Searching for the Australian Identity
When dealing with Aboriginal rights, rather than clash the black hand head on, the white hand has come from behind and guided its direction. This has made it quite difficult for Aborigines to clearly define what they need to improve their lives. In addition, there has been a tendency to homogenise Aborigines, which has in turn resulted in the diversity of Aboriginal thought and culture being recognised.
There are many Australians who say that Australia has no national identity and would be racist if it got one. Ironically, such an attitude is a uniquely Australian thing to say.
The Chinese have their terracotta warriors, and the English have a Big Clock. What do symbols do Australians use to affirm their culture?
A stereotypical trait of Australians is that they don't like stereotypes. Some of the Australian's aversion to stereotypes comes from the existence of large numbers of egocentric individuals who lack a willingness to conform. For example, if confronted with an international stereotype that Australians say "g'day mate", the individual may respond that he or she is Australian and does not say "g'day."
In England, accents vary according to class and region. In America, they vary according to race and region. Unlike America or England, Australia has no variance in accent according to class, race or region. Instead, the accent varies according to ideology or gender. Two Australians can grow up side by side, go to the same schools, do the same job, but end up speaking English using different words, different grammar and with different accents.
Australians often cut down the pompous or those who consider themselves to be superior. Ironically, perhaps this contributes to the stereotype that Australians are racist.
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