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
Hello Eloise!
ReplyDeleteLoved the comic! Well referenced by the way!
Just a little hint - be aware of using the same word in a paragraph: i.e. 'struggling'. Just broke up the flow of your blog. Aside from that, fantastic! You have a strong opinion! If you could add a little evidence reinforcing you point, it would be fab!
Great read! Have to read your other posts now!
Regards,
Stef
Your ability to easily engage with the reader by using a cartoon to demonstrate increased immigration through increased immigration is effective. The cartoon gets the reader to consider the benefits and the negatives of such changes, which will differ from one individual to another. You clearly presented to the reader how certain media and news personalities can create a perception of fear or dislike towards immigrants.
ReplyDeleteA well referenced post with good use of a visual aid that is relevant to the point you were making. I agree with you that multiculturalism is what Australia's all about and because of that I don't think we have identity issues. Some really interesting points were made, good job!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your post and the cartoon is effective at portraying your point along with the use of references and discussing organisations. I believe your points are incredibly valid and your statement of the 'Aussie Battler' is a great finally reinforcing that cultures don't get destroyed but evolve. You blog actually inspired my own regarding this concept especially dealing with the medias impact.
ReplyDeleteThe cartoon within the blog pretty much sums up what your post is about. What you are arguing rings so true and you have backed your statements with great referencing. You have touched on what many Australian's do believe and do fear, the points you make are extremely worthwhile. It might have strengthened your blog to define this sort of fear as xenophobia. I completely agree that media figures such as Andrew Bolt pretty much do get paid to plant that seed of fear in Australian's heads. Great, great blog. Loved reading it!
ReplyDelete