Australian Identity; What makes us Australian?
Do you have a friend, or someone you know who identifies them self as being Greek, Italian, Malaysian, Turkish? Their identity is intriguing and assimilates closely with their culture. But have you ever wondered what your identity is? Maybe you are Italian, or your father is Australian and your mother is German, so your identify with both. However, if both of your parents are Australian, your grandparents are Australian, and as far as you can think back your family is Australian; what do we actually identify as being Australian?
This unit draws on ideas that make up our Australian identity. Australian culture and identity is forever changing, and is constantly evolving. We can remember back to the days when bushrangers such as Ned Kelly were heroes although they were villains. We bring into question; why is it that we idolise Australian Villains such as the Ned Kelly Gang when they were police murderers? Crocodile Dundee created an image for our Australian Males- tough, rugged and from the bush (do we still see that as a true reflection of Australian male identities today?).
We will discuss what symbols of our culture are important to us? Why is it that we feel that brandishing our bodies with the Southern Cross makes young men, Australian?
We will question whether part of our identity is based on our nations love for sport. Are we all sport lovers? And if not, does that make us un-Australian? We will discuss whether our interest in sport has declined, as our reign diminishes, therefore our national identity is not so closely linked to our love of sport.
We will also look at stereotypes. What outsiders believe is truly Australian and makes up our identity. How much of their beliefs are accurate to our culture and how we view ourselves as Australians?
Lastly, we will examine our changing culture and identity. With the influx of migration from the 1950's to today, is our national identity one of a true Multicultural nation? Do we consider those whom have migrated or sought refuge to be Australian? And do they consider themselves to be Australian? We will discuss how easy or hard it is for them to become Australian according to our nations beliefs and values of a 'fair go'.
Considering what Australian identity is to you
Use the following worksheet to help you consider and examine what Australian identity means to you. Answer the following questions to help develop you discover what being Australian means to you.
You can view the document or download below. You can submit in person or using the form below.
You can view the document or download below. You can submit in person or using the form below.
australian_identity.pdf | |
File Size: | 63 kb |
File Type: |
I am, you are, we are Australian.
Key questions and concepts
Complete the following task going beyond your personal beliefs of what is Australian identity, to look at how we collectively as a nation view Australian identity.
You can view the document or download below. You can submit in person or using the form below.
You can view the document or download below. You can submit in person or using the form below.
key_questions_and_concepts.pdf | |
File Size: | 50 kb |
File Type: |
Articles, stories, opinion pieces on Australian Identity
The following section contains all the materials that you will need to read during class and at home to understand differing opinions and ideas about our Australian Identity. Use the resources to help you define your understanding through our work in class, and your own reflections at home.
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A Study on the Simpsons' Stereotype
As a class we will be studying the portrayal of Australian culture and stereotypes by examining the episode of the Simpsons, Bart Vs Australia. In our studying we will be looking at the portrayal of Australian culture and the negative impact that this episode had after it aired on Australian TV.