I read somewhere were someone was wondering when the politically correct get onto the "Black" part in Black Friday as it might often our coloured skin friends.[bighmmm]
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I read somewhere were someone was wondering when the politically correct get onto the "Black" part in Black Friday as it might often our coloured skin friends.[bighmmm]
The way others see the Australian identity always interests me. I’ve spent about 4 months overseas this year with work and the things that often come up in conversation when people realise I’m from Oz seem to be:
Fantastic country, love to visit but too far away
Monster sharks, crocs, deadly snakes
Really tough on refugees/illegal arrivals
Hard drinking/partying
Great beaches and scenery
Yes, I found living overseas gave a completely different perspective on Australia.
Yes we should be utterly embarrassed of the image we portray to the world.
Unfortunately it closely resembles what many cling to as our core Australian identity.
How we behave as a country is how we’re seen by others. It can’t just be pushed aside as a misinterpretation.
Working in the intercultural sector and dealing with international projects and perceptions, I’m constantly having to explain that not all Australians are xenophobic bogans.
In many ways, the faster ‘our country’ loses its international identity as a bogan backwater that disregards human rights for the sake of dominant cultural expediency, with a smattering of beautiful beaches and good athletes, the better IMO. We are a lot more than that. But we need to grow up and behave like it.
I have found when overseas that many people are confused by my accent. They, particularly Americans, ask if I am English. They are quite puzzled when I tell them "No, and we don't particularly like the English."