Who's More British...

[Aliantha]

The same can be said regarding misconceptions about the US.

I am proud of our (and my) British heritage, its whats started us on the journey to the Country we are today.

Ali, you know I love you, but comments like those, with that tone...are what gets *the Yanks* backs up.

I'm not in favour of us becoming a republic...doesnt seem to have worked out for the majority of countries who have been down that track.

Besides, then we wont be able to totally kick arse in the Commonwealth games.

I don't really care if they get their backs up mate. Obviously they make their own decisions based on what they think is true. Besides, being called a Yank is an affectionate term. Ask any Aussie (Australian for those who want to be politically correct or not use affectionate terms), and as far as independance from England goes, they did do it violently (with the help of the French whom are so much maligned these days), so that was a statement of fact.

As far as I can see, it doesn't matter either way if we're a republic or not. The only difference either way is the commonwealth games, and there's still the Olympics anyway (which we kick arse at too if you look at our medals per capita).

Australia is the way it is BECAUSE we were settled by convicts and free settlers. That's what makes us great. We began from the downtrodden underclass and a collective vow has been unconsiously taken by all of us to never be treated like second class citizens by the world at large. We are a young nation and we're proud and free. We have achieved marvels of science and technology. We have a lifestyle most countries envy. We are a nation of people of all colours, creeds, religions. We are truly multicultural and that's as it should be. Australians are citizens of the world and we are all equal.

There's nothing wrong with England. I don't resent my heritage from there, but I'm an Australian. I'm not British. I, like all other Australians have my own unique Australian identity which is far removed from that which most Brits would identify with.

So to answer the original question of this thread, I don't think there's any difference. Where you start from is rarely the same place you end up. It's very hard to look forward if your head is turned in the opposite direction.

[limey]

Originally Posted by Aliantha

...
Australia is the way it is BECAUSE we were settled by convicts and free settlers. That's what makes us great. We began from the downtrodden underclass and a collective vow has been unconsiously taken by all of us to never be treated like second class citizens by the world at large. We are a young nation and we're proud and free. We have achieved marvels of science and technology. We have a lifestyle most countries envy. We are a nation of people of all colours, creeds, religions. ....

I must say that's largely what I've always thought.

Originally Posted by Aliantha

...We are truly multicultural and that's as it should be. Australians are citizens of the world and we are all equal....

Some of the things one reads about treatment of the aborigine population and their culture make me question this bit, but I'm happy to be corrected. I'll also be the first to say the British can be appalling racists.

[Aliantha]

Originally Posted by limey

Some of the things one reads about treatment of the aborigine population and their culture make me question this bit, but I'm happy to be corrected. I'll also be the first to say the British can be appalling racists.

Australia was settled under a lie, and Aboriginal people have been treated like shit right from the start. Almost as if they didn't even exist...which would explain why the country was declared 'terra nullius' by the British. Meaning of course, no human habitation what so ever. It may surprise you that even in those times, if a new land was inhabited, the 'discovering country' was supposed to make provisions for/ask for permission to settle the country.

Times are changing now. There's quite a discussion about our recent change of government and the events of the first day of parliament if you care to look here. Times are changing. I have high hopes for the future of our country as we work towards leaving the crimes of our forefathers in the past.

[dar512]

Originally Posted by Aliantha

We are a nation of people of all colours, creeds, religions. We are truly multicultural and that's as it should be. Australians are citizens of the world and we are all equal.

There was an NPR or maybe BBC radio show recently about an incident with an aboriginal in Australia. I got the impression from the show that Australian aboriginals were discriminated against.

[Aliantha]

Originally Posted by dar512

There was an NPR or maybe BBC radio show recently about an incident with an aboriginal in Australia. I got the impression from the show that Australian aboriginals were discriminated against.

They were, and still are in some ways. I've not denied that. The issue is not a black and white one though (pardon the pun), so it's possible that more research into the situation might benefit if you're interested.

My point is that I'm hopeful of better things in the future for all Australians. I understand that you're calling me a liar for suggesting all Australians are equal, but in reality we are. The problem is, the sins of the past are hard to shake off and there are a lot of things which can be done better. Any Australian citizen is entitled to the same benefits if they need them.

It could also be argued that Aboriginal people have an advantage over some other non indigenous Australians because they are entitled to 'extra' financial assistance for things like apprenticeships, training and even home loans believe it or not. I don't see it that way, but some people do.

[Sundae]

Originally Posted by DanaC

One thing that's really surprised me about being involved in politics, is how much unseen and unrecognised work politicians generally do. That goes for the local and the national politicians I've met. The public have very low confidence and assume everyone's on the make and doing bugger all, especially with MPs. The MPs I know routinely work 70 and 80 hour weeks when parliament is in session.

Don't take it too much to heart Dana. It's been the same in every job I've been in. The warehouse staff think the office staff sit and file their nails all day, the people in retail think head office are always at lunch, Managers think 70 letter mailouts send themselves (at 5 minutes to go on a Firday afternoon). Common misconceptions also include - stacking shelves in a supermarket is a low pressure job and staff have time to chat to you, all staff in charity shops are paid and very little of what you pay actually goes to charity, teachers have long holidays and do nothing during this time.

Keep your chin up, at least you're with the good guys, even if the general public forget that sometimes.

Originally Posted by Aliantha

My point is that I'm hopeful of better things in the future for all Australians. I understand that you're calling me a liar for suggesting all Australians are equal, but in reality we are.

Ali I wonder if Dar realises how multi-cultural Australia is? I'm sure it's not a case of thinking you are a liar, but it's easy for outsiders to think of Aus as ex-pat Brits (knotted hankies, sunburns and all) and Aborginals! Having family in Australia, and family who have been there recently to visit, I totally back the multi-cultural aspect of Australian life. I don't think my parents ate the same cuisine two nights running when they were there, and their photos show the racial mix in Syndey for example.

All countries carry some shame from treatment of other people/ countries/ races whether new or old world. But I'd like to think it wasn't anyone here on the Cellar, any more that I'd expect a German poster to apologise for the two World Wars. So it's always going to be a case of not - what we did - but - what can we do?

Good on ya cobber, keep up the good work.