Premium Essay

Traditional Australian Culture

Submitted By
Words 1081
Pages 5
This paper will be analysing a newspaper article from The Australian in relation to assimilation and Australian culture. Rintoul (2012) reported in the article that there was support from leaders of multiple faiths in Victoria to install prayer rooms in Australian Rules Football (AFL) venues. However, a former Victorian premier (Jeff Kennett) was against the move, positioning Muslim culture at odds with Australian culture and identity, deeming it incompatible with an iconic part of ‘traditional’ Australian culture. Therefore, this newspaper article may raise the question of whether migrants or Australians of faiths other than Christianity, particularly Muslims, are still expected to assimilate into a “traditional” Australian culture. This is …show more content…
The choice of quotes from Rintoul (2012) position the former Victorian Premier Mr. Kennett as strongly opposing the embrace of multiculturalism in the AFL. Mr. Kennett’s belief that the idea was “grey”, “political correctness gone mad” and “prayer rooms were not part of football” strongly reflects the idea of assimilation and an inherent incompatibility between Australian and Muslim culture (Rintoul, 2012). The article may leave the reader with the impression that only Australians of faith have backed the move, and the views of Mr. Kennett may be widely shared. Therefore, the way The Australian has reported this issue may not have accurately reflected the dynamic in …show more content…
Kennett’s views, instead of Muslim culture being incompatible with Australian culture, the Muslim culture may be able to coexist. Instead of needing to assimilate, Muslim Australians may be able to fully participate in Australian culture whilst maintaining their Muslim culture and identity. Woodlock (2011) surveyed 600 Muslim Australians and found that they were successfully able to integrate their Muslim and Australian lives. This resonates with the voice of the former South Australian Young Person of the year Khadija Gbla, who said in response to calls for the implementation of prayer rooms; “This is what is going to make us feel like Aussies” (Rintoul, 2012). Purdie and Willss (2007) add further support for this idea, as they suggest that minority groups in Australia have long participated in sport to integrate into Australian society, as well as “to maintain their non-Australian identity”. In support, Elder (2007) argues that the Australian identity is formed from the ethnic and cultural diversity in modern Australian society, and that Australian culture is no longer firmly Anglo-Saxon rooted. She argues that Australians from non-British or Irish backgrounds see the Australian identity as a reflection of diversity and that Australians from all backgrounds strongly identify with being Australian. Therefore, (it appears that) Australian culture is multicultural, and is made up of many different

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Austrailian Aboriginals

...AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINALS Dana Weaver Ant101 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology Prof. Steven Sager Sept 2, 2012 In this paper, I will explain in detail how the kinship system works with the Australian Aboriginals. I will also explain how this system relates to how the live and interact in their society. I also want to compare their kinship system with ours here in America. The Aboriginals culture is a very complex and diverse culture. The Indigenous cultures of Australia are the oldest living culture in the world. “They go back at 50,000 years. ( http://australia.gov.au) They survived that long because of their ability to adapt to their environment and change over time. The Aboriginals are divided into small groups called clans. The clan’s usually had a common ancestor and they all considered themselves related.”(Australian.gov.au) Members of tribes distinguished themselves from each other through their dialects.” There were probably about 600 tribes within Australia in 1788, when the first Europeans arrived.” (indigenousaustralia.info)Tribes that spoke closely related dialects often grouped themselves together under the term of being a nation. “Australian Aboriginal kinship is the system of law governing social interaction, particularly marriage, in traditional Australian Aboriginal culture.”( wikipedia.org ) It is an integral part of the culture of every Aboriginal group across Australia. “The system of kinship put everybody in a specific relationship...

Words: 2257 - Pages: 10

Free Essay

Back to the Dream Time

...BACK TO THE DREAMTIME by H.Q.Mitchell Back to the dreamtime???this story is about a teenager from aboriginal boy raised in white Australian society called Richard MacDonald. He adopted by Joe,his adopted father and sonya,his adopted mother.Richard also have adopted big brother,Tom which same school with him and adopted younger sister,Judy. They never thought he as a adopted son. They really caring obout him eventhough their colour are not same. In this story,Richard always had a same dream that something calling him.The moral values that contained in “Back To The Dreamtime” novel are Good Responds by family, a sense of love, Responsibility, Never give up, and Mutual Respect. I think besides interesting, it is also giving some lessons to the readers. The first of moral values that contained in this novel is good respond by family. It can we see from there are good responds from Mc Donald family to Richard, though Richard is not they the biological child. McDonald family was very closer each other, no jealousy and favoritism. For example, when Sonya (his mother) woke up Richard, Sonya smiled with him and also made him some food. Besides that, Tom and Judy are Richard stepbrother and stepsister, they not jealous each other. The other morale value is a sense of love that they give to Richard like their other child. For example, when Sonya and Joe explain about aboriginal decoration to Richard with carefully like in the text “your father and I love you dearly...

Words: 679 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Traditional Japanese Culture and Its Influence in Australia

...Traditional Japanese Culture and its Influence in Australia. Abstract: This paper looks at traditional Japanese culture in its entirety, and how exactly certain traditional aspects have influenced societies within Australia. The purpose of this research was to not only discover how exactly Japanese culture is recognised within Australian society today; but also to identify how Australians have gravitated towards the culture in general, allowing for major aspects to become part of their everyday life. The start of this research began to look at past views of Japan in Australia (which covered the White Australia Policy, and attitudes during and after World War II), and contrasted this with Australians present day perspectives of Japan. The research then continued to look at traditional cultural aspects of Japan such as; Japanese dining and mannerisms, sport, religion and spirituality, and visual arts, and then continued to discuss exactly how these aspects have impacted and influenced Australia and its members of society. The findings of this research reached a conclusion that although Japan was once perceived extremely negative by Australians, its influence within the Australian wider community is not only undeniable, but immensely beneficial and constructive to society. Introduction The culture of Japan is a multi-layered and intricate system that has been developed and sustained for over thousands of years. The Japanese culture combines both ancient and contemporary...

Words: 4940 - Pages: 20

Free Essay

Performing Kunqu Opera in Australia

...Kunqu Opera in Australia may be a feasible plan, however, introducing such a traditional Chinese opera style to Australia may generate some inevitable cross-cultural issues. This report will discuss the potential issues in relation to sources, artistic characteristics, music styles and performances. Based on the issues, the recommendations are suggested as below. * Chinese traditional stories should be transferred into local stories. * Chinese complex poetry needs to be changed into Australian poetry. * Giving out handbills may help audience understand the opera. * More innovation should be injected into the performers’ clothes. * The combination with eastern instruments and western instruments may address the music styles issues. * Attempts should be made to use some English songs. * Other performance opportunities should be found more than the theatre. * Establishing some classes about Kunqu Opera may attract more Australians’ attention. Background to the project Kunqu Opera which belongs to one of the oldest Chinese Opera patterns is a historical and conventional performance style that associates with music, dance, drama, poetry and kung fu together. Evolved from Jiangsu Province during the late period of Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), it soon spreads to other parts of China such as Sichuan, Guizhou and Guangdong Province and develops into a treasure of Chinese culture. Kunqu Opera has been awarded “Non-material World Cultural Heritage in...

Words: 1903 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Culture Influences an Individual’s Perception of Illness and Health

...Assessment 2: “Culture influences an individual’s perception of illness and health.” 1000 wrds There are many definitions for 'culture' with the anthropologist Sir Edward Tylor (1871) cited by Ravalico (2006) defining it to mean 'that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom and any other capabilities and habits acquired by a member of society.' Culture also influences how one perceives their health and the idea of what it means to have ‘good health.’ One community group whose culture strongly impacts on individual’s perception of illness and health is the Australian Aboriginal community. Aboriginal Australians have a shorter life expectancy than others (ABS 2008, Shaouli et al 2011) which threatens Aboriginal culture as ‘elders’are the transmitters of Aboriginal culture. Aboriginal people experience worse health and more disease with the latter being three times more than that for the total Australian population (NATSIS 2008 cited by ABS 2008). Culture is one of the many social determinants of health and affects health (Carson, Dunbar, Chenhall and Bailie, 2007). Some indigenous people are fatalistic about their health (Thackrah and Scott 2011) although most can access medical help when needed providing they trusted their medical practitioners (ABS 2008, DATSIPD 2009). Other obstacles include language, lack of public transport and telecommunications (Shaouli et al 2011). Therefore, the impact of culture on individuals’ health is crucial to...

Words: 1621 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

A Significant Aspect of Culture of Australia

...been on the forefront to champion for this preservation. The original inhabitants of the present day Australia were the aboriginal Australians. The exact origin of these people groups has been a subject of many discussions in the modern times. Some theories have gone ahead to suggest that these people shared an origin with south Asians or Africans. A 2009 genetic study in India found similarities among Indian archaic populations and Aboriginal people, indicating a Southern migration route, with expanding populations from Southeast Asia migrating to Indonesia and Australia”(Department of Natural Resources and Mines, 2005:21). These original Australians had a rich tradition which included music and dancing. Folk music and dances were very central in the day to day lives. In order to make song more enjoyable and danceable they employed several musical instruments. These instruments ranged from percussion to wind instrument. There was a percussion instrument called the clap sticks and was commonly used by these people but for this research I be will narrowing down to a woodwind instrument called a “Didgeridoo.” History of Didgeridoo Didgeridoo has outlived many traditional music instruments to remain relevant even in the present age. Didgeridoo also called “didjeridu” or “dirge” was a wind instrument developed by the indigenous Australians around a millennium ago. In the current world it is referred to as a...

Words: 1728 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Cross-Cultural Management

...Cross-Cultural Management: Reflection Part. 1 of 2: Traditional Aboriginal Culture and Traditional Chinese Culture This reflective report will attempt to compare and contrast between Traditional Australian Aboriginal Culture and Traditional Chinese Culture. Ferraro & Briody (2013) defines culture as the shared perceptions among group of two or more people, their beliefs, values and behavioural patterns, which ultimately shape their way of life. I will analyse the two cultures around Hodstede’s cultural dimensions, Collectivism. Collectivism determines the degree of close-knit characteristic of the group (Hofstede n.d.). The insight this framework provides could be use as a guide in managing organisations’ and nationals’ cultural difference. The traditional Chinese live off small area of land, mainly used for cultivation of rice. In order to maximise yield, seeding and harvesting period are heavily depends on friends and relatives to help get the job done (Gladwell 2008). This interdependent behaviour is found not only at the family level but also at community level. Chinese society follows the teaching of Confucius, which promotes interdependence and social harmony (Chuang & Su 2009). To avoid potential social conflicts and encourages cohesiveness, Chinese are more likely to compromise their own needs and coordinate their behaviour with the situation (Nisbatt & Masuda 2003). It is common for Chinese to live with their married son. Family structure becomes more...

Words: 1814 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

British Influence on Austrlaina Cultrue

...British influence on the Australian culture British settlers arrived in Australia in 1788 and the extent of the British influence is still evident today. The British Union Jack features predominantly on our national flag and the Queen is Australia's Head of State. British models also form the basis of Australia's legal and political systems, as well providing our national language. Up until World War II, Britain remained the dominating cultural influence in Australia. Britons also dominated the make-up of Australian society - most of Australia's citizens were either born in Britain, or had British descendants. In the years following the war, British subjects were encouraged to migrate to Australia under an 'assisted package' scheme, which helped with the cost of migrating to Australia and provided housing and employment options upon arrival. Between 1945 and 1972, over one million British migrants settled in Australia. Before 1945, many people, including Australians themselves, considered Australia to be nothing more than a British colony; a nation whose national identity was relatively indistinct from the British. During this period of Australia's history, our modes of entertainment, food, fashion, sporting culture and our social values and attitudes were largely dictated by British culture. American influence on the Australian culture One of the most significant changes to have taken place in Australian society since the end of WWII, however, has been its drift towards...

Words: 1783 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

Cultural, Media and Arts

...and media both reflect and influence culture. Word Count: Introduction: 24529 24530 In the world today, virtually every individual is part of a culture Art, sports and media heavily influence and reflect culture as it permeates everyday lives of society. Arts, sports and media coincide and go hand in hand with each other defining who we are today through a variety of different ways. Sport reflects and influences culture immensely and holds a variety of different meanings across different cultures. Internationally Australian culture is perceived as laid back, with hot summers, drinking beers and watching or participating in sports. It refers to “the values, ceremonies and way of life characteristic of a given group and the place of sport within that way of life” (Jarvie, 2006). Cricket is one of Australia’s most popular summer sport that has been around since the colonial days. It is one of the many sports that clearly identify our Australian culture with the influence from media advertisements in local newspapers to television, Foxtel, radio and internet, “it is part of the social and cultural fabric of different localities, regions and nations” (Jarvie, 2006). A case study that was conducted by Nathan Saad on the Sydney cricket ground (SCG), demonstrates the roles of understanding the significance of sport in Australian cultural identity. This ground is seen...

Words: 1446 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Australia Post 1945

...Australia post 1945 - Key terminology – * Assimilation Policy – official government policy which aims to integrate minority groups into the dominant culture group. This results in a loss of culture, tradition and languages. * Balance rites – Aboriginal rituals that aim to make a supernatural connection with ancestral beings from the dreaming * Crown land – Public land owned by the commonwealth of Australia and managed by Australian government * Dispossession – The forced removal of aboriginal people from their native land. * Dreaming – Aboriginal spiritual beliefs about creation and existence. The dreaming establishes the rules governing relationships between people, land and all things for Aboriginal people. It links together the past, present and future. * Freehold title – Absolute and permanent ownership of the land. * Half-castes – An offensive term referring to a person of mixed decent or ethnicity. * Land rites – Property rights pertaining to land. * Meta-temporal – the trinity of the past, present and future. * Native title – Form of land title, which recognises aboriginal people as rightful owners of their traditional land. * Protection policy – official government policy stating in the late 19th century. Removed aboriginal people from unsuitable environments and placed them under the protection of the state. * Sacred sites – Places of spiritual significance to Aboriginal people as they are connected with ancestor beings...

Words: 2188 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

American and British Cultural Influence 1960s

...British influence on the Australian culture British settlers arrived in Australia in 1788 and the extent of the British influence is still evident today. The British Union Jack features predominantly on our national flag and the Queen is Australia's Head of State. British models also form the basis of Australia's legal and political systems, as well providing our national language. Up until World War II, Britain remained the dominating cultural influence in Australia. Britons also dominated the make-up of Australian society - most of Australia's citizens were either born in Britain, or had British descendants. In the years following the war, British subjects were encouraged to migrate to Australia under an 'assisted package' scheme, which helped with the cost of migrating to Australia and provided housing and employment options upon arrival. Between 1945 and 1972, over one million British migrants settled in Australia. Before 1945, many people, including Australians themselves, considered Australia to be nothing more than a British colony; a nation whose national identity was relatively indistinct from the British. During this period of Australia's history, our modes of entertainment, food, fashion, sporting culture and our social values and attitudes were largely dictated by British culture. American influence on the Australian culture One of the most significant changes to have taken place in Australian society since the end of WWII, however, has been its drift...

Words: 1419 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Persuasive Essay On Australia Day

...Sydney Cove, where Governor Arthur Philip raised the Flag of Great Britain. Two hundred and thirty years later, the traditional owner of the Australia land had persisted in protesting the date of the Australia Day. The March of Freedom, Justice and Hope which took place in 1988, had summoned more than 40,000 people, including both aboriginals and non-aboriginals, to chant for land rights through the street of Sydney. The pressure on the nation to resolve conflicts about the relationship between aboriginals and European arrivals had never ceased to mount. An Australia Institute survey has shown that only 37 percent of people recognised that the celebration of Australia Day on January 26th may be offensive to aboriginals. Additionally, nearly half of those – 49 percent – acknowledged that the National Day should not be celebrated on a day that offends certain populations. These statistics are not new and shouldn’t be a surprise to us. No one denies that at least 40,000 years...

Words: 516 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Pyschology

...Indigenous people than non-Indigenous live in remote locations and not all health services are offered outside of cities. Sometimes health services are not culturally appropriate (do not consider Indigenous culture and the specific needs of Indigenous people). Also, some Indigenous people may not be able to use some services because they are too expensive. (Slide show) Social and emotional wellbeing is a term used to talk about a person’s overall social, emotional, psychological (mental), spiritual, and cultural wellbeing. Factors that are important to social and emotional wellbeing include a person’s. (refer to slide show) Social and emotional wellbeing is often confused with mental health, but it is much broader: social and emotional wellbeing is concerned with the overall wellbeing of the person. On the other hand, mental health describes how a person thinks and feels, and how they cope with and take part in everyday life. It is often seen, incorrectly, as simply the absence of a mental illness. (Slide show) Important determinants of Indigenous health inequality in Australia include the lack of equal access to primary health care and the lower standard of health infrastructure in Indigenous communities (healthy housing, food, sanitation etc) compared to other Australians. Equality in health care refers to the differences in the use, access, availability or quality of health care by different groups (Ward, 2009). Inequality in health care is about the ability to access health...

Words: 2314 - Pages: 10

Free Essay

Colonialism in Australia

...colonial oppression and assimilation policies in Australian history, political and social break thoughts of aboriginal people in to the dominant European culture was bought to an end, thus enabling Aboriginal Artists to have the freedom to express their traditions, culture and identity. According to Oxford Art Online, the Simultaneous explosions of the Australian art market in the 1990s, gained international recognition for Aboriginal Art that emerged into the contemporary Aboriginal art that appealed to White Australia's conflicting a desire for cultural reconciliation. The recognition of artistic production in Aboriginal communities across Australia enabled artists to explore themes of cultural alienation. The first wave of contemporary Aboriginal painters including Clifford Possum, Rover Thomas, Paddy Bedford and Emily Kame Kngwarreye, utilized repertoires of dots, blocks of color, with stimulating negative spaces or gestural brushstrokes to evoke the sense of a sacred, collective 'knowledge'. Collectors and museums began to actively collect contemporary Aboriginal works, whose conceptual paintings reinterpreted Australian colonial history. Our Guarantee To You No Quibble Money Back Guarantee! We are so confident in our ability to produce top level academic work that we are prepared to back it with a "No Quibble, Money Back" guarantee! Guarantee Information Essay Writing Service Today Aboriginal Australians are producing art in the remote regions where artists...

Words: 858 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Indigenous Australian Health

...instrumental that future Australian health professionals understand the culturally constructed notions of health within contemporary society. Although going beyond the general medical remedies is almost crucial in comprehending all of the complex interpretations of Indigenous Australian’s health. Improving the health of Indigenous Australians is a longstanding challenge for Australian governments. The gap in health status remains unacceptably wide (Calma, 2007). The lack of equal access to health services and the lower standards of health infrastructure...

Words: 418 - Pages: 2