A Critique on Australian Culture

A CRITIQUE ON AUSTRALIAN CULTURE

Prepared for: Leonie Elphinstone EMB773

Due Date: 11th September, 2011

Melissa Mackenzie 102168 Po Box 1479 Buddina Qld 4575 Email: mjm013@student.usc.edu.au

In Ashkanasy (2007) terms, Australias national identity was historically formed around an Anglo-Saxon ethnic core. However, during its history, Australia has moved towards a

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A Critique on Australian Culture civic origin of national identity as cultural diversity becomes more prevalent. Theorist have argued as more immigrants become nationalized as Australian, the importance of being from an Anglo-Saxon heritage is becoming less important and more emphasis is being placed on a commitment to a share identity that can be layered on top of existing cultural diversity.

Edward Taylor a 19th century anthropologist defined culture as that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society(Van Kriekan et al. 2006 p:6). In contrast, Wierzbicka (1995) argues that culture is ever changing as human engage in the exchange of customs, philosophies and idealisms.

Consequently, Wierzbicka (1995) research implies that even though there are many different cultures living within Australia, Australia still have its own unique culture derived from Aboriginals and Anglo-Australian culture.

After WWII, Australia aligned with U.S.A. and distanced itself from Great Britain. Gannon and Pillai (2010) research suggests that at first glance the Australian and American cultures are very similar. They both speak English, they both fought alongside each other in WWII, and they both colonized British convicts. However, Australians suffer from the tall poppy syndrome, a social phenomenon of which successful people are the target of criticism. The tall poppy syndrome is what makes Australias culture unique

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A Critique on Australian Culture in terms of egalitarianism. Egalitarianism is fundamental to Australian cultural values as long as they make a fair go (Gannon and Pillai p: 550).

Because of this belief, Pauline Hansons One Nation Party emerged in the 1990s as a platform for anti-multiculturalism. Pauline Hanson established herself as a mother and as an Aussie Battler. She claimed that it is the government creating separatism within Australia by giving welfare handouts to the indigenous population and to the multicultural communities living within Australia. Therefore, it can be argued that some sectors of the Australian community still have traditional idealism of the concept of the Australian national identity.

In an effort to deny Australian culture Donald Horne (Wierzbicka 1995) dismisses the concept of mateship and regards it as not be being egalitarian. Elaine Thompson

(Wierzbicka 1995) argues that even though mateship is peculiar to Australia, the concept is racist and sexist. In addition, Thompson pointed out that women have been excluded from the masculine concept. In contrast, Wierzbicka (1995) argues that the words mate and mateship embodies loyalty and friendship and is not culturally or gender exclusive but rather is engrained into the Australian way of life.

However, David Carter (Wierzbicka 1995) an Australian intellectual claims that Australia has always been a multicultural society. Prior to the English colonizing Australia in 1788, there were the Aboriginals and the Torres Strait Islander people. By the 1830, disease and violence almost killed all the aboriginals. In 1850, the gold rush attracted

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A Critique on Australian Culture Asian migrants. In 1901, the commonwealth took control of immigration and introduced the White Australian policy, this effectively banned Asian immigration up until 1966. Since WWII, migrants from all over the world have immigrated to Australia. Therefore, the Australian national identity has more to do with the most popular culture and less about cultural diversity and government policies.

In conclusion, Australia has always been defined as an egalitarian society, and has always shared the belief of giving everyone a fair go and helping the underdog. However, the Australian national identity is changing due to wider social forces. To date it is unclear about what the new culture and symbols of this identify will be.

What people need to know about some of Australias cultural norms: Barbeques are essential to socializing with family and friends Deliberate displays of wealth can be seen as vulgar Australians are difficult to offend but may easily offend others unintentionally Australians are egalitarianism Everyone takes turns in shouting a round at the pub Bringing alcohol to a party of a barbeque is necessary On first meeting, do not kiss or hug a person you do not know Splitting a bill in a restaurant is done equally and financial positions or gender are not taken into account

Reference: Melissa Mackenzie 1021468

A Critique on Australian Culture

Ashkanasy, N. M. (2007). The Australian Enigma. In: Chhokar, J.S and Brodbeck, F.C. and House, R. culture and leadership across the world: the GLOBE book of in-depth studies of 25 societies. New Jersey: Erlbaum Associates Mahwah. 299-304 and 328-333 Gannon, M.J and Pillai, R. (2010). Australian Outdoor Recreational Activities. In: Understanding Global Cultures: Metaphorical Journeys Through 29 Nations, Clusters of Nations, Continents, and Diversity. 4th ed. U.S.A: Sage. 543-551. Van Krieken, R., Habbis, D., Smith, P., Hutchins, B., Haralambos, M. & Holborn, M. 2006, Sociology: Themes and Perspectives, 3rd edn, Longman-Pearson Education, Frenchs Forest.

Wierzbicka, A. 1995, In defence of Australian culture, Quadrant Magazine, November 1995, 17-22.

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