Hi Matt, I fully understand what you mean, It is sometimes to easy for those of us who were born in Australia to take it for granted and I say that with no disrespect to anyone.
I have my parents citizenship certificates framed and on the wall in our study and for me it is always a reminder of what a great country Australia is and why people from all around the world want to be a part of it and help shape its future as well.
That is as far as any reference I made to the "White Australia Policy" went. I chose to point out that the "National Anthem" has embedded in it those views of that time. Suzy_A highlighted those parts, no doubt because they induce a warm feeling of belonging for her, and fair enuff. I merely point out that they were written with an underlying agenda.
No. Wrong. The words here are NOT the current National Anthem of Australia. The version presented by Suzy_A was written by Peter Dodds McCormick, and was first performed by Andrew Fairfax on 30th November 1878. The version was amended and sung by a choir at the inauguration on 1st January 1901. The National Anthem in its present form - is only the 1st and 3rd Verses - and were modified to meet modern sensibilities. This was done and officially sanctioned in April 1984.
1) The "National Anthem" - as you point out - in fact does not have "written with an underlying agenda."
2) The official Australian National Anthem today has nothing to do with the "White Australia Policy"
3) The words are about unity not about any "agenda" or division.
The actual "official" National Anthem is;
Australians all let us rejoice,
For we are young and free;
We've golden soil and wealth for toil;
Our home is girt by sea;
Our land abounds in nature's gifts
Of beauty rich and rare;
In history's page, let every stage
Advance Australia Fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing,
Advance Australia Fair.
Beneath our radiant Southern Cross
We'll toil with hearts and hands;
To make this Commonwealth of ours
Renowned of all the lands;
For those who've come across the seas
We've boundless plains to share;
With courage let us all combine
To Advance Australia Fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing,
Advance Australia Fair.
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Why am I disappointed with the thread? ...because it clearly demonstrated the unconscious exclusionism the day actually represents.
"Australia" Day is a misnomer.
it's really British Colonisation Day.
This is blatant bigotry, and is just as offensive as your "White Australia Policy" slur.
No. The British found the Colony of New South Wales NOT Australia. Australia as a name was not official adopted under 12th October 1817 by Governor Macquarie, and in fact referred to the whole Continent.
Australia Day is mostly about the future - something you obviously can't see - in fact it is the exact opposite of what you say I.e. conscious inclusion. Again, Australia Day is about unity not about any "agenda" or division. No one in this thread here, but you, has suggested otherwise.
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I offered the Easter egg metaphor as a clue to my intention.. that looking a lil' deeper might reveal the lack of substance behind the name.
Like Easter there's more to it than tinsel and comestibles.
Funny, I thought it was about the death by crucifixion by someone about 2000 years ago. I must of missed something... ?
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It's not "black armband" history. It's unblinkered history.
Alll the fun and feeling good is important, but a lil' sober reflection to balance helps us avoid the pitfalls. A lesson one can learn from observing the extreme example provided by Germany... a rational people seduced by a Nationalist "Spirit".
If there were ever reactionary statements it has got to be this. The ignorance and plain stupidity of these statement are quite reprehensible.
You might as well start burning our Australian flag and exterminate the dissidents.
When I said;
"Perhaps we do need something new like the "Spirit of the Southern Cross", in which we adequately describe celebrating the diversity of the all the current Australian population - the Aboriginal included. It is the view of adopting the best of all cultures and definite us for who we have become - and will come.
Our flag has centrally has the Southern Cross as its symbol. It knows no race or prejudice, but shines with pride equally on all of us. If that's all you ever recognise on Australia day, then that should be enough."
The implication of comparing some simple stirrings of nationalistic feelings shown on Australia Day to the manifestos of criminal scum of the fascist Nazis of Germany is utter nonsense. You implication here is distasteful in the extreme.
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One of the great virtues Australians can celebrate about this nation is the freedom of speech ...I've used it here.. my way of celebrating it and defending it. Silence is assent.
If you believe "Silence is assent", then why don't you just practice what you preach.
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Thanks for your responses, particularly AJames. I hope this reply makes clear that I was not attacking anyone, nor denigrating the celebration of our nation... I was observing that as happens with such things, a lil gravitas to balance the leavening prevents it all just becoming fairy-floss.
Right, you are "not attacking anyone" you are just seemingly gone out of your way just in insult them.
Being a Australian citizen is a privilege and bears his or her the responsibility to cohesion of the whole community. It involves learning from past mistakes, correcting the wrongs, and working together to make a better future for everyone - including you. Australia Day is a reasonable means of expressing true pride and unity of our Community, no more no less.
... but I don't think the reference to the Southern Cross appeared until the early 20th century.
This was first sung by 10 000 choir at the time of Federation, when the 3rd verse was changed. It was done so that as the then adopted Australian Flag displayed the Southern Cross. It has remained as the 2nd verse of 1984.
My information I have says the verse was created in July 1899.
This is the trial version before official, and thanks to Russ, with now be complete by the end of this weekend at "Southern Astronomical Delights." - including now a page on Australia.
Note: The stars on the flag were formally ratified on the current Australian Flag the by the Australian Federal Government as the first legislation passed [Act 1] in 1954. This was the same year as the Queen was coronation.
Must admit I was quite dissapointed by the Australia Day celebrations here in Coota. We went down to the oval about 10:30am to find everyone packing up and going home. The rest of the day was like another Sunday. Would have thought there would have been more enthusiasm for the "National Day".
I shouldn't be surprised really, back in 1988 if it wasn't for a certain Scots non-citizen the Bicentenial Bonfire in Geraldton WA would have been a sausage sizzle by the girl guides.
Sorry to hear this. perhaps you should inject some enthusiasm in your local community, and even approach you local members of State and Federal Governments for support and promotion.
I think the fear of many Australians is that expressions of national patriotism has been viewed as being somewhat as too pretentious, though this is slowly changing. Traditionally, I think Australian have been humble people, who stir in national pride by introspection being resolute determination and the 'fair go'. I also think that most do not want to show obsessive patriotism like the Americans, which is mainly a great turn off.
On Australia Day, I went as saw my local State member give a speech on what it means to be Australian, we sang the National Anthem - both verses - which was given also on a printed sheet (See Attachment) and we listen to her speak. What made me more feel proud is that the local member is the first Aboriginal State Minister, who rode on a 76% majority in the last election - the third highest in New South Wales.
My view is that Australia Day should be nothing to be afraid or ashamed of (as others here try to elude), and that we should stand together as a nation both proud of its achievements and towards our more hopeful glorious future.
So, what I would do in Coota (nice place) is consider to become involved in the process, and become a participant rather than a by-stander. As an amateur astronomer, you at least known where the Southern Cross is in the night sky. Perhaps by just showing it to neighbours and friends, might just inspire them to do the same thing and think of their own Nation!
Regards,
Andrew
NOTE: IMO, after the Federal Government has apologised to the Aboriginals for the Stolen Generation, all Australians should then embrace a new spirit of inclusion of every Australian person regardless of race or origin, to solitary goal of improving our whole society to become an even better nation. A suggestion would be a gift like an Australian plant, like a few gum leaves, a native plant, or flower passed from one Australian to another. This would symbolise our goal of an inclusive society, and entice the recognition of the plantation of more hardy plants against the land often subjected to drought. It would also symbolise our commitment to carbon emission reductions.
Exactly my point Doug
It's also the fact that the Act of British Parliament that declared/established the Commonwealth of Australia took effect Jan 1, 1901.. the first day of the C20th ...not Jan 26 not 1788.
Cheers
Russ
We should all be very proud of this enactment - as it was just another stepping stone is the rise of Australia as a nation. The reason is that the Colonies established by the British were formed together as a nation, being subject as a dominion of the British Empire - later to become the Commonwealth. This was no "established" connotation, but the desire and pride for all Australians. So although this might appear pointless, deem as minions by some, it was first step towards independence of country and nationhood - along with much hope and promise. This Dominion ended in 1931, as the "Statue of Westminster", but the effect of this was not adopted until 1942 - when Australia became isolated by Britain during WWII - under the threat of the Japanese and the fall of Singapore. This also allowed new military alliances with non-British powers, like the United States.
Australia become a nation in 1901, under its own pride of its sons and daughters, to have some autonomy and helped moved Australia forwards. This pride became the focal point of nationalism in Australia, which greatly helped the England survival by the heroism of the ANZAC's in the next decade.
It was from then Australia, instead of Britain, that forged the date and nature of Australia Day. At first, Australia Day was seen as meagre in comparison from Empire Day or Commonwealth Day, which was held on the 2nd Monday in March. Slowly this has evolved to today's 26th January, and likely will eventually conclude with total independence of the Republic of Australia. This will be quite unlike the nationhood of many other countries of the world as our country will have come to be without revolution - by mutual agreement and slow evolution.
When this day eventually comes will probably become the next Australia Day - and regardless of its date - we will be proud and nationalistic as we arebecoming today.
So, so what if Australia was once a Dominion of the British Empire.
Past is Past, Now is Now!
I am Australian - and damn proud of it!
Andrew
Last edited by AJames; 01-02-2008 at 04:19 AM.
Reason: Several minor corrections
Being a Australian citizen is a privilege and bears his or her the responsibility to cohesion of the whole community. It involves learning from past mistakes, correcting the wrongs, and working together to make a better future for everyone - including you.
Yes, I agree, but unfortunatly in most cases this is not what happens. As in the case of Advance Australia Fair, the 'mistakes' and 'wrongs' are corrected - or perhaps a better way of putting it, they are hidden from view and the facts distorted to support the current politics and the Australian population are blissfully unaware that their history has been tampered with.
I offered the Easter egg metaphor as a clue to my intention.. that looking a lil' deeper might reveal the lack of substance behind the name.
Like Easter there's more to it than tinsel and comestibles.
"Funny, I thought it was about the death by crucifixion by someone about 2000 years ago. I must of missed something... ?" Yes AJames you did.right the way thru infact. Note the part of the quote above now highlighted for your benefit. I suggest you carefully reread the thread. As for your accusations of bigotry etc, ..I'll merely retract my previous thanks to you for your responses. Many thanks to Suzy_A, and the others.
I offered the Easter egg metaphor as a clue to my intention.. that looking a lil' deeper might reveal the lack of substance behind the name.
Like Easter there's more to it than tinsel and comestibles.
"Funny, I thought it was about the death by crucifixion by someone about 2000 years ago. I must of missed something... ?" Yes AJames you did.right the way thru infact. Note the part of the quote above now highlighted for your benefit. I suggest you carefully reread the thread. As for your accusations of bigotry etc, ..I'll merely retract my previous thanks to you for your responses. Many thanks to Suzy_A, and the others.
Fair Enough!
Anyway, thanks for your views, they have been most illuminating and revealing.
Regards,
Andrew
Yes, I agree, but unfortunatly in most cases this is not what happens...
Anyway, what has this got to do with astronomy?
Too right. Thanks for the reality perspective Susan.
Now how can we get rid of the cloudy weather projected for the week here is Sydney, so we can look at our magnificent southern skies?
Southern Cross in Anthem and Flag
The rest of the day was like another Sunday. Would have thought there would have been more enthusiasm for the "National Day". 
not 1788.
