As discussed in an
earlier blog post I personally believe that Australia is unable to define it's
national identity. A nations national identity is supposed to be the most
obvious type of identity however it is something that Australia is currently
struggling with.
The process of
globalisation means that migration to Australia is increasing. Many
segments of the media are taking advantage of this and pushing the distrust of
migrants in the Australian community. With television shows, such as
Today Tonight and A Current Affair, radio presenters like Alan Jones and
journalists such as Andrew Bolt almost completely profiting on pushing a fear
that migrants are coming to Australia 'illegally' and either stealing our
jobs... or living of welfare for years on end.
(Faux,
2012)
The
content presented by this section of the media is proving to be popular due to
a perceived difference in the values and culture of migrants than
that of Australia, which as Birch et al remind us leads to a pushback with
citizens attempting to protect the local culture (Birch et. al.
2001).
I believe that
Australia's identity of the ‘Aussie battler’ is still alive and well, just that
it is taking a new form, with individuals able to receive and education and
better themselves regardless of where they were born and what socio-economic
class they are in. Multiculturalism is an important part of Australian culture and of our national identity.
References:
Birch,
D, Schirato, T & Srivastava, S 2001, Asia: cultural politics in the
global age, Allen and Unwin, Sydney.
Faux
T, 2012 Cynicism on Demand, retrieved 27/08/2012 http://fantasticmrfaux.tumblr.com/image/17692363704
