Australia Day

AUSTRALIA DAY

Today is Australia Day, which prompted me to read the poem "My Country" by Dorothea MacKellar - most Aussies recognise it by the simple line "I love a sunburnt country".  

I tend to get bored with poetry, but this particular one does pull on my heartstrings. I have never lived anywhere else in the world but, if I did, I can imagine reading this poem would reduce me to a puddle of homesick tears every time.

Australia Day means different things to different people.  It can be controversial - for some it seems to be nothing more than a reason to raise the issue of whether our national flag or anthem should be changed.

I love our national anthem, it stirs emotion in me every time I sing it and I think the words describe our country perfectly (I don't even mind the "girt by sea" bit!).  As for the flag, I love that too.  I am proud of the British heritage shown by the small flag in the corner and I like to think that the Southern Cross is a great symbol for everyone who lives here - aboriginal, immigrant and otherwise.
  
It bothers me when people use the flag (or images of the Southern Cross) as a symbol of hatred or violence against Aborigines or Immigrants.  It makes me sad to think that, on social media, more and more people share narrow-minded views while hiding behind their keyboards and a false screen name. It embarrasses me when the line between "Aussie Pride" and prejudice becomes blurred.

There are so many wonderful people here, of all races, colours and religions, who only wish to to live in peace.

Many Australians use today to simply celebrate the fact that we really do live in a great country. Barbecues, good Aussie rock music and games of backyard cricket are the order of the day wherever the weather is good - and if you can dress up in a crazy Aussie-themed outfit, even better!
  
I see us as a vibrant, optimistic country of stunning landscapes and bright, happy people. Today is a day to celebrate our beautiful land and our national spirit, which is strong. As a nation we have shown we will pull together through adversity. 

I love the people - the fact that we can laugh at ourselves and are, for the most part, happy to welcome newcomers from other parts of the world. I am proud that our children get to experience multiculturalism and can be encouraged to learn about other people for themselves.

Yes, definitely "The wide brown land for me".