Why Australia Day is rubbish

PatC says:

08:04am | 18/01/10

If you’re worried about “an emblem that’s sullied by another country’s ensign” you should read the other two verses of “Advance Australia Fair”. Like verse 2 that talks about how “English courage bore Cook on” and how “Britannia rules the waves”; or this quote from verse four
“Britannia then shall surely know,
Though oceans roll between
Her sons in fair Australia’s land
Still keep their courage green.”

Gary Cox says:

08:31am | 18/01/10

Yeah not sure the ads are all that necessary. Aside from that I love Australia day. Last year I went surfing in the morning with a couple of mates then spent the arvo sitting in the sun having a few quite ones with friends whilst listening to the hottest 100. A perfect Australia day I reckon celerating freedom and the Australian way of life. Its nice to have a holiday that we can enjoy rather than christmas where we have to go to church a hang out with boring relos, Anzac day with dawn services and reflection (which don’t get me wrong is very important) and new years day where I’m usually nursing a hangover.

Daniel says:

08:40am | 18/01/10

Pembo Im shocked. I thought you were like Piers and let people have their individualistic freedoms like he espouses?

Old Clive says:

08:51am | 18/01/10

Get rid of all the holidays, if you want to abolish Australia Day on the judgments that you use, you had better abolish all the public holidays. I can just see all the people carrying huge crosses on their backs on Good Friday, what was good about anyway, nobody believes in sin anymore, cut out swearing on the bible, cut out all our pretentious royalty, they don’t even believe what they represent. Come on think things through before you open your cake hole. Give it all back to the indigenous brethren and rely on their good nature to look after us, the same way that they look after them selves, that is the ones that haven’t adopted the the whities ways.

Q.E.D. says:

09:21am | 18/01/10

Not sure that I fully agree, Penbo. Our family tries not to have our Oz Day hijacked by the behaviour of others. We’re also fortunate to live right next to a lovely beach where there is a regatta every Jan 26 - it’s wonderful!

Couldn’t agree more about our ‘white Christmas’, though.

And, I too believe that our anthem is a shocker!

Sue Kurtz says:

09:25am | 18/01/10

Look, tell the a***holes who think patriotism is to drape a flag around their necks and harass other Aussies to pack it in, but having a barbie with friends and family is about the MOST Australian thing you can do on Australia Day.

Mr Pastry says:

09:28am | 18/01/10

My Austalila Day is one of thanksgiving.
No ugly fist pumping, no drunken oi, oi, ois, no bandwagonning by cricket matches and retail warehouses,  no flag draped shoulders and boastful showing off.  Just a day to comprehend a spectacular vast land and a humble recognition I am lucky to be here, but never worthy.

.shoulders with sunscreen on and not the flag because of the beer snooze tan

BMJ says:

09:34am | 18/01/10

Good read Penbo.

I use part of the day to reflect on the stupidity of the pseudo-patriots. It’s quite entertaining.

megan says:

09:48am | 18/01/10

Hopefully one day we will become a republic and we can replace Australia Day with some kind of Independance day that actually has some meaning. Don’t get me wrong i’ll be at a barbie, beer in hand - but Penbo’s right, it doesn’t really MEAN anything…

murray says:

09:52am | 18/01/10

Wonderful.  An articulate explanation of how Australia Day is being represented by beer and barbeque yobboism taken to the ludicrous extreme, is meet with the shrill braying of ‘luv it or leave it’.  Perhaps the reason why people are dismayed at seeing the day becoming a caricature of what it was, is because they do love it.

H of SA says:

09:56am | 18/01/10

Nail. Head. Hammer. Good work Penbo, I especially like the sly anti-republican just put in there to make sure you get some republican agro going in the comments as well.

But yes I agree, its become about celebrating the worst aspects of Australian culture - jingoism and hedonism. Considering some of the better aspects of Aussie culture - I’m thinking of volunteering for example. Why aren’t we celebrating that?

If we must have a BBQ, perhaps we could honour the volunteers of Australia with it.

Chewy says:

09:58am | 18/01/10

Well put, somebody had to say it. Surely we are not so culturally poor that our national day = piss up and bbq. I would like to think being Australian meant more than that.
I think alot of this flag waving southern cross crap has actually gone too far, wasnt it last year flagged draped kiddies were running around Manly forcing anyone who wasnt white to kiss the flag? Never mind they probably would of been oversees tourists. Imagine if that happened to you on a foreign holiday.
Thats not my idea of Australia day. What Bloody embarrassment.

Randal says:

10:05am | 18/01/10

Jacqui the point of Australia Day is to celebrate the creation of one of the true democratic and free nations on earth. A nation that from the arrival of the first fleet has been cut out of one of the harshest continents on earth. A nation built upon convicts, free settlers and immigration, and that is now beginning to embrace the rich culture of its indigenous population (although much more is needed to be done).

That is what Australia Day represents, it allows the population to reflect or not, on the short history of this great nation and the way this is done is to allow the population freedom to choose, whether it’s attending Australia Day events, a BBQ and few drinks with family and friends, a day watching the cricket or the tennis or any other endeavor people choose… that in itself makes Australia Day the celebration of freedom that it should be.

If a minority over indulges or get out of line and begin to affect the rights of others to celebrate their own freedom, then we have the authorities to step in take control and remove these freedoms from those who perhaps have developed a true lack understanding for a few hours in the drunk tank.

It is not up to the ‘do-gooders’, the government or even the great ‘Penbo’ to cause change to force people to view this day any differently, it is a day of choice, celebrate or do not celebrate, either way you are embracing Australia Day as that is the great gift of this nation, the right to choose how we live our lives, that is what freedom is all about.

Carl Palmer says:

10:06am | 18/01/10

Good morning Penbo, I agree with what you are suggesting though you have partly suggested how it can change when you state that –

“….Federal Government’s Australia Day campaign”. It starts at the top - the Federal Government – together with the opposition should drive this change, after all it is a “National Holiday”. 

In order to change the culture, the lead-up to the day could start with educational TV ads highlighting our past. I’m not a fan of Bob Carr however the ads could take a leaf from what he says. The ads could depict “what really happened: the brutality, the heroism, the tenderness, the patience. It will teach the humility as well as the pride.” and as you say “reflection on our history and values, and the importance of holding citizenship”.  It could go some way to cajole our Aboriginal citizens to join in the celebration. The ads would be for everyone with emphasis on the kids – run them early in the evening and or afternoon. Education is how we change the current Australia Day culture.

Fortunately or unfortunately, ANZAC day seems to have become our “National Day” - why - because it stands for something we all understand and know about. Everyone both here an abroad knows about ANZAC day because it has substance, whereas Australia Day is treated just as another holiday – without any real meaning and without real substance about who we really are.

Miko says:

10:07am | 18/01/10

January 26 is an odd day to celebrate a National Day since it is the day of the arrival of the first fleet and therefore the establishment of the colony of NSW—what meaning does it have for Victorians or South Australians? 

The proliferation of Australian Flags on cars, flagpoles and on tee-shirts at music festivals is a new thing; I interpret it not as healthy nationalism, but as further Americanisation of our culture.  Instead of celebrating our National Day in our own way we are simply co-opting those of the US.

It is great events such as wars and uprisings that forge nations, for better or worse we don’t have a history of such events…I think better.  In any case adopting the habits of the Americans will not serve us well as their patriotism for their flag derives from a long history of violence and enslavement including a war for independence and a civil war.

Australian may not have such a rich history of conflict as the US, but we have nevertheless participated in a lot of wars, and acquitted ourselves honourably in each.  We have even arguably had to defend ourselves directly against the Japanese in WWII.  I think ANZAC day is a more appropriate day for the celebration of our national history than Australia Day as it touches on those elements of the Australian character that are admirable, rather than the day a bunch of convicts arrived in Botany Bay. 

Give Australia day the aborigines, keep the holiday but I say lets shift our national celebration to ANZAC day…sorry Bob but there are no ANZAC veterans left and increasingly few from WWII.

...and finally I think our National Day would be all the better as we would be sharing it with our closest neighbour, New Zealand, who fought at our side in Gallipoli.

H of SA says:

10:09am | 18/01/10

Murray, hahaha yeah. I know what you mean - try telling these love it or leave it types that you critize the place because you care about it and that its actually patriotic to be concerned for your country - their veins may pop.

DJG says:

10:18am | 18/01/10

Correct me if i am wrong. Australia day never used to see a rush of teenagers and early twenties draped in the flag. Australia day never led to chants of Ozzie oi oi oi, or comments such as “love it or leave it”. I think a lot of people flew a small flag from their car antenna. I dont know if it was Howard, Leyton, or the Australian cricket team that led the charge into the ugly so called ‘patriosm’ from our youth. Similarly youngsters never used to traipse over to Turkey to celebrate the slaughter of our young from another era. Enjoy a beer, enjoy a barbie hopefully with a neighbour who has recently landed on our shores to share in the abundance of our great country.

Stuart says:

10:19am | 18/01/10

Well put. The sight of drunk, moronic idiots, draped in Australian flags and chanting Aussie, Aus…etc running around Manly last year, telling Australians of ethnic decent to go home put me off Australia day forever. And despite the protestations from the local newspaper that they were not from the Northern Beaches, I saw similarly boreish behaviour from the locals.

A common comment from foreign friends is that Australia lacks soul and a culture. I do not totally agree with that. We do have a tapestry of rich influences from the Aboriginal peoples to our latest citizens. Maybe a day where we reflect on how this is creating a national identity in progress rather than harking back to the anglo 50’s would be more apt. Getting pissed and eating charcoaled meat is certainly no way to celebrate our diverse and interesting country.

jojo says:

10:22am | 18/01/10

You should try living in ‘‘the Shire’’ in the week leading up to Australia Day - I’m waiting for the two dollar shop Aussie flags to start appear stuck on cars - each year I count them to see if the number if increasing and I think it is - it is a scary phenomenon - sort of reminds me of the deep south in the US.

Randal says:

10:23am | 18/01/10

Miko @ So you think wars and uprising are “great events” obviously you have never served in one, and you should be thankful of that fact and perhaps had you, then you would have chosen your words more carefully.

ANZAC Day is a day of reflection of the sacrifice made by too many to protect the freedom’s that we are so fortunate to enjoy today, it is a somber day of remembrance, not a day for celebration and should not be confused with a celebration of nation hood.

For this we have Australia Day, you say you want to keep the holiday, so why not put this good use and celebrate the national history if you choose on Jan 26… or not, as the point is the choice is yours, and that in itself is a celebration of freedom and the true heritage of this nation.

Bruce says:

10:32am | 18/01/10

We’re so horrible! I think i’ll go and wring my hands and wash my brown cardigan. Talk about sanctimonious clap trap from chattering classes.

Alex White says:

10:34am | 18/01/10

In my view, Australia Day should become similar to Thanksgiving in the US. A day when families and communities gather together to share what they are thankful about for the past year. The obsession with BBQs and beer is disappointing (especially the ads this year). Far better to promote community and inclusiveness.

Miko says:

10:51am | 18/01/10

@ Randal—you really have no idea weather I have fought in a war…or served in the military or not…so please don’t make assumptions.

And of course a war is a “great event”—in historical terms, it unarguably is.  This doesn’t mean that war is desirable or to be taken lightly…indeed the opposite.  You seem very keen to take offence in the advocacy of you views…but I am entitled to mine and I happen to disagree with you.  Ad hominem arguments will not convince anyone.

I don’t really know that you can argue that Australia Day can be about freedom given that it is the anniversary of the establishment of a penal colony.  An “please explain’ why the National Day should not be a day of sombre reflection (with the odd game of two-up thrown in)?

Grant says:

10:55am | 18/01/10

Penbo Penbo,

So people who celebrate Australia day and enjoy a BBQ and a beer with friends and family.  Are exactly what Penbo?

Your snobbery and stereotyping shine through on every piece you write.

On Australia day a majority of the population will have a great time and celebrate.  Its this freedom to do what they enjoy that is the point.

I can’t read your articles anymore, so it’s off to the ABC unleashed.

LuxuryYacht says:

10:56am | 18/01/10

What “Aussie” @8.24am says is crap.  Americans DO have an America Day - it’s called Thanksgiving and celebrates the invasion of that country by Europeans.

benny c says:

11:22am | 18/01/10

in Ireland on St. Patrick’s Day we don’t have the weather for eating outdoors so it’s all about the pints and who can get as full as a lord as early as possible. The earlier u get carried home the more patriotic u are,

Lisa says:

11:29am | 18/01/10

the US has its Thanksgiving Day with a roast and pumpkin pie, we have a barbie (which can actually be pretty sophisticated) and dine al fresco. doesn’t have to be a yobbie event. regardless of how you feel about Aboriginal issues (and I have Aboriginal family), you have to admit that the discovery and mapping of Australia is pretty much the best adventure ever, and those sea voyagers deserve to be recognised for their outstanding feats of bravery and service in the name of discovery.
The arrival of the first fleet, though , is a symbol of the culture clash which was to unfold, and has a mixed message with its colonial intent. Why should Australia Day be a time for guilt, and anger? It seems unhelpful. August 22 (the day that extraordinary adventurer Captain Cook claimed Australia for Britain) is another day of interest in Australia’s history, but Jan 26 is the most accurate anniversary of the birth of modern Australia. Alas, I think many of our Indigenous family and friends will always be politically uncertain about how best to treat Australia Day, it is how they are educated to feel. I wish we could all put away the hair shirt for a change.

Scott Glennon says:

11:34am | 18/01/10

Why do you need a deep meaningful public holiday?  In my opinion, NYD has less meaning then Australia day. I’m unsure how you celebrate the arrival of the first fleet, unless the government spends tax payer dollars to re-enact the event. But I’m certain the first fleet needed to eat and/or drink at some point during their arrival… So guess what… Thats what Australia does to celebrate it.

There is no right or wrong way to celebrate Australia Day. But celebrate; rather then tarnish the value this public holiday has to the majority of our Australian public.

[Wikipedia] Australia Day, also previously known as Anniversary Day and Foundation Day, and also referred to as Invasion Day, is the official national day of Australia. Celebrated annually on 26 January, the day commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788, the hoisting of the British flag there, and the proclamation of British sovereignty over the eastern seaboard of Australia. [Wikipedia]

Aussie Ben says:

11:38am | 18/01/10

This is the worst aricle I have read in a while and that is saying something!

As always I will be firing up the BBQ and putting several ice cold VB’s in the esky. Plenty of slip, slop, slap and a few overs of cricket. If that is not saluting the tradition of being Australian then I dont know what planet you are from.

If you don’t like it David why don’t you leave Austraila. God knows you wont be missed.

Hendo says:

11:49am | 18/01/10

Aussie, Aussie Aussie, ba-aaa, ba-aaa, ba-aaa

John says:

11:55am | 18/01/10

I don’t think Australia Day has been hijacked by the minority of Australians, who believe surrounding themselves in Australia flag paraphernalia makes them more patriotic than everyone else Australian.. It’s just more interesting to discuss this than the reality.. that most people enjoy a day at the beach/park/backyard with family/friends, drinking and eating. I mean, what else are we supposed to do on a Summer’s day? Cook inside and drink hot chocolate?

Randal says:

11:57am | 18/01/10

Miko, war is never a ‘great’ event, in either historical or any other term, it as a significant event of savagery with human kind shown at its worst, and based on your comments in both posts it is clear you have a lack of understanding of this was my point.

That said, I have no issue in your opinion, nor did I take offence and only sought to state that in my view ANZAC Day is an inappropriate day to combine a celebration of nation hood, as this day is specifically set aside for the remembrance of those that sacrificed so much and should be kept as so.

Yes, Australia did begin its life as a penal colony, but it was those same convicts, who when given their freedom, strode out into the harsh elements of this land and laid the foundations for the society of tolerance and freedom that we later became.

A society that lacked the traditional class structures, that allowed its citizens to build their own life, regardless of education, background or social standing, a land that has seen citizens from across the globe come and settle successfully, adding even more to our culture and creating a uniquely tolerant nation.

That to me is something worth celebrating, and it all began on the day long ago on January 26, 1788 and it is a history of which we should feel proud. 

Of course as I stated in an earlier post one can choose to not celebrate it, deride the day, the concept, call it invasion day, but to me that is celebrating the same freedom as I, as it is the freedom to speak and move freely that make this nation so great.

Sheila says:

11:58am | 18/01/10

Australia Day is a load of rubbish and is not needed - it’s just an excuse for another day off and booze up with offensive behaviour from the knuckle draggers.  ANZAC Day would be a more appropriate day to acknowledge Australia..

James says:

12:05pm | 18/01/10

IMHO, we should celebrate the day that the Curtin Government officially passed the Statue of Westminster, which was the legal recognition of the independence of the Dominions, and established the equal status of the Australian parliament with that of Britain.  That is 9 October, by the way.

COF says:

12:13pm | 18/01/10

I’m not sure its fair to target certain ways that some people celebrate Australia day (i.e. flag waving, barbecueing and beer swilling) but I certainly agree that there should be no forced way to celebrate it.
I’ve though for a long time about what it is about this country that makes it special - and it is very special to me, whether due to it being the progenitor of my values or otherwise - and I’ve come to the conclusion that there are two cultural concepts that make this country great - the disdain of authority and the concept of a fair go. It is like a great levelling mechanism, an equaliser, a recognition that society is not always guided by the right people, and those that are downtrodden do not necessarily deserve it. It is a noble and rational approach to pluralistic society that has little equal in the world, not as entrenched as it is here anyway.
The best way to celebrate these sentiments on Australia day is to make it a national day of doing what you bloody well want. Whether it be flag waving, beer swilling, barbecuing, baking, TV watching, bushwalking or otherwise, you are celebrating what is great about this country - that you can can do any one of these activities without someone questioning your devotion to this country or its cultural values. The notion that you can live your life freely among peers - not superiors, not subjects - is what makes this country great.

John V says:

12:27pm | 18/01/10

To me Australia Day is just another public holiday to see all your friends who are usually too busy. I don’t want to get bogged down thinking about how we got to be here. I like the minute silence on ANZAC Day, I think it’s pretty much embraced across the board. Perhaps they start the tradition of playing and singing the anthem at 12.

Flag drapers and people with Southern Cross tats will always exist, but can be ignored pretty easily. I think they’re just part of Australia, whether we like it or not. I’m going to head to an annual cricket match, probably stick to plenty of water and no doubt will enjoy a stack of meat, but I tend to do that at least a couple of nights a week. I don’t know how Australian it all is, but I am Australian and it’s what I like to do.

I think we should be able to enjoy Australia Day however we see fit, I see no need to question it.

David says:

12:36pm | 18/01/10

Mr Penberthy, I think you have conveyed a terrible type of hypocrisy here.

99% of the population is disappointed and sometimes abhorred at the yobbos in flags, that is for sure. However, its root causes lie in the ramming of ‘Australian life’ down our throats that you mention in the backend of your blog. Become a citizen, show your bloody-mindedness to the cause is what is being implied. No outsiders! You might sugar-coat it, but that is what the bare bones are, masterfully capped of by your little one-liner at the end endorsing the view that if you are an official Aussie you can then partake in the very behaviour you’re attacking. Mr Penberthy, is this part of Australian culture to be frowned upon on the most Australian day of the year?
Keep in mind, those yobbos running amok are not reflective of anything that the majority of the nation’s inhabitants feel or accept.

Sally says:

12:37pm | 18/01/10

It has become a drunken spectacle. Another excuse for MANY to make fools of themselves.Insincere speeches from politicians who are steadily ruining what was a great country

nuse says:

12:41pm | 18/01/10

to the person who under the name of Aussie says:08:24am,
you are that stupid they have thanksgiving and inderpendance day, to the guy who wrote this acticle you must be over 40 and a complete wanker, whats wrong with haveing a bbq with mates and drinking and eating catching up and having a good time with family and friends you would think that being australian you would understand thats what aussies do best, so tell me why you think its a big joke and back your self up with comments that are half intellegent and are your own words, seriously i cant think of anything better to do then catch up with family and friends to drink and have a bbq,  get over your self mate you dont like it go to work and dont call yourself australian, we have public holidays for all thoes over things, your a judemental #%@*head you tell me you have never celebrated aussie day with some drinks and a bbq, if you have your contradiction yourself mate and should never voice your oppion you make me sick how dare you jude what people choose to do on australia day next time have a good think before you write a acticle displaying your hatred towards this country and its values

Gravy says:

12:47pm | 18/01/10

Aussie Ben -  eating, drinking and some cricket is a not a nations tradition - surely?

isis says:

12:51pm | 18/01/10

I find that every day is equally barbaric for the Australians you describe. I do not need a national day to top it off, full of drunken, moronic flag wavers.
So, when did you put down your flag?

Josephine says:

12:56pm | 18/01/10

Perhaps I’ve missed the point, I didn’t think that the article was saying we shouldn’t celebrate Australia Day with a BBQ and beer, just that the day means more but some people seem to have forgotten that. We will celebrate the day with family and friends, a game of cricket, a BBQ and a few quiet ones, all the while knowing that we’ve got it pretty good in Australia and that we’re thankful to be here, many aren’t so lucky.

Jackie says:

12:58pm | 18/01/10

I believe we should celebrate Australia Day and having a BBQ with friends and family doesn’t make you a yob. That’s left to the Bogan’s that drape themselves in flags and fly them everywhere. That isn’t our way, is an American sign of patriotism. By the way as someone who has lived in the US and still works with them. Their Australia Day equivalent isn’t Thanksgiving, it’s Independence Day. They don’t celebrate the day they were discovered under the British Empire. They celebrate they day they became independent from it.  Enjoy your Australia Day by being with your family and thinking how lucky you are to live here and not in some of the countries that our new Australian citizens have come from.

Darren says:

01:00pm | 18/01/10

I thought Australia Day was the time of the year when we hope there is still an Australian left in the draw at the Oz Open?

letthemeatmeat says:

01:01pm | 18/01/10

I think the vagueness of the day is the whole beauty of it. Why should there have to be a set course for every public holiday?

Consider this - maybe thats exactly what makes it Australian - everyone gets to interpret and celebrate being Australian the way in which he or she wants. Now how Australian is that!

So I say - let them eat meat!

fairgo says:

01:05pm | 18/01/10

COF - I think you should write the next Aussie national anthem -mate - spot on!

Battler says:

01:14pm | 18/01/10

I think this article and many of the comments following it show that we have become a nation of whingers. Theres always someone complaining about something. It seems that regardless of what you do or how you do some sook will come in and throw a wet blanket over proceedings. They say that Australians don’t have a cultural identity, thats because it has been sanitised over the years by the whingers, the policticans and the do gooders. All this trapsing around on tip toes for fear that we may offend someone. Trying so hard to become something so that our country will look good in the eyes of the Americans or the oh so sophisticated Euorpeans. Give me a break.

Bryce says:

01:15pm | 18/01/10

http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/strike-me-pink-its-the-crap-oz-cinema-drinking-game

You two could have a good little discussion I reckon.

Harley says:

01:29pm | 18/01/10

I always thought the bullish Aussie yobbo squad celebrators (those that have emerged in the last decade or so) were a result of resistance to the Invasion Day let’s-be-ashamed and deeply hate ourselves squad (c’mon, that is a part of the problem with that whole movement).  Neither side has ever struck me as being intelligent or having a view worth listening to for one second but every Australia Day (like a dutiful Australian) I put up with it.  Maybe, national Have a Whinge day (for some) is more accurate.  Kids wear flags but they seem to be trying to find their place in a country that (on the surface) does nothing but whinge (not fight, whinge) about race, nationality this and that (can’t be Australian if you think that etc blah, blah, blah).  Can’t blame the kids for being a bit of a mess when the adults are a pack of morons.  Australia Day I thought was just a quiet peaceful acknowledgement of our country, it’s benefits and achievements.  It’s become a political and social bun fight - a fight I stress that has achieved nothing (absolutely nothing whatsoever) other than ruining a bloody good public holiday.  Thanks heaps whingers!

Justan Oz says:

01:30pm | 18/01/10

I am an old f**T that celebrates Aus. day every day—but untill we get a proper flag that represents Australia—there will be no flag waving by me!!

Shane says:

01:33pm | 18/01/10

I don’t think that it’s fair to put all people that have a bbq, a few beers and listen to the hottest 100 down as the same yobbo, southern cross tatt mob.

Is there nothing wrong with celebrating simple pleasures?

ILR says:

01:36pm | 18/01/10

To each and everyone of you bleating about draping a flag over one’s shoulders:  is Cathy Freeman a yob and a bogan for doing as such with the Aboriginal flag?

Sammy J says:

01:38pm | 18/01/10

Couldn’t agree more about the flag waving that’s really taken off in the last couple of years. The majority of bloody uneducated Australians don’t seem to realise that when they wear the flag as a cape, or have it chopped up and printed on t-shirts or board shorts/swim wear etc, they are actually desecrating it and showing it great disrespect. Likewise all of the mini plastic flags that are lying all over the ground after Australia day. Learn some flag protocol Australia!

Aussie Half Wit says:

01:39pm | 18/01/10

I like drinking VB, having a bbq, playing cricket and going to the beach.  I don’t think you’ve really though this through, we already have ANZAC day, and I for one am not combining two public holidays (that would be one less day off work a year, duh).

Australia Day is for appreciating Australia and Australian things (the afore mentioned VB, bbq, cricket and beach).  So get that high horse down off your soap box and by all means go hide in your hole and “reflect” while the rest of us have a good time.

Belle says:

01:40pm | 18/01/10

It doesn’t surprise me that those who espouse the virtues of a beer swilling Australia Day supply the most vulgar posts.  Australia Day is nothing more than a navel gazing excuse for alcohol abuse and a day off.  Does any other country in the World have a “Name” Day.  America Day, England Day, France Day?  Why would they when it’s a stupid waste of time. No doubt foul-mouthed, alcoholic, bogans will disagree.  How Australian.

AT says:

01:44pm | 18/01/10

Anyone noticed the ‘love it or leave it’ mob are the ones who seem to have the greatest difficulty ‘loving’ Australia? They’re constantly declaring their ‘hate’ for so many of their fellow Australians.

If you were to calculate the total number of Australians they ‘hate’ — the non-Anglos, the lefties, the arty types, the vegetarians, the media, the gays, the latte drinkers, the soccer fans, the greenies, those who don’t drive Holden utes, the cyclists, etc etc etc — I reckon you’d get a very high percentage. An enormous and entrenched body of diversity that is not going away and could never be loved by our ‘love it or leave’ community.

Maybe Australia Day should be the day they follow their own advice.

Catherine says:

01:51pm | 18/01/10

My family are through and through Australians, I will even admit that sometimes when travelling abroad my heart swells with pride for the beautiful land I call home, and how lucky I am to enjoy the freedoms we are afforded here.
However I can safely say I have never celebrated Australia day. Not once did our family mark the days passing with a BBQ, never did we gather to view the fireworks or even utter “Happy Australia Day” to any who might pass by. My family, although anglosaxon, do not approve of the celebration of a day which marks the invasion of the true Australians. And I’m glad to have been raised in such a household.
Now, in my mid-twenties and living with my Aboriginal partner, we pass the day like we do every year, attempting to avoid the throngs of patriotic drongos who claim the streets of the city for the day and just enjoying the day away from work together.

Catherine says:

01:51pm | 18/01/10

My family are through and through Australians, I will even admit that sometimes when travelling abroad my heart swells with pride for the beautiful land I call home, and how lucky I am to enjoy the freedoms we are afforded here.
However I can safely say I have never celebrated Australia day. Not once did our family mark the days passing with a BBQ, never did we gather to view the fireworks or even utter “Happy Australia Day” to any who might pass by. My family, although anglosaxon, do not approve of the celebration of a day which marks the invasion of the true Australians. And I’m glad to have been raised in such a household.
Now, in my mid-twenties and living with my Aboriginal partner, we pass the day like we do every year, attempting to avoid the throngs of patriotic drongos who claim the streets of the city for the day and just enjoying the day away from work together.

Stu says:

01:58pm | 18/01/10

Randal,  I think you’ll find that Miko was using the term “Great” in the pejorative sense. Think of it along the lines of “The Great Depression” - here’s something to clarify this completely (from Dictionary.com)

–adjective
Unusually or comparatively large in size or dimensions: A great fire destroyed nearly half the city.  or;
Important; highly significant or consequential: the great issues in Australian history.

Kit C says:

02:00pm | 18/01/10

To ILR:01:36pm | 18/01/10,
My bad, I didn’t realise every beer bellied tool draped toga like in the Australian flag had just won a gold medal in an olympic race/broken their first world record.
Comparison FAIL.

Canberra says:

02:06pm | 18/01/10

Stuart summed it up perfectly for me .....“A common comment from foreign friends is that Australia lacks soul and a culture. I do not totally agree with that. We do have a tapestry of rich influences from the Aboriginal peoples to our latest citizens. ”  He epitomises his group - is apparently ashamed of , or does not recognise and good in, Australia other than the “rich influences from Aboriginal peoples to our latest citizens”.  He doesn’t totally agree that “Australia lacks soul and a culture”.  Australia has a great culture, sorry to say borne from it’s past - mateship, the ‘fair go’, shouting, stoicism, accepting new immigrants (regardless of what people may say).  But this is tarnished because, well ir is pretty much, western and Anglo-Saxon based and therefore can’t be something to be proud of.  Be proud of Aboriginal Australians, ‘New” Australian’s - hell Stuart, just be proud of all Australians.

Daniel Wayne Hamilton says:

02:10pm | 18/01/10

pathetic . . .you enjoy teh day for what it represents for you.. after all its for each person to celebrate their right to be a free person under the Australian flag.. In short you all missing the point of what it is to be an aussie!!!

Toby says:

02:11pm | 18/01/10

@Catherine - we’re all (all of us living here) ‘true Australians’ mate.  There is no exclusive race, creed or religion when declaring yourself a ‘true Australian’ - a Greek kid in Melbourne is a ‘true Australian’, a vietnamese housewife in Sydney is a ‘true Australian’ and an anglo-celtic kid in Brisbane is also equally, a ‘true Australian’ - so on and so on and so on…

Joe Stephens says:

02:23pm | 18/01/10

@Daniel Wayne Hamilton: Are you really head of the Kwik-E-Mart?

ab says:

02:28pm | 18/01/10

Maybe give us our own Independence Day from Britain and we won’t have to celebrate the day we made mistakes we regret, instead so that we can celebrate Australia and not the ruining of it. The author is completely right. Then again, maybe such a degenerated day simply celebrates what our country seems to be all about.

James Allen says:

02:37pm | 18/01/10

What a boring, sour little article. 

Australians are free to celebrate our day anyway we see fit.  Chilling out around a barbie with some beers is a great way to reflect on the great country we are lucky to be a part of.  Why does there ALWAYS have to be boring, PC style analysis and self-loathing attached to anything Aussies choose to do?

Typically, you could not help yourself with a sly dig at the British in regards to our beautiful flag.  Its OUR flag and was chosen and designed by Australians.  It is hilarious how people like you decry our lack of history and culture - then constantly want to trash it and re-write it!  Whether you have a problem with the British or not - the facts are that they, founded, set-up and have been by far the greatest influence on the fabric of Australian life.  Our law, stability, democracy, culture (yes we have one), humour, pub culture (almost unique to UK and us) is because of them.  Surely we can at the very least honour our founders by allocating a little square of cloth to them?  The Union Jack is a fantastic iconic symbol and I know a lot of people (many of them young like me who have done the London thing) never want it removed!  Whats wrong with linking us to our great mates?

Harri Kershaw says:

02:47pm | 18/01/10

What I think is truly sad is the author of this article and many commenting here TELLING their fellow Australians how to celebrate our national day! 

Diggers fought and died for the right of Australians to do what they bl**dy well want.  Not to be told that we cannot celebrate our day by having a p*ss up or by having the gall to want to wave our beautiful flag which honours our fallen mates and respects history and loyalty to our founders and allies.

The nasty little nanny state PC fascism that is creeping into Australia makes me sick.  You lot all must be so bored that you have to make up things to feel bad about.  I don’t feel bad, sad or sorry about a single thing attached to Australia apart from those that give their lives for us.

If you say you are Australian that is all there is to it.  The rest is up to you!

BBQ, salads, beer, wine and beach house for me.  And yes there will be flags and some larrikanism!

Daniel Wayne Hamilton says:

02:48pm | 18/01/10

@ Joe Stephens, Mate the Kwik-E-Mart would be a promotion for me.. Id agree with David Penberthy when he says, “Andrew Scipione and federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon should quit their day jobs and seek formal employment as nannies, such is their enthusiasm for treating adults like babies and criminalising fun”. but who is he to decide on how people should celebrate Australia Day.. And that it’s a load of Rubbish, being born and raised here from generations back, I know my Australian History, I know what our forefathers worked and fought for to make this country is.. and then this Blasphemy..
You see Anzac Day is great, Im even an Anzac Day Baby, I have Grandparents and their brothers who served in the war, and have read up on many things as far back as the Eureka Stockade, Gallipoli, The bombing of Darwin, Kokoda.. Hell I play in a band and we have a song paying respects to the old diggers and what they went through for this country..
In saying that I respect anyone who chooses to come to Australia to live, multi culturalism is great.. I mean what better country to move too.. Just don’t tell me how to celebrate my Australia Day, if I wanna fire the Barbie, sink a few brews and play a game of back yard cricket with friends old and new.. Well who are you to say it is Rubbish when so many people have fought or worked to make this country what it is!!!!
Not a free country far from it, as said earlier as grown adults we’re treated like children, but probably one of the best countries

Daniel Wayne Hamilton says:

02:52pm | 18/01/10

Oh yeah by the way, I live with two aboriginal bloke’s.. All of whom celebrate and their families alike, Australia Day just like anyone else..
Dig yourself out of your little holes or this country will never progress to anything better..
Let go or we’ll continue to fall behind!!!!

King Parrots says:

02:54pm | 18/01/10

People get over it, there is nothing better then a VB CAN and a snag.

BT says:

02:55pm | 18/01/10

how bout all those people who are against Australia Day go to work then? If you really hate it that much then you dont deserve to have the day off!

J says:

02:54pm | 18/01/10

He’s 100% right, its funny how many people think they are true blooded australians but don’t even know the history of this country. Some idiots don’t even know that this is the aboriginals land not the whites.  Just remember that Aussie Ben.

Joe Stephens says:

03:09pm | 18/01/10

@Daniel Wayne Hamilton: really?

Mark says:

03:10pm | 18/01/10

Australia Day is National Bogan Day!

zoe says:

03:11pm | 18/01/10

I fail to understand why we cannot celebrate the day that the first fleet arrived.  I for one am glad they did, because otherwise I would not be here.  So on this Australia Day, I will enjoy the sunshine (hopefully), the beach, my family and friends and probably a BBQ (although probably not the beer), and be glad that some convict ancestors and some early settlers from several continents and even some indigenous ancestors all somehow connected over a couple of hundred of years to create the Australia that all of us enjoy today and they also created me, and many of you.

Jimmy F says:

03:12pm | 18/01/10

I agree. Oz day is much more than BBQ’s and beer. It is also about listening to the Hottest 100/watching the cricket whilst consuming the aforementioned dietary requirements.

MixedBloodTopEnder says:

03:18pm | 18/01/10

Enough with the white/western guilt Pembo.  Australia Day is as Australia day does.  You want an Australia day ‘by design’ hey?  A highly contrived notion of of Australia’s ‘self’  conceived by ‘those in the know’?  Would you have a panel of self labeled intellectualls instruct Australia’s ‘uneducated ’ (and hence apparently unimportant) ignorant masses on how they should now view themselves and how they should celebrate this new and forced epiphany?

How the average Australian (regardless of colour) celebrates the existence of this Nation despite the cultural cringe it may induce in those holier than thou ‘citizens of earth’ types, is in fact part of our culture.  You cant separate the goings-on of Australia Day and what the day itself represents; Australia Day and all the ways its celebrated reflects Australia in all its variety.  To start picking and choosing which elements of society are behaving in an acceptable manner, purely because we’re concerned of what those overseas are thinking would seem to undermine the notion of a National Day.

As for the flag and the anthem, change them both as far as I’m concerned.  Theyve had their day.

not an aussie and proud of it says:

03:29pm | 18/01/10

while there are a small percentage of people that celebrate Australia day with beer,BBQ etc . Most aussies get blind drunk and wear the aussie flag anyway they can. Australia day is day where Aussies show there true colour, it an’t a pretty sight. Why celebrate a day when you came over as convicts? that is a laugh.

Daniel Wayne Hamilton says:

03:34pm | 18/01/10

Joe Stephens.. Mate I shit you not, would I post my full name if I intended to lie!!! You can find our song online, The Bands “One Bud Wiser” and shit my aboriginal mates are in plenty of the facebook / myspace photo’s!!! You should all learn to live like this.. In a world where we all get along, its great!!!! To love one another to respect one another to understand one another.. To not place the blame of the past in the present!!!

For a Demo of the song head to http://www.punkrockers.com/One Bud Wiser if you want a copy of the cd, hell I’ll hook you up!!! To all you blasphamists here is an australian song to live by..

I came from the dreamtime from the dusty red soil plains
I am the ancient heart, the keeper of the flame
I stood upon the rocky shore
I watched the tall ships come
For forty thousand years I’d been the first Australian.

[chorus]
We are one, but we are many
And from all the lands on earth we come
We share a dream and sing with one voice:
I am, you are, we are Australian.
I came upon the prison ship bowed down by iron chains.
I cleared the land, endured the lash and waited for the rains.
I’m a settler.
I’m a farmer’s wife on a dry and barren run
A convict then a free man I became Australian.

[chorus]
We are one, but we are many
And from all the lands on earth we come
We share a dream and sing with one voice:
I am, you are, we are Australian.
I’m the daughter of a digger who sought the mother lode
The girl became a woman on the long and dusty road
I’m a child of the depression
I saw the good times come
I’m a bushy, I’m a battler
I am Australian

[chorus]
We are one, but we are many
And from all the lands on earth we come
We share a dream and sing with one voice:
I am, you are, we are Australian.

I’m a teller of stories
I’m a singer of songs
I am Albert Namatjira
I paint the ghostly gums
I am Clancy on his horse
I’m Ned Kelly on the run
I’m the one who waltzed Matilda
I am Australian

[chorus]
We are one, but we are many
And from all the lands on earth we come
We share a dream and sing with one voice:
I am, you are, we are Australian.

I’m the hot wind from the desert
I’m the black soil of the plains
I’m the mountains and the valleys
I’m the drought and flooding rains
I am the rock, I am the sky
The rivers when they run
The spirit of this great land
I am Australian

(chorus)
We are one, but we are many
And from all the lands on earth we come
We share a dream and sing with one voice:
I am, you are, we are Australian
I am, you are, we are Australian.

Daniel Wayne Hamilton says:

03:45pm | 18/01/10

@ not an aussie and proud of it, we celebrate because teh Brits were dumb enough to send us from the freezing cold to our own tropical getaway!!!

@Joe Stephens it dont like my link but its on the punkrockers.com.. sure we’re a punk band but you know at least most “real” punk bands stand for something… you cant miss teh song it’s called Kokoda under that band name!!!! Just to prove to you YES “REALLY”

Damian says:

03:46pm | 18/01/10

If you give Australians a public holiday in January what do you think they are going to do?

Bob says:

03:51pm | 18/01/10

Here Here !!

Australia Day and Anzac day are not there to get hammered ..
They are there to remind us what it took to have what we have..
Hard work and people sacrificing there lives for us Fat Drunk Fools..

Cez says:

03:54pm | 18/01/10

As a relatively new Australian I think it is great to have a day dedicated to hanging about with your mates and relishing what a bloody fantastic country this is.  And if BBQ’s and beer drinking are part of this all the better.

Sick of bogans says:

03:58pm | 18/01/10

Australia Day - where biggots soil our flag and think they are being patriotic by chanting “eff off we’re full”. Its a great day that is being ruined by idiots.

bella starkey says:

03:59pm | 18/01/10

@ get real

My mother isnt even a citizen and she can vote. hahaha

CJ says:

04:00pm | 18/01/10

Australia was originally setteld by a people forgotten in time, then arrived the cast offs of England’s Empire, some who were the poor whose only crime was to steal to survive, then followed a wave of people willing to try their luck on the Goldfields (Chinese inluded), then following the upheavals of 2 World Wars, again we received humanities cast offs from lands that had all but been destroyed, still now we are the destination for those seeking a better life,...all of us share one thing in common,..we seek a better life in this country and we should all be damn proud of it.

BORING says:

04:01pm | 18/01/10

Lighten up, do you winge about EVERYTHING!  I thought we there the easy going country…...I hope you spend the day working.

BULMKT says:

04:01pm | 18/01/10

It’s called Freedom, David, and as free people, we have the right to celebrate the day however we like. If that means a few yubbos and dickheads have a piss-up then so be it – as long they don’t bother anyone else then let them do it.

I myself like to spend the day at the beach with my wife. We hang out, I get to read a book and later that afternoon we have a few beverages on the balcony. In other words, we chill out. Maybe you (and a few respondents) should too.

Andrew says:

04:06pm | 18/01/10

Excellent post from AT. Very poignant. I think the catalyst for the article, among other wider thinking about what it means to be Australian is the emergence of the “love it or leave” behabiour by the neo-nationalist yobbo’s in recent times. Personally I find it replusive that many now see being ‘Australian’ as getting pissed, draping the flag over ones shoulders, picking on others (mainly non-anglo Australians), brawling and then vomiting on the flag. This is still thankfully the minority but this emerging trend is becomming etched in our collective psyche, and is the image that is often portrayed both within and outside Australia. The supposed celebration of the day is that of freedom in this great country, and in agreeing with AT I too see the paradox that that freedom only seems to apply if you are anglo (as considered by the neo-nationalists). “We grew here, you flew here” - wonder if some clever wordplay can also be brought to include the earlier maritime transportation that evidently seems to be so conveniently overlooked.

Maybe less energy should be expended on telling non-bogan, non neo-nationalist Austalians to go away, and more effort spent on actually making Australia a better place.

Brad Coward says:

04:12pm | 18/01/10

What is Australia Day for ?  To upset PC do-gooders like Pembo !  I have no intention of getting drunk on the day, nor do I intend standing around in the sun in front of a sizzling hot barbie.  I’ll reflect on the history of our nation.  The things that are good, bad and downright ugly.  I’ll consider what unites the people rather than what divides.  Certainly, I will raise a cold beer around 5.00pm on the day and rejoice that David Pemberthy is as pissed off as he can be because not everyone in this great brown land agrees with his PC, apologetic, ultra-leftie views !

After saying that, I’ll certainly go out of my way to raise a cold glass in honour of Mr Pemberthy this afternoon, and perhaps every afternoon hence forth.

David V. says:

04:16pm | 18/01/10

We will gradually go the way of the UK, where celebrating one’s national identity, flag, symbols, etc is considered evil, and one side is always pilloried, demonised and lectured to. And then wonder why parties like the UKIP and BNP are gaining ground.

Maybe you should reflect exactly why Australia is the successful, economically viable country it is- because it is founded and built by the British, on the incomparable British work ethic and diligence that no other country can match. If you want to hate Western culture and civilisation, then don’t drive a car, use a computer, play football or fly a plane, because they are all products of our civilisation whether you like it or not.

Andy says:

04:21pm | 18/01/10

I think because we are only a young country i think drinking beers at the beach with your mates and eating meat is the way other countries see us anyway, although i dont think its alcohol and meat thats the problem its more the young people today and violence that is ruining australia day

Ian says:

04:42pm | 18/01/10

Geez Cobber… who p***ed in your weetbix? 
We’ll celebrate with backyard cricket, pool volleyball, cricket on the TV, JJJ hottest 100 on the radio. A BBQ and a few coldies. 
Then, there’s that other great Australian tradition of knocking, whinging, and not actually knowing you’re on to something wonderful. If you’re hanging around the type of people you detest, then you need to change your view, but please don’t come to ours, lest you bring down the tone.  Petty moaning is not welcome on our national day.

Cuppa says:

08:15pm | 20/01/10

Brilliant Greg!couldnt have said it better myself.

Grant says:

05:13pm | 18/01/10

I would be very interested to know what you are doing for Australia day Penberthy. 

No no no, don’t tell me let me guess:

First off, your Australia Day will start promptly around brunch for an impromptu high tea at her Excellencies’ Quentin Bryce’s manor.

Whilst having a gregarious discussion on who mapped the Tasmanian coastline in 1814 you will jest that it was ‘the English mariner Flinders’, but the Governor will tut tut and with a masterstroke she slyly mentions the French mariner Baudin, everyone giggles in agreement.

The discussion quickly moves on to lighter subjects like human rights and equality.

After you’ve said your farewells her driver takes you to the next meeting of the advisory committee for the 2010 Prime Minister’s Prize for Australian History, where of course you nominate yourself.  Oh, and then you receive the Order of Australia medal from the Prime Minister.

Now that’s how you do an Australia Day, well done Penbo.

~Rumpleteazer~ says:

05:22pm | 18/01/10

There are some real nasty buggers blogging on this site today.
Australia Day. A day off work for all the nation to enjoy. If you couldn’t give a stuff about Australia, as some of you have mentioned above, do your own thing. As for all the Aussies, have a fun day. Enjoy your prawns on the barbie, or a mere humble snag. Have a drink. Pat the dog. Don’t drive. Have fun.
By the way, we aren’t all from convict stock.
Some of our ancestors paid their way to come to Australia and worked hard to make it a beautiful place for all you wingers to enjoy.
Me, I’ll be down the river with some beautiful friends sipping….......

Sam says:

05:28pm | 18/01/10

I just did a search through the comments section and the word “diggers” only appears twice.  Come on, Australia.  Will somebody please think of the diggers?

peaceprincess says:

05:43pm | 18/01/10

you forgot to mention the increasing popularity of the southern cross as either a tattoo or a sticker to adorn - invariably - a holden ute.  are these slack-jawed yocals reminding us of the eureka stockade?  do they even have a clue what the eureka stockade was?  i find that a stretch that they do.  the southern cross has become nothing more than a symbol of national socialism.  beware australia….

Jolly Swagman says:

05:48pm | 18/01/10

Well I am all for Australia day. It means I can go down to Parramatta Park whack a few snags on the barbie, constantly swat swarms of voracious flys,watch sleeping flying fox hanging out in the trees above, smile foolishly at all the different ethnic folk picnicking nearby (who seem quite puzzled about all the fuss)swig a few long necks, say oi oi oi constantly to the half tanked relos and convince myself how much I love multiconfusionism (multiculturalism)and bs to me family and mates about climate change and environmental sustainabilty. It’s all good!  Once a jolly swag man….

Ricky says:

05:55pm | 18/01/10

Australians have the right to celebrate Australia day however they want without politically correct wowsers shoving their fuzzy ideas down their throats.Personally, i love seeing our youth draped in the Aussie flag, they are showing a patriotism & love of our cultue that is sadly lacking in many of our ‘new Australian’ minorities.And if they offend a few of the new ‘politically correct’’ Australians in the process, then thats great!

Jeff says:

06:04pm | 18/01/10

Australia is a GREAT country. It is a place where if you want to have a go, you really can. Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of media - that’s a lot of freedom compared to many parts of the world. We also have good governance. Yes, maybe it’s top heavy, but still good. We live in such a great country that we can have long philosophical debates about such things as how we celebrate our national day.

~Bejewelled~ says:

06:05pm | 18/01/10

~Davy~ @4.34 ..I couldn’t have summed things up better than what you have said. Good work.
I have been thinking along these lines too. Young Aussies have their sense of belonging eroded by the cries of newcomers to our shores.They say, “We stole the land from Aborigines” or “We are from convict stock” etc. etc. I am sure that waving that glorious flag and drinking VB’s is about as grass roots as you can get when you are a young Aussie and want to feel as though you have a country that you truly belong to.
Give ‘em all a break, let them enjoy their patriotism, it is all they have as we are a nation that is only 200 years old and haven’t got Roman ruins or Stone Henge.

Jason says:

06:08pm | 18/01/10

Australians are divided on Australia day, there is the majority who will reflect on Australian history & modern Australia, & migrants who reflect upon the day they got citizenship, a healthy form of patriotism, the type of patriotism you see in other countries on their equivalent national day.

Then there is the jingoist minority with an unhealthy form of patriotism who use the flag as a symbol of hatred. Flag draping and the southern cross would be rather innocuous if it wasn’t used as ethnic intimidation during Cronulla riots or whenever there is opposition to a new mosque being built. The flag became a symbol of assertion against the simultaneous Australian value of multiculturalism or social inclusion when it never needed to be such.

I’ll be going to an Australia day concert to celebrate Australia day, others may have a BBQ & a drink, whatever way they see fit. I don’t think it matters how you celebrate as long as it’s not anti-social.

David V. says:

06:11pm | 18/01/10

If you do-gooders want to loathe Western culture, then don’t drive cars, fly planes, use computers, or play football- they are all products of Western culture and a product of our creativity and intelligence.

Paul says:

06:18pm | 18/01/10

“indifferent to that fact that they’re demonstrating national pride with an emblem that’s sullied by another country’s ensign”
Try getting past that sort of lowbrow Republican tripe, Penberthy. Our emblem is not ‘sullied’ by the Union Jack. It’s a reminder of our British political and cultural heritage whilst the southern cross is a reminder of our geographic location. The flag could certainly be improved with some reminder of the indigenous Australian heritage of this land but it’s definitely still a flag that our kids (and all Aussies) can carry with pride!

Sol says:

06:22pm | 18/01/10

Children wearing the Australian flag is a gateway to Southern Cross tattoos when they are older (but not necessarily more mature). I think such visual displays of patriotism by Anglo-Australians are an alarmist reaction to so many people with different coloured skins living amongst them; as if to say, “They are wearing their ‘otherness’ on their skin so we wear our ‘Australianess’ on ours with these tattoos.”

disgusted you would try to belittle Oz Day says:

06:51pm | 18/01/10

I cannot believe you would bash Australia Day. It may mean something different to everybody. You’re basically trashing our nations right to celebrate our own country!
FREEDOM PEOPLE! FREEDOM!
This article is a waste of printed space. just like everything else that seems to be writen by mainstream media these days!

Tony says:

06:56pm | 18/01/10

Alas even without federation we would have had New South Wales and thus at least the possibility of the “excellent Iemma/Rees/Kenneally administrations” although with a bit of Luck some of the better ALP commonwealth parliamentarians from NSW may have be running NSW.

Suzanne says:

07:14pm | 18/01/10

For me it’s the commercialism of the Australian flag in the lead up to Australia Day that has left a not so patriotic taste in my mouth.

Australia Day allows us to consciously reflect on our journey to this wonderful country - be it as a new immigrant or one from many generations ago.  Are we a perfect country? No, but as CITIZENS we are afforded the opportunity and freedom to voice our opinion without fear or pursecution and to affect change.  Should this reflection include a bbq and a few drinks with friends and family - why not?

The un-patriotic taste is derived from the hard sell Australian flag commercial products which (aside from seeming a touch disrespectful ie bikinis, boardshorts, thongs, paper cups - the product list goes on), these products are made in a country (CHINA) which does not celebrate these freedoms and pursecutes those who seek it.

How patriotic do you feel wearing your Chinese made Australia flag boardshorts now?

Greg Locock says:

07:50pm | 18/01/10

Pembo? reminds me of a walt disney character

Anyway, web hits dropping off are they? Time to write a slightly controversial column? Fail. Sounds like a whinge to me.

The most Australian thing about Australia day is that the pollies, wowsers and those who know better than us have ABSOLUTELY no influence over what happens.

Julian says:

07:53pm | 18/01/10

Australia Day is exactly how Penberthy describes it - an excuse for a drink or too many. We don’t do anything genuinely Australian ... unless you call it Australian to get plastered!!

Adam says:

07:54pm | 18/01/10

This article is folly. Many of these comments are too. “The Diggers”, that’s why we have ANZAC and Remembrance Day. While you’re arguing the semantics of a public holiday, I’ll be sitting back, having a well-earned day off thinking about what I will do for the day with my very own Australian family, living the great Australian dream. I hope that instead of finding something else to argue or debate about, you do the same.

Kyle Collier says:

08:13pm | 18/01/10

Australia needs an Independence Day from all these racism going on .... hah!!!

Jim Peters says:

08:58pm | 18/01/10

Perhaps australia day would have more meaning to people if schools would teach them something about australian history other than how the horrible white man took the land away from the aboriginals. Political correctness has done its best to erase the good parts of australian history. Is it any wonder people see Australia Day as anything other than an excuse to get pissed? Most american kids know the founding fathers of their country. How many aussie kids know anything about the pioneers who made this country?

Paul says:

09:01pm | 18/01/10

Nationalism and patriotism are as dangerous as race and class in inspiring evil among people. And even when evil isn’t done, stupidity certainly rears its ugly head from the chest-beating, flag-saluting morons.

Mark says:

09:06pm | 18/01/10

I recon leave ANZAC day right out of it. Its a very important day to all of us and should remain a day of reverence.

Australia Day…well. I recon regardless of your background you should be able to stand up and have a fantastic day. All should be included fullstop.

One thing we don’t do well at all is regulate the amount of grog people think they can have. It ends up causing way to much trouble. People get hurt the wrong things get said and it ruins everything. Then the dickheads come out. Im all for liberty etc but sometimes enough is enough.

Dont care about peoples individual ideas about what the day and this invasion thing. Its devisive and not going to change. What we really need to get sorted is get the local Tribes involved make them a real part of it and kick off procedings.

Senexx says:

09:15pm | 18/01/10

I would like to thank the commenters that refer to pseudo-patriots and recognise that these people are probably not genuine patriots but even giving them credit as pseudo is probably going a bit too far.  Most, but not all of these people are nationalists or jingoistic.  This being “The Punch”, I think Mr. Penberthy is probably just trying to offend as many groups as possible as that would be “The Punch”.

Patriotism is the ability to show pride in one’s country and to be able to criticise it. Nationalism does not allow this conceit.

On to the substantive point about renaming Australia Day, Citizenship Day, where’s the ring in that name.  Say it aloud, does it seem to symbolise anything to you unless you are about to become a new citizen to you?

The very words “Citizenship Day” hold no special meaning for me.  I imagine they will and would if you are about to pledge your citizenship but not for those that all ready are.  It is all ready Citizenship Day anyway as Australia Day, with all its faults and virtues, is a traditional day for citizenship ceremonies.

David V. says:

10:12pm | 18/01/10

The only countries I know where symbols, flags, etc can be denigrated are the UK and Australia, and these countries are heading into the same Orwellian neo-McCarthyist nightmare. No other country would tolerate this- try telling people in Europe, Asia or Africa that celebrating their national day is wrong.

Gibbo says:

10:16pm | 18/01/10

ARSEtralia and ARSEtralians equals false pride, self adulation and bad charisma…gibbo gibbo gibbo OI OI OI

Glenn Simon says:

11:10pm | 18/01/10

Penberthy, you cultural weasle. Stop trying to link patriotism to racism and boganism. Marxism is amongst other things, about halting patriotism. Are you trying to stop Aussie patriotism?

Skaramoosh says:

11:14pm | 18/01/10

The large majority of the flag-wearing, beer swilling tossers don’t give a rats about Australia Day and what it should mean.  It’s just another public holiday, where they get a day off work and have the freedom to act like complete bogans/white supremacists around a bbq with mates.  As someone mentioned above, it’s pseudo-patriotism at best with people draping the flag over them or dusting off an ‘Australia’ shirt, only to toss it aside, not to be seen for a whole year again.  I think Australia Day should be renamed Bogan Day because God knows, that’s what it appears to bring out in so many people.

Adam says:

12:12am | 19/01/10

If you don’t like it then leave! To all those who hate it, just stay inside, close the blinds, and forget what a great country you live in for the day.

Teyonce says:

01:17am | 19/01/10

Testify!

pete says:

01:21am | 19/01/10

Once bogans actually worked out which date Australia day is, it was the beginning of the end. Australia day is focussed on white Australian activities, especially our dumbed down youth. It seems to be all about drinking. Condoning binge-drinking not a good look David.

sk says:

06:33am | 19/01/10

Nothing wrong with having a barbie on Australia Day (provided you don’t drap a flag cape around your shoulders) and keep your pleasures in hand enough that you don’t disturb other people.
Australia Day just shouldn’t be taken too seriously. We need to steer clear of all the jingoism and chest beating.

Locco says:

06:59am | 19/01/10

It’s the idiots desecrating the flag by wearing it as clothing or as a cape that need to be edu-ma-cated all over again on what that flag means and represents, and why they have the freedom to be able to wear it. The same lot with the ‘oi oi oi’ making us all look like morons - we’re not monkeys kiddies. Then again, we as a nation are judged by how we are perceived. We’ve come a long way since that little incident at Cronulla made international headlines haven’t we. Just look at how the Indians are jumping onto some random opportunistic bashings to make out - to around 16% of the world’s population mind you - that we’re nothing but racists. Keep it up bogans. I love my country, but the likes of you embarrass me.

Nerissa says:

07:33am | 19/01/10

The growth in a violent and lets face it racist “aussie pride” as shown at during the cronulla riots is a distrubing trend.

But “Citizenship Day” makes me think that David’s house must be one incredibly boring place on one of our beloved public holidays.
Do you seriously expect people to sit around at home “reflecting on our past”? What does that involve, reading a book? staying indoors for some intellectual musings on what it means to be australian?

Get off your high-brow high horse David and let us *non-yobbo* australians enjoy our casual BBQs with friends.

Matt says:

08:26am | 19/01/10

This article is Rubbish, and so are most of these responses.

Binge-drinking is a serious national problem!

But that doesnt mean you cant have a few beers, and enjoy what WE have made OUR Australia Day

Mark says:

08:33am | 19/01/10

I was going to make a comment, but after reading,  Randals at:10:05am
I don`t have to, spot on.

Djinn says:

09:27am | 19/01/10

“And, most importantly, for the thousands of permanent residents who have not demonstrated their commitment to the country, it would signify that being a citizen and signing on to our democratic values is the cornerstone of life in Australia.”

Garbage. Being a citizen is not the cornerstone of life in Australia. I will never insult my heritage by becoming a citizen of another country yet I have committed to contributing to Australia in exactly the same way any Australian citizen has.

Nickylou says:

09:41am | 19/01/10

I for one will be celebrating Australia Day it is a celebration of the birth of our nation and the birth of my grandaughter Katalia, she is a proud little aussie who loves a party pie or two, loves sauce, occasionally washes her toy car of a weekend, has a dip in her kiddy pool, loves the backyard and icy poles. Favourite drink is milk and favourite biscuit is Anzac, loves mighty mite on her toast and weetbix. But most of all she loves her Pop and Na.

Troppodiso says:

09:41am | 19/01/10

One thing that disturbs me so much about this article is the typical reaction of a self-important journo, pissing all over what most Australians actually do use as a day to reflect on why we love our country and why we are so lucky.  Just because a “minority” and note the emphasis on that word “MINORITY” of useless poorly-educated teenage bogans take it one step too far, you jump down the throat of this celebration taht 99.99% of us treasure respectfully and calmly. Many countries have national days…St Patricks Day, St Andrews Day, St George’s Day, The 4th July, Bastille Day. An overwhelming majrity of us hard working Aussies that contribute to our way of life and who deserve a day off to be with good mates, with good food and some nice Aussie wine or beer. I refuse to go the way of the British where they can’t even celebrate being English lest they offend someone. While your at it try telling the Yanks that 4th July is banned or the Irish that St Patricks day is no longer acceptable.

DM says:

09:51am | 19/01/10

Unfortunately it’s Human nature to justify our own beliefs, prejudices and hatreds by hijacking and associating these with something Noble.  Religious extremists use the Bible, Koran, etc, to justify their own hatred and bloodlust, and racist Bogans will justify their moronic bogan behaviours by calling it Nationalist pride.  I cringe when I see the Australian flag flying on cars and out the front of houses, and it really annoys me that i should feel this way.  I love being Australian and i love what the flag is supposed to represent.  But not when it is used as a Bogan Symbol.

Trevor says:

09:58am | 19/01/10

Couldn’t agree more. Being in my early 20’s and living the life I can assue you this Australia Day I will be at the waterfront, with a group of mates, a 3 burner BBQ, a tray of meat (TV says real Aussie eat lamb) a few eskies of beer and my packet of winfield blues playing cricket.

H of SA says:

10:03am | 19/01/10

I sincerely hope it never gets to the point where we can call it bogan day, funny as that line is, I hope that there are at least as many non bogans celebrating.

We can’t the same for the big day out, which has now reached the point it can be more accurately described as the bogan day out.

Peter says:

10:15am | 19/01/10

I’ll be celebrating Australia day with a saffa, a kiwi, a jap, two poms and a couple of convict decendents who love a good bbq and a beer or two. The day is what you make it and if you can’t find a way to celebrate what ever it is that keeps you in this country at a level of snobbery you are comfortable with, then go to work.

Al says:

10:55am | 19/01/10

The more correct term for the day is “invasion day”. If one were to celebrate the day that Australia became a nation, one would celebrate on January 1st, the day of federation. Holding Australia day on the 26th of January is done solely to further denigrate the indigenous population of this country. To celebrate it is to revel in the suffering of the indigneous population.

Ryan says:

11:37am | 19/01/10

I agree with the article to an extent. The one thing I do know which sometimes makes me slightly ashamed of being Australian, is the apparent “yobbo” culture that exists and is expected to exist within Australians. Since when was being a drunken overly patriotic and aggressive idiot a good thing?

Observer says:

11:47am | 19/01/10

All this pointless bellyaching make me ashamed to be Australian, if this is how we carry on.

Mick says:

11:52am | 19/01/10

There is nothing wrong with Aussie kids draping themselves in an Aussie flag. However when you see them proudly showing off a giant Union Jack which is the most promnant thing you see wrapped around them it looks more like they are proudly celebrating UK Day!!

Millster says:

12:51pm | 19/01/10

I have no problems with Australia Day. I am half Aussie half French and just as no-one can take Julyy 14th (Bastille Day) away from me, neither can they take away January 26.

Yobbos are yobbos 24/7 and 365 days of the year. Appropriately, proudly recognising a national day and giving thanks for the benefits of living here should not be hijacked just because of a handful of idiots.

Just one final thought. There is nothing LESS Australian than deciding for everyone what is and isn’t Australia. My neighbours are very proud of Australia Day and have a feast every year… in which they serve curries and naan bread. Good on them! They are recognising the national day in a way that they most enjoy.

6clegs says:

01:59pm | 19/01/10

It’s become Bogan Day.

I’m so disapointed that the fed govt has followed jonnys lead and allowed the day to descend into the lowest common demoninator. sad.sad.sad.

I’d happily point out to the bogans where there boardies/flags/bikinis are made - not to mention the union jack on their beloved flag - but getting my face punched isn’t up there as one of the things i want to do before i die…

The way the day has been hijacked by losers with entitlement issues is really sad.

John says:

02:43pm | 19/01/10

The reality is that Australian culture is largely an extension of European culture. Children of European descent should be taught to celebrate the achievements of their ancestors, whether it be classical music, architecture, literature or whatever. It is these achievements which ultimately led to the civilisation on this continent.

Unlike many people, whether they be the drunken meat eating yobs or left wing self haters, my children have no confusion on what it means to be Australian. They also know that their cultural history extends well beyond 200 or so years.

Children of other backgrounds should be taught their own histories and how they relate to Australia.

James says:

03:18pm | 19/01/10

I think Australia could benefit from a recognised national poet and national liquor (can you make alcohol out of gum leaves).  Then we could have a bit of sophistication on Australia day, but instead we should call it National poet day i.e. Lawson day.

maf says:

03:26pm | 19/01/10

Having just moved back to Australia from the UK, I am (apparently) one of the few that celebrate the idea of an ‘Australia Day’. Not for the fact that I happen to enjoy a ‘shrimp on the barbie’, drink an extra glass of wine or take sip from a mate’s VB can, but because I’m celebrating the fact that I come from the most level-headed country in the western world. Australia Day is about being thankful for what we have and not whingeing about the culture we don’t have. Yes, we have imbeciles who like to ruin the image of Australia Day (made too obvious by the Australian media) but as a nation we should not dismiss the potential significance of the day itself. It’s time Australians take pride in themselves and stop the self-loathing criticism we seem to take more pride in. Despite a lack of visual and exterior patriotism on my part, I willingly admit that my return to Melbourne was assisted with the solid belief that I was more or less coming back to civility, respect and a beautiful country. I only wish we could stop using days like Australia Day as a platform for cultural snobbery and just learn to enjoy ourselves!

Bob says:

03:59pm | 19/01/10

I love the irony that at the top of this page is a BWS ad offering 20% off blocks and slabs with a free Aussie car flag thrown in.

Simon says:

07:34pm | 19/01/10

Not one person has mentioned this. No one has had the most fundamental response that any responsible and educated Australian should have.

That is, that our first nations, our Indigenous population, considers this to be “Invasion Day”.

That a bunch of whites feel some need to ‘celebrate’ some arbitrary day in history (Australia was not by any means “discovered” by captain Cook) and wear the tired Australian flag (aka British naval ensign) as a cape is revolting and disrespectful.

It has come to symbolize mainstream Australia as a whole for me; empty yet loud, meaningless yet inconsiderate of the native people, and hopelessly confused about what we really are amongst the Hitler-youth-esque plastic campaigns.

Its embarrassing!

LA says:

10:05am | 20/01/10

I totallly disagree and think most Aussie would too. I and thousands upon thousands of my fellow Australians will be draping ourselves in our beautiful Australian flag and will be joining in a good Aussie BBQ.

This is simply an expression of ones pride and Australians wont apologise for it, it is normal. Do not try and tell us how we should express ourselves Mr Penberthy. If some are violent with they’re expression, then that is unacceptable and they are accountable for they’re actions.

However I will also be thinking about the First Fleet members who bravely toiled to survive and build. Its about the pioneers, the explorers and of course the Aborigines who also toiled, fought and suffered greatly. Yet through all this, they and the generations of immgrants that have followed have built a truly great great country with truly great institutions, a youthful yet amazing history that belies our age.

So on Australia Day we should celebrate the First Fleet, we should celebrate the pioneers and explorers, the Aborigines, our poets, our artists, our Anzacs(even though we truly celebrate them on another day and deservedly so), our politicians, our institutions, our immigrants and everyone and everything that has made an impact good or bad that has brought us to where we are today and given us what we have and what we are able to do and be.

Evie says:

10:16am | 20/01/10

I have to agree. “Invasion Day” last year down at Bondi was a sad sight. Bunches of underaged, southern cross tattooed kids getting drunk and picking on other groups around them. It isn’t anti-Australian to hate the racist undercurrent this day has come to represent.

Damo says:

10:55am | 20/01/10

If theres one thing i hate about Australia, its that stupid ‘Aussie Aussie Ausse, Oi Oi Oi” chant. Its so embarrasing

Carl Palmer says:

03:59pm | 20/01/10

Heading in the right direction

http://www.smh.com.au/national/australia-day-celebrations-dawn-in-the-blue-mountains-20100119-mh7n.html

Barry says:

11:45pm | 20/01/10

Well said Penbo. I think it’s the first time I’ve ever wholeheartedly agreed with what you’ve written. Perhaps this is what Australia Day is really about - decent Aussies burying the hatchet to indulge in some good old bogan bashing. C’mon comrade, they’re fair game!

James says:

12:05am | 21/01/10

I usually spend Australia Day at the Gold Coast.  The display on the beachfront is largely an embarressment.  Sure there are some families enjoying themselves. But the aggressive displays of southern cross tattoos and Australian flag waving are disturbing - a definate Cronulla riots element.  I do not like the fact the Australian Flag is being hijacked by a racist element.  One of my collegues, a very Australian half Phillipino was going for dinner at a Japanese restaurant last year with his family and was told by a group of flag drapped kids to “go eat something Australian”.  I saw a tatoo last week on the kind of idiot who would say that which said “made in Australia - along with the birthdate”.  I enjoy a beer and a barbeque as much as anyone but do not want the date to represent attitudes that are foreign to me.

Nigel says:

09:59am | 21/01/10

And how would the official Fascist Realism style of advertising look in, say, India? See it reproduced at Iconophilia, and gasp…

LA says:

02:39pm | 21/01/10

Proud young Australians draping themselves in our flag, inked with our our Southern Cross is a sight here to stay- get used to it, we are Aussie and damn proud of it.

However, I agree with Mr Pembernathy in that we also need to celebrate the arrival of the First Fleet, values and what makes us great. 

Raise the flag and light the BBQ this Australia Day boys- but dont forget what this day means and is all about!

Jeremy says:

01:50pm | 22/01/10

First thing I’ve ever read from Penberthy with which I agree.

Tofukk says:

03:39pm | 25/01/10

Australia Day is indeed a load of rubbish, especially one that is devastingly reeking from our pools of empty beer bottles. Adults should be treated as babies if they decide to behave in a similar fashion babies. Having fun can be possible without excessive alcohol consumption; it is when the term “fun” is abused and distorted by ignorant nits that the NSW Police Commissioner has to step in and say “Stop”. It is time for all heavy-drinking Australians to slowly back away from a poisonous substance that contains only short-term benefits, and clearly, the author of this article is one of them: “I’m a keen supporter of binge-drinking.” Is this short-sighted behaviour, harmful both socially and mentally, something to be proud of?

I have nothing against drinking (a few drinks have been scientifically proven to relieve stress), but then again, why do we always have to over-do it?

Shel says:

01:15am | 26/01/10

I am seriously confused, and semi angered by some of the comments I have read!!! I really don’t know what most of you are complaining about!!! If Australia is such a bad place to live, why are you still here???? If you’re fellow countrymen and women are such an embarrassment to you, why don’t you pack your bags and be on your way??? How anyone can bag their own country is well and truly beyond me, and I would be shocked and highly embarrassed if I knew anyone who would do such a thing!!!

I think everyone would agree that there has been a rise in violent and racist incidences on Australia Day in recent years, but the people who take part in these senseless acts are the mionority ... not all Australians are racist and violent!!!! Most people just want to relax, enjoy themselves and have a laugh ... probably the 3 things Australians are best known for ... being layed back larrikins!!!!!!

And all this talk about the Aboriginal people and how we are basically disrespecting them by celebrating a National holiday on Jan. 26th ... I just don’t get it!!! I have friends who are of Aboriginal descent and they get on the drink, have a barbie and take advantage of the public holiday just like every other Australian ... !!!! I don’t see why we need to differentiate between Aboriginal Australians and white Australians ... if we are to ever truly erridicate racism in Australia, shouldn’t we just consider each other on equal terms and cut all the crap ... !!!!!

To me (and everyone I know) Australia Day is all about kicking back, relaxing over a few cheeky beverages and a BBQ, perhaps going for a swim, or playing a game of cricket ... but regardless of what you do on our National Holiday, it should be spent in the company of family and friends!!! It is a day to celebrate being Australian and how lucky we are to live in this great country!!! It is a day to reflect on where we have come from, and what we have become!!! It is a day to be as PROUD AS PUNCH to be from a Land Down Under!!!!

I know that I am very much going to enjoy having my friends around for beers and a barbie tomorrow to celebrate all things Australian; and I certainly won’t let anyone ever tell me that I can’t be a proud Aussie on Australia Day ... regardless!!!!

Dave says:

05:36pm | 27/01/10

All Aussies love Australia Day. It doesn’t really matter if you enjoy it for celebrating the first fleet or the first time you played backyard cricket - it’s just a great day (off). Check out latest few blogs on Things Australians Love blog site.

Debra Smith says:

12:28am | 28/01/10

Totally Agree Shel.. I couldnt have said it better! What a sad, sorry bunch of whingers. My God, Aus is the best place in the world to live! We have so much to be grateful for. ... Many thousands of Aussies fought and lost their lives for this country and so idiots like sum here, can knock the Aussie way of life (free speech yer right!) Maybe it should be a day to remind those who have all the benefits of living here that they need to behave properly& support the place that supports them or they could leave if they hate the place so much! Ausdoes not need stirrers who do little other than complain.
Get a life people…Being Aussie is about working hard,showing respect,raising families,standing up for our country its values and traditions. And if people want to celebrate by having a barby and a few beers.. Good On Em!!  I know thats what my family did and yep the flags sayin Aussie Aussie oi oi are still flyin high on the commy. Im bloody proud to be an Aussie

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Aussie pride mate! says:

03:02pm | 04/03/11

you dont like Australia day?
then dont bag our country and still live here, i dont get how you just sit there and talk crap about it.
just leave if you dont like how we celebrate our day.

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BridgetHuggins says:

06:56pm | 22/05/11

Australia day is the best time of the year! For one: it’s my birthday haha so that’s all good and two: It’s fun to dress up and wear Australian clothes and catch up with friends, go to the beach, meet some new people, go wild!

Why think Australia day is a load of rubbish? It’s much more fun than just sitting at home talking about how it’s crap and blah blah blah!

You can think that and have fun bitching about it all day but for some of us, it’s just a great excuse to have fun and express yourself.  I always go down to Sydney and see awesome bands and it’s also a great excuse to have a party or catch up with your family. It’s great!

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