Being Australian: Narratives of national identityAfter a century of speculation by writers, filmmakers, travelers and scholars, being Australian' has become a recognisable shorthand for a group of national characteristics. Now, in an era of international terrorism, being seen as un-Australian' has become a potent rhetorical weapon for some, and a badge of honour for others. Catriona Elder explores the origins, meaning and effects of the many stories we tell about ourselves, and how they have changed over time. She outlines some of the traditional stories and their role in Australian nationalism, and she shows how concepts of egalitarianism, peaceful settlement and sporting prowess have been used to create a national identity. Elder also investigates the cultural and social perspectives that have been used to critique dominant accounts of Australian identity, including ideas of class, gender, sexuality, ethnicity and race. She shows how these critiques have been, in turn, queried in recent years. Being Australian is an ideal introduction to studying Australia for anyone interested in understanding Australian society, culture and history. A clever work: incisive and original. At a time when Australian identities have never been more debated, Elder finds an open way through the closed doors which often restrict cultural representations of Australian-ness.' Professor Adam Shoemaker, Dean of Arts, ANU This is a timely and significant new analysis essential reading on issues of identity and our own anxieties about national belonging and what it means to be Australian' in a globalising world.' Kate Darian-Smith, Professor of Australian Studies and History, University of Melbourne |
Contents
| 1908 | |
| 1928 | |
| 1942 | |
Gender and nation | 1963 |
Sexuality and nation | 1986 |
Ethnicity and nation | 2004 |
Art cinema and music | |
Place space and land | |
Public holidays and national | |
non National uses of public spaces | |
The everyday in Australia | |
Museums heritage and the national | |
Conclusion | |
Bibliography | |
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Common terms and phrases
Aboriginal Anangu Anglo-Australian Antarctica Anzac Day argues artists aspects Australia Day Australian nation bloke British bush Canberra centre ceremony citizens colonial contemporar desire dominant stories economic egalitarianism ethnic example experience explored federal feelings flashmobbing Gallipoli gay and lesbian gender global Gurindji Heidelberg School heritage heterosexual homosexuality homosocial idea immigration Indigenous Australians Indigenous communities Indigenous women issues labour land lesbian lives mardi gras marginalised masculine means Melbourne migrants multicultural narratives National Capital Authority national identity national parks national stories native title non-Indigenous Australians organised outback parade participants particular political power ful produced protest racism recognised reconciliation reinforce relationship representations represented Rugby League seen sexual social South Wales space sport stories of Australian-ness suburban suburbs suggests Sydney terra nullius tourists town twentieth centur Uluru un-Australian understanding understood white Australia workers young