What is it that makes you Australian? Is having a Southern
Cross tattoo over stamped over your chest? Hosting a barbeque on Australia Day?
Or is it the unconditional support, and at times criticism, we provide our
Australian role models day in day out?
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| http://resources0.news.com.au/images/2008/10/16/va1237335908668/Peter-Siddle-cricket-6303667.jpg |
I’m not exactly sure either, however, these government
websites give me some idea. http://www.citizenship.gov.au/learn/schools/citizenship.htm/
Being a relatively young Australian, I feel that in some way
I contribute to the national culture through the technologies of today’s media.
Whether that is through my online identities or simply engaging in the
Australian news on television and in the newspapers.
Brian D Loader (2007) comments, “Young people may be more
influenced by television, for example, than by the internet” (Livingston et al., Chapter 2) which I believe to be
true.
It is easy for the youth of today, myself included, to look online for news stories from around the
world for balanced perspectives instead of the Australian ones we are provided
with.
Once we turn on to Channels 9, 7 or 10 we are shown news
stories from Victoria and Australia that further assists us in supporting the
national culture.
Watching the Olympics, I support Sally Pearson and all the
sailors that won gold, but also somehow agree with the television stations that
harshly criticise Steven Hooker for his performance.
The national television and newspapers help me contribute to
the Australian culture as they provide continual reminders of what is news in
this country.
Even if that means beers and a BBQ on Australia day!
How to be Australian (Youtube 2008)
References:
Citizenship 2012, 'What does Australian Citizenship mean?', retrieved 21 August, <http://www.citizenship.gov.au/learn/schools/citizenship.htm/>
Foreign Affairs Trade 2012, 'Australian Culture'. retrieved 22 August, <http://www.dfat.gov.au/facts/people_culture.html>
Citizenship 2012, 'What does Australian Citizenship mean?', retrieved 21 August, <http://www.citizenship.gov.au/learn/schools/citizenship.htm/>
Foreign Affairs Trade 2012, 'Australian Culture'. retrieved 22 August, <http://www.dfat.gov.au/facts/people_culture.html>
How to be Australian 2008, video, natbrunovs, 30 August, retrieved 22 August, <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9iyeLblVJM>
Loader, BD 2007, ‘Introduction : Young citizens in the digital age : disaffected or displaced?’, Young citizens in the digital age : political engagement, young people and new media 2007, Routledge, London, pp. 1-17
Very good effort with a variety of examples. You look at both the media and individuals the way they contribute to Australian identity. You use Australian televsion channel 7 and channel 9 as examples to show how the Australian mainstream media represent Australian culture from Australian perspective; you also use example of your own experience of watching the Olympics to demonstrate how the way as a citizen of this country contribute to your national identity.From the example you provide here, the mainstream media in Australia such as newspapers and broadcasting focus on national and local news, this effort shows that Australian media supports Australian national identity. In my opinion, it is true that most Australian televisions report on local news rather than whats happening in the world,it is to reinforce national identity but aslo to attract as many audience as possible to achieve high rating. On the whole i like the way you define the "Aussie culture":BBQ,Sounthern Cross, but, one more thing, Vegemite! This 90-year-old spread brand has to be definitely considered as an Ausssie cultural icon~
ReplyDeleteWell done! Keep writing!
Dannie
Some great questions raised at the start of the blog, which kept me reading! You brought up some strong point about our generation and its access to technological forms of media. It would have been good to have seen your answers to the questions you raised though, weather they were right or wrong.
ReplyDeleteWell done! Great read.
Another great post Will, I am really enjoying your blogs, and this one was no exception! The examples, and “norms” if you will of typical Australian life, like the tattoos and the barbie were very relatable, and a true representation of the type of characteristics a typical Australian may possess. I liked the embedded video also which allowed a satirical look on the Australian culture, and the Olympics reference showed that whilst you enjoy the culture of Australia, it is also okay to be critical!
ReplyDeleteGood work mate!
A good post on what defines Australian culture and how the media and individuals define what it is to be Australian. Well written, with a good sense of sources and how to use them. However I would like to mention that Australian culture and its definition is very hazy due to the influx of other cultures. What is Australia cannot be defined properly, although many people in Australia can relate to the points in your post.
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