A Clarification from the Grumpy Old Biddy

I think I need to clarify the grumpy old biddy statements. I stand by them but perhaps I need to expand a little on my position.

No, I'm not a fan of Australia Day. To me, the 26th of January couldn't be a worse time to celebrate the achievements of this country, I can't forget that this date is recognised by Indigenous Australians as, at best, a Day of Survival and, at worst, a Day of Mourning. I won't forget this, nor should I. There are any number of other days representing splendid achievements that don't alienate a significant proportion of the population.

My other concern with Australia Day is the rise of knee-jerk nationalism in the last ten years, particularly among younger members of the population. I don't see that a national day should be about getting about in Australian flag underpants and thongs whilst sculling beers until falling down.

To make these criticisms may lead some people to consider me unAustralian, so be it. I believe I have a strong commitment to place and community even if I don't wear a flag on my cheek to prove it.

On a lighter note the one lovely thing about about Australia Day is reading all the awesome stories about ordinary people involved in extraordinary feats of selflessness, kindness, heroism, and inclusivity. If only Australia Day was just about these kind of things minus the underwear, I'd be a little less grumpy.

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Comments

[Prue]

Yes what is with the Australian Flag underwear that everyone wears now? I think I must be getting old. It reeks (hehe) of faked and jumping on the bandwagon nationalism.