Australia Day [Archive]

Free Brain Removal

28th January 2009, 12:06 PM

I was a Police Officer for about 3 years, during that time I encountered many Aboriginal people.

I always tried to make an impression on Aboriginal people and tried to get them to challenge their perception that I was only there to cause them further grief (causing grief was the last thing I wanted to do also because I would do anything to avoid paperwork or arresting someone..)

One night I spent two hours in a hospital with an anti-white, police hating career criminal Aboriginal who had been beaten up by his brother for sleeping with someone he shouldn't have. I could have just ignorned him and stayed with him while we worked out if he had brain damage or not.. but instead I decided to talk to him.

I talked to him for that whole time about his culture, how he relates to it, his relatives and how their family culture works. By the end he was close to tears from the fairness and respect I'd shown him. He also begged me not to tell anyone because his family and friends would beat him for it.

I completely agree that what the settlers and future generations did to the Aboriginals was very fucked up. In my work, I never discriminated against an Aboriginal, I never used derogatory terms or felt any need to. The amount of hatred and racial slurs that were thrown at me were immense however. By and large, the end result was me being spat on, bitten, called white c*nt over and over.

Sitting here now I can't think of any copper I worked with who gave unfair treatment to or discriminated against Aboriginals. Behind closed doors, disdain for them was sometimes expressed however. From speaking to these very coppers, I have found their negative opinions were a result of the verbal abuse and physical violence suffered by them while doing their job.

The white settlers were guilty as sin and they set up the oppressive system which was continued. But every time I hear someone excuse an Aboriginals negative actions, saying "But look at what happened to their land/culture etc, what do you expect?" I think it just panders to that behaviour.

I am sure my view is skewed due to the nature of my exposure. Though what I've written may come across as anti-aboriginal, those are my honest (and as impartially as I can) observations. I don't know what would improve things, but it's going to need both parties to step up to the plate and everyone, aboriginal or not, to take responsibility for their own actions and practice fairness and equality as hard as that may be sometimes. The hatred continues to exist as one side expresses it to another, which expresses it back.

Kieran

28th January 2009, 12:10 PM

Yep, invasion day here also. I was hiding out in Canberra, should have headed along to the Tent Embassy, but the heat was oppressive, and the flag waving head shaven fascists were everywhere.

The 'Federation of Aboriginal Sovereign Nations' will be convening on Monday 26th January 2009 where the focus of discussions will center around Sovereignty Issues.

After Sovereignty Business has been attended to by the 'Federation of Aboriginal Sovereign Nations' we will have a big Sovereignty Corroboree, over the rest of the week. - Tent Embassy Press Release (http://www.aboriginaltentembassy.net/)If you find yourself in Canberra and able to stomach the heat this week, head over to the lawns of old Parliament House and join the sit down.

Kieran

28th January 2009, 12:15 PM

Though what I've written may come across as anti-aboriginal, those are my honest (and as impartially as I can) observations.

You don't come across as anti-aboriginal, you come across as the best police officer I have ever heard of working in Aboriginal communities.

All I would say is that attempting to understand where violence and hatred come from is not in itself an attempt to excuse that.

Germaine Greer's recent essay "On Rage" copped a lot of crap for supposedly trying to excuse violence by black men, I don't think it does, rather it tries to understand what causes people to turn against themselves and their communities.

You might find it interesting, or you might think it's a load of po-mo left wing apologist crap, but I thought it raised some interesting ideas, and you might find it interesting in light of your own experience :-)

SchizoDeluxe

28th January 2009, 02:53 PM

It's really great to know that some people in this country acknowledge the true history behind Australia and even reject a lot of it's patriotism. I always felt alone in this issue, and always thought Australia was one of the most patriotic countries in the world, in some cases even more than the US which is funny because I used to remember a lot of people criticizing other countries especially the US for doing the same things that people are now celebrating about, how times have changed. It's not being anti-australian at all, just being honest and accepting of the truth and reality of things. There was a great article in the west last week regarding the term "unaustralian" and how noone truly knows what it means to be australian. I think the author was spot on about how it seems anything that doesn't fit in with a typical or steriotype in lifestyle or thinking in this country is considered unaustralian when the fact is, noone seems to really know what it means. And it's always the negative side that people mention, it's unaustralian to do this and do that but never mention how australian this is or that is. I only celebrate the day in the same fashion as Christmas or Easter, just an excuse to get together with friends or share things with other people, it doesn't have any meaning to me. But I see a lot of people driving their cars with the flags still attached, it doesn't bother me as they can do whatever they want but it does make me think and sometimes cringe at it all. Invasion day I haven't eally thought about a lot. Aborigines certaintly do get treated like shit in this country but it seems all western countries are like this. The white nomadic clan of the European settlers certaintly did a lot of destruction and invasions in their day.

Duffy

28th January 2009, 04:48 PM

Does anyone else remember Australia Day as just another public holiday? It seems to be a recent thing to drape the flag over our shoulders and cry oi oi oi. Personally, I'm not a big fan of misguided patriotism that often means the exclusion of those not born in this country. Its sad to see racists hijack the day with their 'piss off we're full' rants.
I do however enjoy the day as a way of showing appreciation for what it means to be a citizen of a free and democratic society. I am grateful to live in a bountiful country with a good standard of living. Plus I love a good barbie in the park. Our family(republicans) have replaced the Queens Birthday with 'Appreciation Day'. We celebrate what is important to us. And the best thing is there are no gift giving, no merchandise and no 'Appreciation Day' sale at the local rug shop.

Vonnie

28th January 2009, 05:30 PM

Invasion day in this household too! Yep, the flag has generally been hijacked in the past few years by racist Australians (which of course encompasses the "I'm not racist, but..." morons.) [And I say generally, because of course some genuinely non-racist Aussies do like to fly the flag.)

There was a car flag token with last weekend's newspaper. When I woke up after my sleep-in and found it on the car, I pulled it off. (My daughter has put it up in her bedroom. She's not aware of the racist mentality; she sees people, not colours or eye shapes or stereotypes. And I'm happy for her to remain this way for a while longer...) .

I'm certainly not anti-Australian. I'm glad that I had the good fortune, by an accident of birth, to be born in this free and beautiful country. But I acknowledge that we are, what we have done, and continue to do wrong, in many areas, including our treatment of our indigenous people. (The fact that other countries are guilty of similar issues - the maltreatment of the indigenous, the wanton pillaging of resources by "big business", the destruction of flora and fauna, the refugee situation, the salination of land and fresh waterways, and all the rest on a very long list - does not make us any less guilty, nor does it make for the usual "why should we do the right thing when they're not" lame excuse.

Also, I think our National Anthem is crap, and I don't sing it and feel no pride when it is sung. I do, however, get a tear in my eye when I hear the refrains of "We are one. But we are many..." <tearing up>

I won't even go into my issues with having the Union Jack as part of our flag... [/rant]

Vonnie

Cody

28th January 2009, 06:58 PM

'Patriotism is the willingness to kill and be killed for trivial reasons.'
Bertrand Russel

life's too short for isms - except atheism of course

SchizoDeluxe

28th January 2009, 07:33 PM

Nice post, I had no idea you were kiwi, not that it even matters but it's still interesting to know where people are from. I work with a lot of people from different countries and it's good that everyone just gets along with each other regardless of origin.

alanqui

28th January 2009, 09:03 PM

Vonnie

I would like you to go into why we should not have the Union Flag as part of the Australian flag

Kieran

28th January 2009, 09:11 PM

alanqui,

Because it's the Union Jack, and Australia is not the Union of Great Britain and Northern Ireland?

Just a thought.

SchizoDeluxe

28th January 2009, 09:15 PM

Well technically the queen is head of state in Australia since we are part of the British commonwealth, though that doesn't mean we have to retain the union jack because Canada is the same but they have their own flag without the union jack. We will never truly be our own country while we are under the british empire. Most people don't have a problem with it but it does seem to be a heated issue in recent years. It should be noted though that Christopher Hitchens has said he does not like the queen as head of state in Britain given it's obvious religious history, even Penn Jillette has stated his protest on any royalty to be in connection to a government or related, there are anti-religious arguments for seperating ourselves from the monarchy, not just political ones.

alanqui

28th January 2009, 09:20 PM

I quite like the historical aspect of our flag and I know a lot of my fellow ex-servicemen also like it that way. I have no doubt that one day it will change and hopefully that will be when all those who have fought under it will also have departed. Because that will mean there have been no wars for a long long time.

Cody

28th January 2009, 09:44 PM

hi alanqui
nice sentiment

Vonnie

28th January 2009, 10:23 PM

Duffy

29th January 2009, 08:13 AM

I spent many years referring to Australia Day as Invasion Day and was maddened by the misinformation I was taught about our colonization and our treatment to the aboriginies. Remember 70s history books? I spent a couple of years working on a sheep station in Quilpie- far western QLD- and was exposed to the aboriginal culture. In town, I experienced rejection and the 'whitie' tag, e.g not welcome to join the basketball team. But I figured I represented pretty horrible treatment from white australians and tried not to take it personally. On the station however I got to talk one-on-one with a pair of aboriginal men who were the deepest thinkers I had ever met and to this day remain profoundly impressed.
The reason I no longer call it 'Invasion Day' is after a tour of Europe with history buff husband. We went to sites of the most horrific attrocities and spoke to the local people. What I found was a not an apology for what had happened but a pride in departing from archiac prejudices. They acknowledge the past but saw it in historical perpective and part of the evolution of their society.
From that, I believe it is more important to learn and not the repeat our mistakes than it is to dwell in them. My 2 cents.

BTW I empathise with the RSL in their want for the union jack to remain on our flag. But a new Australian flag can't come quick enough for me.

Vonnie

29th January 2009, 09:34 AM

What I found was a not an apology for what had happened but a pride in departing from archiac prejudices. They acknowledge the past but saw it in historical perpective and part of the evolution of their society.

From that, I believe it is more important to learn and not the repeat our mistakes than it is to dwell in them. My 2 cents.

True, but we are not there yet. We have yet to depart from archaic prejudices. We are getting there in some ways, but have a long way to go.

Vonnie

Buddhish

29th January 2009, 10:00 AM

Really interesting posts - I had never thought about Australia Day a lot (just not a biggie where I grew up) but have noticed increases in patriotic displays in recent years - does seem very American-ised to me, but I guess the last 12 years of govt had produced wars and we have servicepeople os at the moment, so in these times increased patriotism is not suprising. The racism that seems to accompany it, however, is troubling, but I don't see an increase there either - I remember it as a kid, and then it was kind of quashed for a while, but the issues with immigration over the past decade, seem to have encouraged more extremist behaviour and reversed what seemed a positive trend to me back in the 80s. Or maybe that was when I was at Uni and my peer were different??

I think a new flag must come with a republic - they belong in unison. The Union Jack in the corner I think is a necessary reminder that we do still sit under the Queen.

I also thought that it would be great to change the flag when all the servicepeople who fought under it were gone (so they didn't have to feel the loss), but sadly, we are still sending folks OS at the moment, so the time frame keeps shifting.

The flag bothers me less than the issue of protecting Human Rights in this country....

Free Brain Removal

29th January 2009, 01:20 PM

Could someone please explain in rough terms what an Aboriginal Sovereign Nation is all about?

davo

29th January 2009, 01:56 PM

Could someone please explain in rough terms what an Aboriginal Sovereign Nation is all about?

It's about self-determination, there has been no treaty even with the Aboriginal people.

Sovereignty means different things to different people, so here's what the Aboriginal Tent Embassy believes.

The Aboriginal Tent Embassy believes that the issue Aboriginal Sovereignty has been unresolved since 1770 when Aboriginal people opposed Captain James Cook's reconnaissance of the Great Southern Land `Terra Australis', followed by Captain Arthur Philips incursion establishing the platform for invasion. Out-posts were initially set-up on the East Coast of `Terra Australis' and methodically spread across Aboriginal people's `terra firma'.

As a direct result of these unprovoked and planned transgressions, Aboriginal people of terra Australis resisted and defended our inherent sovereign heritage that continues to be suppressed by political ideology and economic greed which clearly stands out in the endemic statistical evidence of Aboriginal people's quality of life and restrictions of a free Aboriginal voice. Australia's lack of political freedoms and religious morals are denying Aboriginal people's right to self-determination, is an indictment on all Australians.

alanqui

29th January 2009, 04:04 PM

What Kieran said, plus there's just way too much negativity attached to our flag. I can understand the sentiments of the servicemen, but surely their allegiance (for want of a better word) is to the country, not the flag. I bet there's a few old servicemen who wish our anthem was still "God Save The Queen/King", and that ladies didn't wear trousers, but things change... evolve. (Something positive I can say about our current anthem is that it's an improvement on the one before!)

The Union Jack is part of our history, but the days of Australia being a British colony are long gone. We've moved on. I'd love to have a fresh start with a new flag, a new anthem and a new outlook. Wishful thinking, I know...

Vonnie
I understand the negativity you are probably alluding to but there's no way I would let idiots hijack our national symbol. And I do believe that the flag is in all respects, symbolic of the allegiance to the country whilst away from home territory and it is also very comforting.
I can't speak for some diggers about God Save the Queen but I personally like our National Anthem. A lot of poms at one stage wanted "Land of Hope and Glory" as their NA but of course that never got very far.
I am sure your wish for a fresh start will come some day and the current Liberal leader has made mention of that before he entered politics. Will that now eventuate? Possibly.

Godless Ray

29th January 2009, 06:02 PM

Had you good people noticed the slow rise of a kind of background "menance" on Australia day? I read there were around 8 largish brawls of the us and them brigade. I noticed this a couple of years back when young people started trying to wear the flag as a cape. You guys notice it?

Godless

SchizoDeluxe

29th January 2009, 06:06 PM

I think everyone has noticed it. The police, media and everyone else blames it on drugs and alcohol and while I'm sure that's a contributing factor, these things would still happen with or without it because these people are just plain idiots. They are little children who don't know how to behave themselves, simple as that.

Vonnie

29th January 2009, 07:41 PM

and the current Liberal leader

Labor, you mean... :)

Vonnie

alanqui

29th January 2009, 09:27 PM

No, Liberal...Turnbull made the statement a few years ago when the Republican issue was hot. He was even leading the call for change.

Vonnie

29th January 2009, 10:56 PM

Really?! I guess that means when the government brings it up again, he'll have to support it. Cool.

Vonnie

Life's Good

29th January 2009, 11:12 PM

Wow! My first response when looking through the postings on our national day. I see intelligence and understanding in the comments and perhaps a few strong emotions. Sounds like my sort of forum! Let me add my own perspective, for what it is worth.

In my career, I have always dealt with the general public. I go into their homes and workplaces, anywhere that electricity is supplied (even to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House). From the one end of the spectrum to the other, public housing to multimillion dollar mansions, I have seen just about everything Sydney has to offer. I have come to the conclusion that Australia is the true land of opportunity, where one can be anything they want to be, if they have the talent and the determination to succeed. It is a generalisation, but essentially true. Which is why I become annoyed when statements are made by some biased members of our society that states that Australia has serious attitude problems with tolerance and discrimination. Compared to so many countries, we are light years ahead with multiculturalism and acceptance, and I am often gladdened by the many stories I hear from migrants that have settled here and made a real go of things.

I have also worked at Redfern and surrounding suburbs and seen the best and worst of the Aboriginal community there. Also, on a recent outback trip, we drove through an Aboriginal town and what we saw was more than a little disturbing. I agree with an above opinion that the Aboriginal community has to accept responsibility for at least some of it's own problems, rather than simply blaming everyone else and doing nothing. One thing is clear to me, nothing will improve unless hard decisions are made to address systemic problems, at all levels. Sadly, I do not believe that this will happen in my lifetime, if the status quo remains.

I don't see Australia day as invasion day. Nor do I wrap myself in the flag and sing Waltzing Matilda. I see it as a day that the Australian people can be proud of our country and celebrate what we have. No politics, no negative crap, for what it really is. Please forgive me if I am wrong, but I think most Australians do.

It is hard to stay positive in the crazy and cynical world, but there are enough good things that enable us to do so. So, why don't we? Why do we seem to fall back to the negative on so many issues, on a regular basis? These sort of debates tend to do so, for perhaps that is the nature of human beings or the media. I have learnt that we tend to get better responses from people when we focus on the positives rather than go down the dark side when stating a case. I find it useful to remind myself of this when I am faced with a challenge that requires the best of my meagre talents and wits to overcome.

And to end on a light note, I have dated some very pretty women who were not born in Australia and come from a variety of backgrounds and cultures. There is nothing like romance to level the playing field of opinions! Forgive me, we true romantics never stray far from what is truly important in life.

With regards, Colin L.

atomac

2nd February 2009, 07:13 PM

A tad late topic wise but this is from my blog and I thought it relevant.

http://atomac.aucs.com.au/archives/346

Duffy

3rd February 2009, 09:28 AM

A tad late topic wise but this is from my blog and I thought it relevant.

http://atomac.aucs.com.au/archives/346

I read your blog and agree with your views on the yobbo unAustralianism. I also agree wholeheartedly with your 'fair go' sentiment.

The only area in which my views differ in with the flag. I heard recently on talk-back radio, a fella complaining about a young (intoxicated) girl wearing the flag over her shoulder and letting it drag in the mud. His view is that the flag should be sacrosanct, but I disagree.

Firstly, I imagine this young girl was NOT being intentionally disrepectful or malicious. So in that respect, I feel his criticism falls into 'get a life'.
Secondly, sentiment towards the flag will mean different things to different people. Personally I don't feel sentimental towards our flag but neither do I rubbish people that do. I have no issue with people burning a flag as a sign of protest just as I have no issue with my neighbour flying it on his flag pole. To expect everyone to share a sentiment is exactly what theists do. This gives no room for individual thought or expression. The issue with tacky merchandise... well hello capitalistic opportunity;)

atomac

4th February 2009, 06:20 AM

The point that I was trying to make with regard to the flag is that to the type of person who participates so whole-heartedly in Australia Day the flag is obviously important, yet they ignorantly deal with the flag in ways that would make any returned serviceman cringe.

I suppose the main theme I was trying to pick up on was hypocrisy. That the most vocal "Australians" are the most "UnAustralian".

Duffy

5th February 2009, 05:26 AM

I suppose the main theme I was trying to pick up on was hypocrisy. That the most vocal "Australians" are the most "UnAustralian".

Here here to that:)

SchizoDeluxe

23rd January 2010, 11:26 PM

May as well join the grumble bums, one thing that bugs me at the moment is the endless bullshit parade of people driving around with the fucking Australian flags on their cars. It get's worse every year, who gives a fuck about Australia Day, what's to be proud of, that you were by chance born in the country your parents brought you into? Or that the settlers happened to slaughter all the aborigines who were living here first? It's one thing to be grateful or happy to live here, but most of these morons who claim to be true patriots are nothing but a bunch of drunk ignorant yobbo's who feel the need to bash everyone and get into screaming matches with other people. I'm sure the founders of the country are proud of ya :rolleyes:

Loki

24th January 2010, 10:09 AM

I have huge respect for the flag (though I would change it in a heartbeat, it's the concept not the design I respect). For me it is an outward display of our love of country, as a whole. But for many it is a symbol of their own insecurities. Things which upset them are reflected in their flag waving. This is not a "we are all in this together and we are doing ok" flagwaving. This is a "I have insecurities and I blame them on people who think a little differently to me (and who I see as weaker and therefore not a direct threat)" kind of flag waving. It's really dangerous and it's the kind of perverted nationalism which ends up un wars, civil and other.

I'm not sure what can be done about it, how do you encourage one when outwardly the two are so similar. I also think this is part of the general unease being caused by extremism and favouritism, and the small push towards secularism we are seeing is part of the response.

SchizoDeluxe

24th January 2010, 07:44 PM

Did I post in the wrong topic or was it moved here? My post was a response to the complaints topic.

SchizoDeluxe

24th January 2010, 09:32 PM

Na that's ok, unless this topic is dead.

GenericBox

25th January 2010, 02:59 AM

I was going to write a really big thread about what I think Australia should be, but at 4am - and after researching flag design and anthem structure for about ... 3 hours now ... I'm too tired to write the damn thread I did all this research for.

BUT, so I don't waste the last three hours - I'll put the flags I did design here so it wasn't a complete waste.

Basically I was going to write a thread on how I think Australia should be a republic, the state of our aboriginal relations, our anthem and the monarchy. I've slightly changed my position re: aborigines and feel that Australia is not doing enough to .. involve .. them in "Australian" affairs.

So if I could change Australia - these are some flags I may like to see.

Concept 01 http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=107&stc=1&d=1264355659

So basically Aborigine flag, red ochre earth and sun, with the blue sea and 7 point star, and the black and white representing the people.

Concept 02
http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=108&stc=1&d=1264355663
Red for the "Earth" people = Aborigine, Blue for the "Sea" people = Europeans, Green for the "Island" people = Torres Strait Islanders etc. All 'together' under the Southern Cross.....

Ugh - And I had started an anthem - but it is so ridiculously, flippin' hard to find the lyrics - and translated lyrics - for Aboriginal music. It's near impossible - but I what I wanted, was a mix of "We Are One" and an aboriginal song about Dreamtime.

I'm so damn tired it's not funny. Night. Maybe I'll write that thread tomorrow.

GenericBox

25th January 2010, 03:10 AM

In saying that though, Australia is a global nation - and I highly doubt the flag will change - even if we become a republic. The complexities of such a task.

eclectic

25th January 2010, 12:25 PM

Well this year I've eased my conscience slightly by signing up for the "not being a drunken, racist yob on australia day" on facebook, and also the facebook "come in, there's heaps of room" campaign... but I am still having a bbq in the park with friends tomorrow, and will wander up the street to watch the fireworks in the evening.

I like having a national day, and I like having it in summer. (I LOVE summer.) I am of course not a fan of the date we currently celebrate and the growing divide between those who recognise invasion day, and those who think aus day is a day of licensed, nationalist violence. 26 January is also not much of a national day, being the landing on the east coast to set up a prison, and far removed from any idea of Australia as a nation.

I personally think the best way to fix it, is become a republic (preferably on a similarly sunny date... seriously, I would really miss the excuse to get gently sozzled in the sun) and make that our new national day.

I'm a hypocrite recognising invasion day verbally, and celebrating the day in my actions... but I just really, really, really love drinking in the sun. (Did I mention that at all?) :)

eclectic

25th January 2010, 12:26 PM

@GB - I like your flags. :)

bUCKET__

25th January 2010, 03:10 PM

I wonder if it's a coincidence that most people here seem a bit conflicted about holidays based around national pride. I think that I normally have too much concern to celebrate the day, but considering one of my best mates will be getting his citizenship on that day might be enough to make me care. Just this once. You know, for mateship and excessive amounts of beer, all that jazz. So verryyyyy quote-unquote Australian this year ;)

I guess forcing a nationalistic holiday on us can be a good idea in that it gets some people thinking about identity... provided that we've got enough of a diverse population, contested interpretations of history, lack of ancestor worship + legislated religion, etc. Of course some people aren't that into thinking.

Voltairine

26th January 2012, 11:55 AM

Happy Australia Day! (Although I suspect you're all off enjoying yourselves.)

And...

Gung hei fat choi!!

Daaih gat daaih leih!

(because I've been off enjoying myself over the 5-day weekend.) :D

c2105026

26th January 2012, 12:35 PM

Had a reasonable nice day out orange way; 20 degrees, overcast, dizzle, had the VB Commodore on display with the car cub at local festivities....

Praxis

26th January 2012, 12:46 PM

I'm working mostly. Himself has gone out for a spin on the motorbike.

Went down the street before to get the papers and saw many cars with the odious flags flapping from them. In the 7-11 a woman (with flags on her car) had flag stickers on her face, and on the way home I saw a woman walking her dog. She had on a flag cap and a flag t-shirt and the doc had a little flag from its collar.

This strange display of nationalism that seems to be everywhere makes me a bit uncomfortable I must admit. I've never been one for flag waving myself although of course I'm proud and grateful to live in such a great country where I know as a woman I am incredibly lucky and in a much better position than my overseas sisters in many parts of the world.

There's a whiff of media beat-up about it and a lowest common denominator sort of feel. I feel sickened by the 'fuck off we're full' crowd and the 'speak fucking English' mob. And these seem to be the types who have flags on their cars, Southern Cross stickers on the rear window, and I don't want to be associated with that type of person in any way.

I choose to celebrate Australia's diversity and multiculturalism.

I listened to part of Charlie Teo's speech on Radio National earlier today and it should be required listening for everyone in Australia.

Personally I'd much prefer we celebrate Federation than Australia Day.

dilbadoon

26th January 2012, 05:40 PM

Well, I had a brilliant day. :) Hit a craft beer fest and enjoyed way over priced beer and food with great company and hottest 100 in the background. In the back of my mind though, Australia day is a day I'm especially reminded of how lucky I am to be here, with every opportunity in front of me. I love how diverse Australia is, and yeah, there is alot that can be done better. But there is also an incredible amount to be proud/thankful for. I also get a little sentimental that i'd like to start contributing more to improving those things that need fixing. If only I knew how.... :)

I also had a flag on my car today. :thumbsup:

Voltairine

26th January 2012, 05:47 PM

In Hong Kong, we're having the coldest winter since 1996. Still upon returning to work after the 3 public holidays of CNY, we get laisee* (lucky money). I already have a little pile of red packets to keep me warm... :cool:

* It's a tradition. I haven't sold out to superstition. It would offend if I didn't take it. Honest. :p

wearestardust

26th January 2012, 06:35 PM

Personally I'd much prefer we celebrate Federation than Australia Day.

Agreed.

Iseeyouthere

26th January 2012, 06:44 PM

My gran came in to me while I am at the computer to show off her Australia flag headband and glasses.
I told her I was kinda against the whole flag waving thing. In the house was fine, but she had been out in a public park.

She told me we should be allowed to wave the flag and celebrate Australia Day for...
I cut her off there and I told her I'd rather celebrate on the day we BECAME a united country instead of state squabbling over terrority.

She stopped, stood there blank stare for a few seconds and then agreed with me.

For me... The whole flag waving thing isn't too my liking. I respect my country, but not to the point where I wear the flag like a jacket and hang 4 flags on my car.
For me, it is Invasion Day.

I'd rather celebrate on the day we became Australia and not 6 seperate states (the two terrorities came in later), which, is Jan 1.
Iconic, in a way.

wolty

26th January 2012, 06:46 PM

I had chinese for dinner. The food, not the race.

Iseeyouthere

26th January 2012, 06:53 PM

We call 'em "nudist camps" round here! :D

Funny.

Xeno

26th January 2012, 07:03 PM

We ate a dish in a French style.

I could say for La Perouse, but we did not think of him either.

Sieveboy

26th January 2012, 07:11 PM

I am drinking a european long neck and eating beef jerky.

Because I can.

wearestardust

26th January 2012, 07:21 PM

I am drinking a european long neck and eating beef jerky.

Because I can.

Only Europeans drink Australian beer.

Loki

26th January 2012, 07:34 PM

I spent the day driving to work (a 6 hr drive this time around) and listening to the cricket on the radio. Seemed pretty Australian to me.

Sir Patrick Crocodile

26th January 2012, 07:43 PM

Motorcycle riding for me. Came back a few minutes ago actually after going to KFC for a quick meal. Nothing exciting though apart from that. When I was at KFC though I found this dog who was in poor condition... lucky it had gone after a few minutes (thought the owner was at McDonald's next door) and found some girls were taking care of the dog. They took him to the nearest emergency vet. Poor dog was in a very bad condition. It kept coming up to me as if I was going to save it or something. Tried ringing the owner up and they didn't answer. It was ultra skinny (ie. looked like it had an exoskeleton) and eyes dripping with fluid, had short legs, could not talk.

wolty

26th January 2012, 08:38 PM

Only Europeans drink Australian beer.

True dat. Got me fucked why. They make better lagers than us anyway.
And their ales kick ass, finally some aussie brewers are getting their shit together.

Goldenmane

26th January 2012, 09:37 PM

That study about people waving flags came up today. I took the time to point out that it didn't say what was reported... But that doesn't mean racist attitudes aren't held by flag-wavers.

Phone typing sux, by the way.

jonno

26th January 2012, 09:38 PM

Only Europeans drink Australian beer.

Depends which ones you are talking about - I tend to avoid the mass produced stuff (VB etc) but there are some fantastic 'boutique' beers like Little Creatures Pale Ale and Matso have a really great mango beer (sounds weird but it is the perfect drop on a hot day).

Sieveboy

26th January 2012, 09:45 PM

Only Europeans drink Australian beer.

Because Fosters brewed in Europe is Australian...

I had Fosters once in Australia, i went back to VB :headbang:

dilbadoon

27th January 2012, 06:29 AM

Only Europeans drink Australian beer.

Unfortunately i'm living proof that your theory is false. ;)

That study about people waving flags came up today. I took the time to point out that it didn't say what was reported... But that doesn't mean racist attitudes aren't held by flag-wavers.

Phone typing sux, by the way.

I'm starting to get a bit sick of the "flag waving bashing" that seems to be gathering momentum lately. I don't see a problem with having pride in this country, we have a huge amount to be proud of! For many people their way of showing pride is to celebrate the flag (or the green and gold) as a symbol of everything that is good about Australia. Unfortunately many of the undesirables (the fuck of we're full crowd as Praxis mentioned) also use the flag as a symbol of their bigotry or hate. But it would be wrong to assume every person waving a flag is a bigot or a racist.
The group I spent Aus day with had people from PNG, AUS, Malaysia, ENG and NZ. Like I said I had a flag on my car but I didn't wear any themed clothing, interestingly it was the folks who weren't born here that seemed to kit up with the aussie themed singlets/bandannas etc. Also on the train I saw several folks clearly from foreign backgrounds (african and asian) who were attired in aussie symbols. I can think of two reasons for this. One could be that they feel fear/pressure from the bogan mob that they might be targeted on this day if they don't make it much more obvious that they support Australia.
The second was that maybe people from other backgounds just have a better appreciation of how lucky we are here, and how much we have to celebrate and want to embrace their new country fully, so feel that the symbolism is the best way to show their pride in their new(ish) home.
Anyway i'm rambling, but my point is that not all flag wavers are bogan racists and not all non-flag wavers aren't. We (as a country) would be better off focussing on the real issues of racism etc. and how we can move forward, than potentially alienating people by stereotyping their possible beliefs by some unrelated action.

riddlemethis

27th January 2012, 06:48 AM

Beer Fact: The only real Australian beer (of sizable note) is Coopers. Everything else is owned by the South Africans, Japanese or Americans. So unless you're drinking it, or one of the indy boutique brews, neither you nor (I doubt) the Europeans are drinking Australian beer.

AUSloth

27th January 2012, 08:54 AM

Anyway i'm rambling, but my point is that not all flag wavers are bogan racists and not all non-flag wavers aren't. We (as a country) would be better off focussing on the real issues of racism etc. and how we can move forward, than potentially alienating people by stereotyping their possible beliefs by some unrelated action.
Sure enough, generalizations generally suck.
Lifted a few lids on some Beez Neez followed by Coopers and a locally made Shiraz with friends, one of whom I'm sure is proof et's are amongst us, watching a cavalcade of flags shirts and assorted Australiana go by a good day all round.