A ‘typical’ Aussie bloke would go down to a local pub with some mates and have a couple of beers on his days off work. Or maybe go hunting, camping or fishing. But as a family, he might be cooking something on a BBQ, while the wife serves drinks and the kids play a game of cricket in their huge backyard.
It is assumed all Australians enjoy a couple of rounds of cricket on the beach, and are fundamental towards the sports. But how much do Australians really play sport on a day to day basis? Studies have shown that in this day and age, instead of getting thinner - from the apparent sport we play, were getting larger by the minute, competing against USA for the title of 'Most Obese Country'.
Studies have shown that ‘the proportion of adults classified as overweight or obese increased over the last ten years: for men from 52% to 62% and for women from 37% to 45%.' (ABS National Health survey, 2005-06)
Australia is seen as a multicultural society. However, there are mixed feelings among the community about being multicultural, some believe multiculturalism is good for the society as it brings cultural diversity to the society, can foster a tolerant society, and improve relations with other countries. However, some think multiculturalism is bad and are under the belief that migrants take jobs and bring more racial tension to Australia.
'At the 2001 Census, the estimated take-up rate of Australian citizenship for the overseas-born was 75.1 per cent. '(ABS, 2001)
Some people also think that having a multicultural society weakens the Australian identity, and the Australian identity may be lost among the influences of different cultures into Australia. But I believe this multicultural society is makes a big part of the Australian identity. Many people believe that multiculturalism brings much more variety to the Australia culture, like having more interesting things to experience, and more variety of things on offer to someone who is looking to do something new. There is however also some people who have negative views towards multiculturalism simply because they are racist, or hold racist feelings. But the fact is that migrants create jobs and that migrants affect both the supply and demand side of Australia’s economy, creating even more jobs for the average Australian. As Australian society has become more diverse with continuing immigration, expressions of racism in Australian popular culture have changed over time.
‘In November 1996 there were 9.1 million people in the Australian labour force, of whom around 24% had been born outside Australia. (ABS.gov, Australian social change, 1998)’
One important feature of Australia which helps create our identity is freedom. Freedom of Speech, expression, religion, and political beliefs, in some countries such priorities do not exist. It is considerable to say our Australian identity is to practise our religions without discrimination, we are free and happy to criticise their government without being accused of discriminating the flag. Also, we are also free to wave the flag however we want not only letting the flag's corners touch the ground, but the entire flag may even be used as a blanket to sit on at the cricket. Australians can relax. "No worries" is Australia's motto because of Australia's lack of culture, and the pressures linked with culture, frees it of the worries of other nations. With this, Australians are allowed to mock the Prime minister, John Howard of his signature ‘eyebrows’. Australians are blessed with these guidelines, although many take these for granted. Australia is a democracy and citizens are allowed in their beliefs without being looked down or discriminated. People respect other people’s cultures and beliefs and may even learn much more about other cultures. This freedom is what creates a major part of our Australian Identity.
‘We look for big noses like Peter Costello’s magnificent proboscis, big ears like Tony Abbott’s or Billy McMahon’s (who was famously described as looking like a Volkswagen with the doors open), or big droopy eyes the size of ping-pong balls like Philip Ruddock’s. ‘
(New Matilda, Article: Howard’s Australia; Howard the ordinary.)
In conclusion, Australia has not only one stereotype in truth, but many role models with different beliefs cultures and ethnics. Many people only see the ‘blonde Aussie bloke’ with the happy nature but never the hidden multicultural structure of this society. Of course there are a many traits of true a Australian, but these traits belong in every person living in Australia, all desiring a peaceful and democratic country. Not many people realise how lucky they may be to live in this country, where thousands of immigrants are trying to get out of their war torn countries. Australia provides a basis or peacefulness, what many people in the world is looking for.
Bibliography _ 1,101 words
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The Age Online Newspaper: A nation in search of an identity, 12/8/2007, Gregory Hywood (http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/07/02/1056825454566.html)