20100722-10lyw.html

Part 2:

“Possum-throwing at NZ school slammed”

Sydney Morning Herald – September 23rd

http://www.smh.com.au/environment/possumthrowing-at-nz-school-slammed-20100923-15nnf.html

Part 3:

The first article describes an event in which a Sydney monorail came to a halt when a possum that was injured by a car was rescued from a tree close to the rail. Onlookers gathered to watch the rescue operation and were quoted as calling the possum, named Kevin by his rescuers, “cute” and “adorable.” In New Zealand, where possums are invasive pests that squeeze out native species, it’s more likely that the driver of the monorail would back up to make sure it was a goner (or so they would joke…). One article I read in a paper while in New Zealand was an editorial by a woman expressing her horror as her Australian friends started cooing when a possum became an unexpected picnic guest. The second article describes an incident in which a dead possum throwing contest was held for fun at a school in New Zealand, to the outrage of the SPCA. I really enjoy the contrast between the treatment of possums in each of these countries. The discrepancies demonstrate how much both nations value their native wildlife. Possums are a protected species in Australia, whereas in New Zealand they are poisoned like rats. I have to say, Australian possums are a heck of a lot cuter than the ones that we have in America. I met an Aussie possum in a cemetery (pics on facebook haha) – and I named him Martin. I respect that the Kiwis have a lot to defend, but I will be glad to not be obligated to despise them while in Aus.

Carbon Price Controversy

Part 1:

“Tony Abbott to lead 'party of ideas'”

By Samantha Maiden – September 22^nd 2010

http://www.thegreenpages.com.au/index.asp?page_id=1132

Part 2:

“Gillard Says Australia Needs Price on Carbon to Achieve Emission Targets”

By Elisabeth Behrmann - Sep 25, 2010

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-09-25/gillard-says-need-for-price-on-carbon-to-meet-emission-cut-goals.html

Background:

PM Julia Gillard leading a committee that is looking to introduce a carbon tax in Australia, where eighty percent of electricity production comes from burning coal (http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-09-27/gillard-led-committee-to-study-australia-carbon-price.html). This tax, which will be about $25 per ton of coal (twice that of the United States) (http://www.thegreenpages.com.au/index.asp?page_id=1132), will act as an incentive to people and businesses to reduce their energy consumption, and thus reduce overall emissions.

Part 3:

The first article iterates MP Tony Abbott’s stance against a carbon price. He is concerned with the impact that the tax will have on people’s cost of living and the cost of running a business. The second article addresses recent statements by Julia Gillard about her stance advocating a carbon price as opposed to the emissions trading scheme plan that was previously in place. Gillard says that a price on carbon emissions in Australia is necessary in order to meet the nation's goal of reducing carbon emissions by five percent by 2020. These articles demonstrate the ubiquitous balancing act needed to support both domestic and global interests. In light of the tensions demonstrated in these articles, I am interested in looking into what Australia is doing to provide alternative sources of energy. If sustainable alternatives are used (is the vastness suitable for windfarms?), or there is a campaign that successfully motivates Australians to use less energy, would a tax increase still be necessary?

Afghan Asylum Seekers

Part 1

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/navy-intercepts-another-asylum-seeker-vessel-the-98th-this-year/story-fn59niix-1225932672956

Part 2

http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5j0VPArPVNlyGxRnYmZqO8IQQYEiw?docId=4694606

Part 3

These articles cover the Afghan asylum seeker problem faced by the Australian government. Last april the Australia suspended claims from both Afghan and Sri Lankan refugee seekers. The first article informs us that the six month freeze on refugee processing has been lifted. Afghan asylum seekers will now be allowed to prepare their refugee claims. Those found not to be refugees will be returned to Afghanistan. The second article describes the most recent capture of a refugee boat. Eight hours from now (because of the time difference) the navy will capture the 98th refugee vessel this year. The boat will be found to have 28 passengers for a total of 4617 asylum seekers this year. Before reading this article i would have thought Australia, being an island country would have no immigration problems. Its interesting to see how every country seems to face the same issues.

Popular and not-so-popular music

Part 1:

http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/nostalgia-is-killing-our-music-scene-20100928-15vh7.html

Part 2:

http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/hello-is-it-lionel-richie-were-looking-for-20100930-15yfb.html

Part 3:

While browsing the different news websites, I have noticed a number of mixed articles about where Australian music seems to be headed, and what Australians love to listen to.

The first link talks about how older bands like AC/DC and Fleetwood mac are still extremely popular and sell out concerts, while the newer bands seem to be popular one or two years and then die out, being unable to compete with the classics. The second link is an article that shows some people's disagreement with this years AFL grand final pre and post game entertainment. It highlights the people's disagreement with hiring Lionel Richie as the performer instead of an Australian band. Personally, I am curious to see what bands are popular and what the people listen to on the streets, at gatherings, concerts and so on.

Aboriginal Gap/Slang to Avoid

Still in the Dark about Aboriginal Policies

http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/politics/still-in-the-dark-on-aboriginal-policies-20100818-12f2s.html

Outdated Australian Slang for Visitors to Avoid

http://www.suite101.com/content/outdated-australian-slang-for-visitors-to-avoid-a133118

The two articles here are not particularly related, but will help in understanding our environment. The first article displays the displeasure of the author for the lack and misguided funding for the Aboriginal people. He thinks that too much emphasis is placed on the Aborigines living in remote areas, when they only make up a quarter of the Aborigine population and that those living cities should be given more assistance as well. The gap between their population and the rest of Australia he believes is still to high, with Aborigines unable to afford appropriate housing in many situations. The second article is a guide of what Australian slang not to use and points out some false stereotypes. Tips range from the correct pronunciation of city names, outdated lingo and how some commercials have created a misconception of the Australian culture. One example is how advertisers have convinced us that Foster's is the beer of choice for Australians, when that is certainly not the case. I am looking forward to seeing which stereotypes are true or not, and realizing how much my perception has been shaped about a place I have never been.

Locust Plague

Part 1:

http://www.theage.com.au/environment/water-issues/drought-over-but-here-come-the-locusts-20100917-15frv.html

Part 2:

http://www.smh.com.au/victoria/melbourne-cup-under-threat-as-brumby-declares-war-on-locusts-20100916-15e2m.html

Part 3:

While reading the different news sites I have noticed that many of them are mentioning the series of droughts, rain and floods that have now hit the area. The large amounts of rain are undoubtedly good for farmers and potential crops to grow, but now there is a new problem: locusts. According to the first article I have included in this post, locusts may wipe out a significant amount of crops in Southern Australia. The swam of locusts that are expected to hatch in the near future are estimated to be the worst in over thirty years. The second article emphasizes that the locust plague could affect more than just farmers. Large events, like the Melbourne Cup may be cancelled due to the declared war on locusts. It is a shame because the crops conditions are incredibly good for this season, but the locusts may discount a large portion of that. The hatching days are said to be the beginning of October, meaning that we might be caught right in the middle of seeing this locust plague ruin several acres of crops throughout Victoria.