Does Australia Need a National Identity

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.

Australian Symbols

The Chinese have their terracotta warriors, and the English have Stonehenge. What do symbols do Australians use to affirm their culture?

Australian Stereotypes

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 they are Australian and don't say "g'day."

Language and Identity in Australia

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.

Racism as a Function of Egalitarianism

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.