So it is once again the day in the Aussie calander that I am sure every bogan and his sticker-laden ute hang out for: Australia Day. One of my mates posted a nice little Youtube video via Facebook which I think sums the attitude from too many Australians perfectly.
This video did get me thinking though. I'd like to think I have great pride in my country as well, but how exactly do I express that pride? I honestly couldn't think of anything. Sure, I own an Australian flag bikini - a gift from Texas (I think he's just hoping I'll pose for a pic in it for him, haha). I have an Australian flag oven mit too - it was $2 and all the others were $8, what can I say, I'm thrifty. I've seen so many people driving around with flags on their cars and that sort of carry on, which bugs me. How do we show our pride every day of the year, rather than just the January 26 public holiday where we can all sit around the bbq, drinking beer and watching the cricket/listen to the Triple J countdown?
I know the aspects of Australia, and the people, that make me feel proud to call myself an Aussie. The recent flood disasters on our east coast is a prime example: everyone pulled together and didn't let the situation get the better of their spirits. I love the fact that we have a "look out for your mates" attitude, and I adore that the rest of the world adores our accents. I love the friendly (and sometimes not-so-friendly) competitive relationship we have with New Zealand. I love that as a nation, Australia has such a colourful history. I think its great that we are a multicultural country, that we have such a diverse array of foods, dress, religion and lifestyles.
There are a lot of things I don't like too. I loathe that Australians are viewed as one of the most racist groups of people in the world. I especially hate that there are people who actually earned us that title. I hate the snakes and spiders and all the other deadly critters. I really hate those. And the bogans. Oh my gosh, the bogans. Growing up in a tiny hick town, I know bogans. It's painful.
Oh, and if anyone says "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie" to me expecting the traditional "Oi, oi, oi" reply, I'm afraid they will be sorely disappointed. Save that shit for sporting events.
Despite the things I hate about Australia, there are things that I like about living here that more than make up for it. But the question is: how can one show pride in one's country? And not just on Australia Day, but everyday? It's not so simple to answer, because the answer is completely subjective. Everyone will have different ways to be a proud Aussie.
For now, I'm going to focus on working my ass off towards a career that will contribute to the nation's economy, and continue to live a good life here. And maybe re-learn the words to the second verse of our national anthem. Can't believe I forgot those. Whoops.
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