How do I participate in my national
identity?
Before answering this, let’s look at what
‘culture’ actually is. John Fiske describes culture as a way of living within a
society that encompasses all the meanings of that social experience, (1992). In
this sense, culture assists people to understand themselves and to make meaning
of the world around them.
When I think of typical ‘Aussie’ culture and
the way Australian’s are represented around the world, films like The Castle and Crocodile Dundee come to mind, both of which exaggerate Aussie
stereotypes.
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| Sources: Angus & Robertson, Covers Hut |
I personally, do not identify with these
stereotypes and don’t know many who do. So what is Australia’s culture?
Globalisation, and in particular, the
physical flows of people has affected the way in which culture is defined in
Australia. Sun believes ‘global population movements are producing a growing
tendency for bounded territories to give way to diasporic networks, nations to
transnations,’ (2002).
Australia has a long history of immigration, starting with the
Aboriginal people over 40,000 years ago and the British colonization in 1788.
Since then, immigrants have continued to migrate to Australia and have brought
with them, their own cultural identity, which has helped shape Australia’s
culture. This is because migrants often become ‘more possessive on issues of
national sovereignty that do their compatriots at home,’ (Sun, 2002).
So, multiculturalism has somewhat become
Australia’s national identity.
But how do I make culture, make sense of
the world around me?
Through my family and upbringing, fashion
trends, American television shows, Australian music and international travel.
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| Sources: Serendipity, Entertainment Wallpaper, The Music Network |
But people make meaning in a variety of ways
and with different cultural trends, which is what is so great about living in a
multicultural country.
References
Fiske, J 1992, 'British cultural studies and television', in RC Allen (ed), Channels of discourse, reassembled, 2nd edn, Routledge, London, pp. 284-326.
Sun, W 2002, ‘Leaving China: media,
migration and transnational imagination’, Rowan & Littlefield, Lanham, Md.
Lanham, pg. 113-136.
This was a really interesting post, you raised a lot of important points about what makes culture. I liked your mention of the Australian cultural stereotypes, (which I personally don’t identify with either) and also your explanation of the globalisation processes of migration which have lead to the strong multicultural aspect of Australian culture.
ReplyDeleteHey Kate,
ReplyDeleteWow, for a second there I thought I was reading my own thoughts! Good writing, use of terms, and analyses of culture.
I also cannot identify with those two movies, and it is very hard to say what our 'culture' is, because everyone is so different here that there is no real widespread acceptance... In saying that, I think Australia could be one of the most forward thinking nations because of our 'culture' which is founded on immigration.
I think the stereotype thing is interesting. Just notice how much this is done! It can be offensive, funny and accurate to some extent. I find it interesting, mostly, to see how people view other cultures and 'stereotype'. This usually demonstrates ignorance.
Keep up the good work!!
Will
Very interesting!
ReplyDeleteI loved the reference about Crocodile Dundee. And I completely agree. I don't think this is our national identity. However, perhaps the producers exaggerated some of our 'mannerisms' to make international audiences understand. What I mean is, perhaps they thought it would be easier to display a simple concept of 'Australian' rather than try to explain the multiculturalism prominent in society.
Well done on the photos and the link! They really add an interesting touch!
Regards,
Stef
Well done.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting blog post with valid points about the Australian culture and how we as a nation are seen by other societies and cultures. I agree that it is frustrating the way Australians are seen as 'bogans' by the rest of the world, it’s no wonder Americans think we all own a kangaroo as a pet. But then we probably assume things for American cultures or other societies based on what we see in movies. Overall a very good post with good references and pictures to back up your arguments!