Our national flag has been highjacked by hillbillies

Bob says:

05:48am | 21/01/10

Hi Tory,
Thanks for this magnificent piece of journalism.
So if we change the flag does that mean that then no one will then use a new flag it for other purposes-of course not.
And youre a bit condescending about any young person linking themselves with our flag being a bogan or hillbilly.
Obviously youre a lot classier than a lot of youre fellow Australians- maybe youre trying to get a gig at the Age.

My point is changing the flag,moving to a Republic,instituting a Bill of Rights are all nice warm and fuzzy but most of Australians have more on their minds than these low priority issues. Most of us dont need to reflect on who we are and where we have come from.Most of us just want a job,family and a healthy and safe life.
Sorry if these are a bit boring for you.

Phil says:

01:14pm | 21/01/10

James PURLEASE

Many Australians will knock others. It is part of the culture. I feel sorry for your friends, but when I travel and get together with friends we refer to each other my our countries nick names, Septic Tanks, Skips, Wogs etc.

Its a term of endearment not an insult and we laugh accordingly.

You will never legislate against bogans, and I am not sticking up for them but changing our flag just to suit the lefty republicans agenda is something I would fight against. I am happy with our flag.

I dont wear a flag generally but would not hesitate when competing at an international level in sport.

Dale F says:

06:59am | 21/01/10

@Bob Tell you one thing about Tory—regardless of whether she’s angling for a gig at the Age or not—she knows her way around an apostrophe. Can’t say the same for you.

Cheap shots are often the best shots, I find.

Gabrielle says:

07:11am | 21/01/10

Loved Penbo’s piece on Australia Day but isn’t changing our flag just playing the game of racists, thugs or any other banal fool who think they have a birth right to represent it regardless of how poorly. Nothing will stop racists ill-representing a new flag and like it or loathe it it represents everything about us including our history which we shold be proud of. I’m much more comfortable living under our flag then the flag of Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone, even China which if you took the actions of some, including leaders, would represent geonicide, slavery, violence, suppression but most of all a lack of real democracy. And as Bob said…really, there are much more important things to the average Australian then wasting time and money on changing a system that works well, a flag and being ashamed of our heritage.

Wayne Hutchins says:

07:14am | 21/01/10

Leave the flag alone! The flag is not a symbol of racism as you state. These fools have been given the chance to disrespect our flag and nothing has been done to stop it. RESPECT is what is missing and nothing more. How many Australians have died under that banner? You let these little snots take over in the first place by giving them way too much media time. Stick to reporting on health. For once I agree with Eric…It’s my flag and I’m dam proud of it. Do something about the yobbos, not my flag.

zippy says:

07:39am | 21/01/10

Tory as someone else sugested have a go at Rudd for his lies & deceit instead of this piece of leftist garbage.
Leave the flag alone, too many died under that flag so you could live how you do, which is basically being a lefty retard.

dazedb42 says:

11:22am | 21/01/10

The flag being misappropriated is just another example of elements in our society creating a false sense of patriotism. Neitchze had some interesting things to say about the rise of false nationalism to the Germans in the late 19th century. It would be a broad stroke to say that we are turning into a fascist state at this stage but the rise of people who are more equal than the rest of us, see WA’s assault laws on public officials, is a beginning so too are the anti bikie laws.

Respect is sadly becoming a misnomer, bandied around by young poorly educated youths who seem to think they deserve it rather than those who earned it through deeds. Perhaps if we as a society started dealing with the disenfranchised in our midst we could start to rebuild a great nation before it becomes too late.

ps Anzac Day pisses me off too. Dont clap the diggers on the march it is all about their mates who didnt make it home, if you want to have a drink with them after the parade then you can clap them on the back but stop glorifying the living at the expense of the fallen. I love Aus but at times I rue the political ineptness and general lack of respect we have for the elderly. We have to change soon before it is too late.

jed says:

07:43am | 21/01/10

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nT0OqHr3wHQ

gets more like this every day

Liz says:

07:47am | 21/01/10

Had no idea about your take on this,so East sider centric as if the rest of the country doesn’t exist.The only changes we need to the flag are to get that offensive thing out of the corner and become a Republic.
Having a new flag won’t change racism or attitudes, very naive of you to think so.One of the freedoms of a democracy is that free speech is allowed,one perons view is as valid as the next person’s we don’t have to agree or like it!

jamie says:

08:05am | 21/01/10

Yes, let’s change the flag because a few racist rednecks use it as a symbol. What an absolute load of handwringing left leaning sanctimony.  What is it with the left and self loathing? I’m surprised you haven’t managed to mention John Howard in the article.

Ashamed of our flag? Maybe you should move to Burma, China, North Korea or Zimbabwe to get some real perspective on life.

Dani says:

08:07am | 21/01/10

she’s from adelaide, so i doubt she’s east-sider-centric

persephone says:

08:11am | 21/01/10

Um, Tory, how can the flag be hijacked?

It doesn’t belong to you, it doesn’t belong to me, it belongs to all Australians, and if people are proud of it, that’s a good thing.

What’s this sneering at your fellow Australians for being ‘bogans’ about? They’re people, they’re Australians, they’ve as much right to celebrate what they love about this country as you have.

If people misuse it, that doesn’t change its significance or its symbolism (as someone who says they’re into symbolism, you should understand that).

I do think we need a new one, because we’re no longer a colony of the UK, but that’s not because the present one has been in any way tarnished.

A Dose says:

11:40am | 26/01/10

JT and Jeb: your families fought under the union jack. If not it was the red insignia rather than the blue (current “flag”).  Australian troops did not fight under the blue ensign until 1954, well after your families had finished in WWI or WWII.  The confusion arises as the Army is decreed to be “represented by, and protector of” the blue ensign in the Flags Act 1953 (The air force and Navy already had their own insignia).

H of SA says:

09:32am | 21/01/10

Yep , you two have it right. I also used to have an Aussie Flag Beach towel which I owned because it was kind of fun and inoffensive to everyone. Nowadays if I took that to the beach people would probably think I was making a comment about keeping refugees out.

Where is the humour in wearing a Aussie stuff anymore? It used to be ironic and fun.

Now people wearing a singlet that says “Australia” at the beach aren’t doing it because its the cheapest singlet they have and they don’t mind the salt water ruining it. They genuinely expect you to respect it (while simultaneously hoping to be the centre of attention so you can check out their guns).

Aussie paraphenalia used to connotate a sense of humour. Now it connotates “look at me! I’m a big tuff Aussie who will glass any (insert derogatory racial term) who doesn’t agree I’m the alpha race/male”

If anyone thinks thats an anti man rant (I’m a guy myself btw) - its not, as for the girls you see hanging out with those groups of bogans - heck I just wish someone once convinved them that they were valuable people.

Jacquie says:

08:34am | 21/01/10

Iansand I think you hit the nail on the head.  We’ve become scarily nationalistic instead of having a humble, less ‘screw everyone else’ attitude of thanks and pride for being able to live in this country.  I don’t think changing the flag will change much at all, but I understand the sentiment that Tory is trying to convey.  When I was much younger, wearing Australian flag shorts was kind of fun and tongue in cheek aussie pride, but now you see it everywhere, everyday, on bogans along with southern cross tattoos, and it’s got this ugly undercurrent to it.  It’s become like a uniform of a certain “Australian way of life” which seems inclusive of mainly middle-Australia at the exclusion of anything else.

Terry says:

08:34am | 21/01/10

Here again is another rubbish peice of “journalism”, in which the writer, so ensconsed in their own superiority, has made sweeping generalisations and offered a solution so astoundingly absurd, that no reasonably inetlligent person would think of taking it up.

Tory, you think your finger is on the pulse, but you do not represent the majority of Australian’s; who A) Respect this nation, its flag and its peoples and B) Are not racists willing to drape themseleves in flags to carry out their misdeeds.

Just becuase a minority of people are racists, it doesn’t mean we should suddenly change everything. Plus I think you should really open your eyes to the modern world. Yes there are racists in Australia, in fact there are racists in every country in the world. I’m not justifying it or supporting it, but frankly its part of the human condition. It actually stems back from when we as a species used to live in trees and were wary of outsiders trying to take our territory.

And your solution to simply change the flag would not work. The hillbillies and bogans would simply drape themselves in the new flag anyway as it would be the symbol of the nation. To try and eradicate racism with such a feeble idea is embarrassing.

If you want to enact the social change you so desperately want, how about coming up with ideas that actually educate the people, help try and convince them, in a non condescending way that their veiws may not be correct.  Because at the end of the day thats what helps stop racism, not changing the flag.

Jones says:

08:39am | 21/01/10

I agree with Tory - the flag has come to symbolise something foul in the minds of some young Australians. But I think we should go further. I don’t see the need for a flag at all. If it gets abused by people draping themselves in it and beating up their fellow citizens then take it away. Take away the grossly overdone, self-congratulatory national day as well. There’s nothing wrong with feeling grateful about living in a free, safe and democratic nation, but overt displays of national pride don’t contribute to anyone’s freedom or safety. In fact, they diminish it.

Chris says:

08:41am | 21/01/10

As a white, 23 year-old, male, I can tell you that I find it increasingly difficult to feel the pride I once did whenever I saw the Australian flag on display. I’m frustrated by a number of my contempories who feel it is there birthright to wrap themselves in the flag, get pissed and tell anyone that doesn’t do the same to F*** Off where they came from (The irony lost on most that they themselves did not somehow magically spawn out of the earth around Uluru). I don’t have the answer, and I certainly don’t feel it lies in changing the flag, but i’m sure it lies somewhere between finding RESPECT for others and appreciating that we have all ended up living in one of the greatest countries on earth, while millions around the globe struggle to eat. There is certainly a bogan culture out there that is cringeworthy and embarassing and it is destroying our national symbols, and our international image. (This is probably where I get told to F*** Off back to where I came from..Wherever that is?)

earthgirl says:

09:00am | 21/01/10

“the flag itself has become a symbol of racism” Wow Tory - that’s a pretty big statement - The Australian flag has not become a symbol of racism just because you say so.

“A flag is a symbol, and a symbol is by definition a shifting creature, pointing to an underlying idea” Great, so applying this logic will mean that every time some moron drapes themselves in our new flag, turning it into a symbol of racism, we will all have to come up with a new one. Again and again.

“It’s rabid patriotism and it’s ugly” Rabid patriotism is ugly but don’t blame the flag for that. Blame the fool holding it.

This article is nothing more a republican’s misplaced rant.
There are not any facts - just Tory’s emotive use of words attempting to disguise the fact the all she really wants is an Australian flag without another nation’s symbol on it. Nothing wrong with that but how dare she drag our flag down to support her reasons.

” Not just because, as he puts it, it’s sullied by another nation’s symbol, but because the flag itself has become a symbol of racism.”  No Tory, you did that all by yourself.

Claire says:

12:02pm | 21/01/10

I have thought for a while now that the Aussie flag has basically the same symbolic status as the Southern Cross flag, and agree with Tory when she says that it has become a symbol of racism. Tory’s article is representative of what alot of Australians feel.

JJ says:

04:57pm | 21/01/10

“Tory’s article is representative of what alot of Australians feel. ” - alot? not anywhere near the majority though Clairebear. I despise left wingers. They are the most damaging of any group.

Chase Stevens says:

11:42am | 21/01/10

This. A thousand times this.

john says:

01:41pm | 21/01/10

Seconded!

Mario says:

09:08am | 21/01/10

The flag will never change. From a design perspective it’s fantastic, the deep blue contrasting against the red and the white. The spacing of the stars and the overall layout, it is beautiful. From a cultural and historical standpoint it’s also brilliant. The Union Jack from our history as colonies of the British Empire (which we where part of longer than we have be a commonwealth) and the therefore inherited principles of the rule of law, individual rights, representative parliaments etc. The Southern Cross represents our geographical location and natural history in this ancient land. What a flag!

Dominic says:

09:11am | 21/01/10

Well put Chris.

The bastardisation of national symbols has been a concern since Cronulla but the abandonment of those symbols is not the solution.  They should be reclaimed rather than being left to the rising undercurrent of Nationalism.

The real solution is to distribute, for free, Southern Cross Windscreen Stickers to every church, mosque,temple, community centre and train station in Australia.  Tell everyone to celebrate their multicultural diversity by reclaiming this part of the flag for everyone.

You might find that the bogans, having found out that every car in Auburn Lidcombe and Lakemba now sport their little “Aussie Pride “club logo, will be applying sandpaper to their tattoos in a hurry.

Big Dixon says:

04:43pm | 21/01/10

i prefer right wing any day to your left wing dribble Tory

Chewy says:

09:13am | 21/01/10

As a right leaning uberconservative even I must concede the flag has been hijacked in the most ugly way. I was disgusted last Australia day that flag draped little boglings in Manly threatened non whites to kiss the flag or else. Never mind they were probably tourists. Imagine if this happened to you on an overseas holiday. Only in Australia I guess..
I love this country but there is just no denying it. The flag has become a symbol, hijacked by trash.

soultrader says:

09:16am | 21/01/10

yet again this site can turn a non-story into yet another non-story by commenting on itself.
Flags don’t make racists. Flags don’t make morons or bogans or anything else really. They just flap in the breeze or hang limply on cold still wet winter mornings. Its the politicians and the media that beat these issues up and make mountains out of mole hills and storms in teacups etc . One cliche after another.

Stefano says:

09:19am | 21/01/10

HIGHjacked?

Fred says:

09:41am | 21/01/10

@ Chris - I’m the same age as you and completely agree with you

Joe Stephens says:

09:45am | 21/01/10

I think our flag should be changed to a photo of Cathy Freeman running with the Aboriginal and Australian flag at the 2000 Olympics. That would be great, surely it wouldn’t be cool to wear THAT as a cape. So one problem solved. We would be incorporating our indigenous population into the flag, so we solve that dilemma. And finally, there would be no more constant bickering between people who like the flag and people who don’t. Because everyone would agree.. that it’s total crap.

Brad Coward says:

10:09am | 21/01/10

Ms Shepherd, you claim that the Australian Flag should be changed because it has become a symbol of racism. 
Madame, the national flag could be a banner festooned with multiple images of Kevin Rudd’s smiling visage, or an inimate snapshot of the much beloved Gough Whitlam sneering at his opponents from the comfort of the government jet and the racist would still happily wrap it around his or herself to symbolise their narrow view of national pride.
The current flag is not the problem….it’s the idiots who have never practiced the gentle art of respect who drape it around their shoulders that make it ugly and unpleasant.
Madame, you are yet another one who needs to give up the hatred thing.  You’ll find that you will sleep better at night and wake up with plenty of time to do your hair properly.

nic says:

10:50am | 21/01/10

I haven’t lived in Australia for a while now and was generally surprised to see a number of skiers at Niseko in Japan decked out in Australian flag capes, shorts, hats, you name it.

It wasn’t particularly sophistocated nor were they ‘bogans’. Rightly or wrongly, the people doing this had a truly Australian larrikan spirit and were genuinely proud of their flag and country. Without retorting in sneering tones about bogans, it would be interesting to see what has produced this new found confidence in our flag. I’m sure there are some root causes somewhere, but perhaps these only apply to situations where minority groups are involved (/sarc)

Lexi says:

10:09am | 21/01/10

For further excellent coverage of this topic, I refer to http://thingsboganslike.wordpress.com/2010/01/19/67-southern-cross-tattoos

HOW ELOQUENTLY WRIITEN. says:

12:57pm | 21/01/10

How eloquently put, quote [Our national flag has been highjacked by hillbillies] - I just love that description only I would not be so nice…....They are attention seeking misfits.  Idiots of the highest degree.  And trouble-masking terrorist…who has only learned to get out of nappies.

RB says:

02:14pm | 21/01/10

Because this is Australia S.L.Immigrant minorities can do no wrong dont you know.You have to be white to be a racist in Australia.It doesnt matter that the Cronulla riot was the climax of years of abuse & bashings by young lebanese.I am also certain that not one young lebanese male was arrested for the reprisal attacks either.What a surprise….

George says:

10:20am | 21/01/10

While I agree to an extent with Bob, it is a great country that can progress in both the sustaining of day to day financial security/health/civl safety AND the symbolism of our existence of a nation. Having said that it is always the 20/80 rule and even if a new flag emerged (after 3452 focus groups), I can’t there not being a way that it be used as a racist talisman.

Ultimately, we need a new image but Australia Day will always be about how lucky we are and geez how good is that lamb!

WC says:

10:27am | 21/01/10

As a bogan myself (ie a Queenslander) I take offence in the use of this word to cover idiots whose use the Australian Flag (of which I am proud) in negative ways.
People who wear the flag are not respecting it as people who genuinely respect the flag do not turn it into an item of clothing.  Their attitudes should be disdainfully ignored and discouraged.
The Australian flag represents our history, good and bad, and it should be maintained for this reason. 
I agree that the flag has been somewhat hijacked but I am not prepared to give up on it.  We should claim it back.  Fly it from flag poles, give them to Australians from all backgrounds, use it as a symbol of our Immigrant country.

I also must say I love the Hipster lament throughout the comments that when we wore the flag it was cool but now all these other people wearing the flag is lame.

Grant says:

10:36am | 21/01/10

I’m calling shenanigans!

This piece, and David Penberthy’s original piece on Australia Day should be considered trolling.  Posting inflammatory pieces of writing on an online community where the primary intent is to polarise and provoke users in to emotive responses is the definitive troll.

Alternatively, they both have terminal cases of class autophobia.

We should not feed the trolls.

Michellemac says:

10:54am | 21/01/10

Iansand has encapsulated it in one. I lived overseas from 1996-2006 and in that time, Australia Day has transformed from a relaxing public holiday in the middle of summer (where one could not help but do ‘Australian Things’ like go camping, have a BBQ, go to the beach) to a proscribed day where I am told by the Australia Day Council (seriously, when was this formed?) what I am supposed to do. Jeez, when I was a kid we used to just celebrate it on the closest Monday to the 26th so we could indulge in the proper Australian ritual of a Long Weekend. Now I’m told to go to a breakfast run by my local council. Yeah right!!

I also have to admit to a wry smile whenever I see one of those stupid car flags lying on the road. 20 years ago, how we would have laughed at the ‘Americanisation’ of our patriotism. Oh, the irony.

Passing Wind says:

11:00am | 21/01/10

If you think that changing the flag will change the mindset of these hoons, you’re kidding yourself.

For the majority of Australians the flag is the flag. It represents the past the present and the future. They accept it for what it is, a symbol of this country and its heritage. That little multi-coloured square in the corner represents the beginning of this country. The Southern cross represent the present and the future. The fact that it is abused by a minority is no reason to change it. The abusers will just use the new flag.

The practice of desecrating and burning flags is nothing new. It’s a way of making a statement, sometimes a valid statement. I guess Tory you are far too young to remember the flag burning in the USA during the Vietnam war protests.

For good or ill it is done to draw attention, and people like yourself, Tory are the main instigators of this kind of behaviour. You just love a good headline come hell or high water.

Steid says:

11:03am | 21/01/10

I don’t think the problem is with the flag.  Like so many things it is failing to understand the tradition and respect for national colours.  We were always taught to revere the flag, it was not to touch the ground, it was not to fly at night unless lit, it most certainly was not to be used as an adornment or clothing!  These louts have no idea of the tradition, discipline and respect behind the national symbol, maybe we should prosecute them under the Flag Act or for just plain ignorance???

dexter says:

11:37am | 21/01/10

Sorry but way off track. Changing the flag will solve nothing and just make us look stupid in the eyes of the world. A strong sense of pride in who we are is required starting from our politicians down and saying to all those here and seeking to come here - respect our culture and our values. This is one of the best countries in the world and should not be diminished by giving way to a few with idiotic thinking or apologising for who we are.

James says:

11:43am | 21/01/10

The first arrest was probably something to do with the fact that the dude was swinging a tree branch.  Call me whatever you like, but if a dude was swinging a tree branch around in my neighbourhood, I would hope the police waste no time in arresting him.

And who started it is irrelevant.  Both sides were clearly in the wrong at some point.  Reading through many blogs on this issue, plenty of people seem to mention the lifeguard getting punched, S.L. don’t know what blogs you have been reading.  Thing is, some people use that to justify awful behaviour, in much the same way that the other side ignores the fact that it ever happened.  Me personally, I don’t care what ethnicity does what, a thug is a thug and a ratbag is a ratbag.

Terry Jasingh says:

12:11pm | 21/01/10

Maybe you would know the people who label people as Bogans or Rednecks or racist are usually the “New Australians”.

James says:

11:45am | 21/01/10

Then you are an old-school bogan, WC, and that is nothing to be ashamed of.  Personally, I class old-school bogans as “top blokes”, and the flag wearers of a sort of Nouveau Bogue - see Lexi’s link for details.

Tim says:

11:50am | 21/01/10

I have an idea….can we encourage all our non-anglo mates to wear the flag or its associated clothing on australia day ...as many items as possible and at public events…..the bogans look stupid , the flag is reclaimed and we all get a great laugh at their expense…....easy

Paul says:

12:37pm | 21/01/10

Rather than admitting defeat, we should be taking our flag back from the racists?  That would send a much stronger message to the world than simply inventing a new flag!

The flag should only fly from a flag pole, anyone draping it over their sweaty body, or dragging it on the ground should be called out for treating it with disrespect.  Certainly no real nationalist would treat their flag that way.

Steve says:

11:51am | 21/01/10

This is an increasing problem. The Australian flag is being used to justify bogan, drunken and racist behaviour.
Look at the Cronulla riots, where the Aussie flag was used to symbolise racist attacks, therefore resulting in the victims retaliating by burning the Aussie flag as they saw this as the symbol that represented their attack.

Should we blame the person who burnt the flag or the person who used the flag to promote and justify their attack.
The flag is being used in the wrong content and portraying the wrong message.
All actions have a consequence.

Gavin says:

11:52am | 21/01/10

This “rabid patriotism” from young Anglos’ has come about because of 2nd and 3rd generation kids from other migrant races flying their flags about when ever they can. The crap at the tennis this week is just one example. Go to Brighton or drive down George st Sydney at 11pm on any week-end night and you will see cars full of 2nd-3rd generation, Australian born and (un)educated young males proudly and viciously displaying flags from their parents or grandparents homeland all over their cars. This patriotism towards the homeland of your parents or grand parents makes most Anglos sick in the guts, especially since most Anglo’s could not give a stuff about England, Ireland or Scotland anymore.Don’t ever forget that it was the lack of action from the NSW police service in dealing with ethnic gang violence committed against Anglos that caused the Cronulla riots. Unless you have ever lived in the south or south west of Sydney (I grew up there, thank god I am out) I don’t think you can never truly understand the problem. In that part of AUSTRALIA you are vulnerable if you are Anglo, and it has been that way for 20+ years. When do you finally say enough is enough?????????????

Manuel says:

11:53am | 21/01/10

Australia day symbolizes the creation of a society which fomented egalitarianism, mateship,progressive attitudes & respect for ability,,
I remember the day   that I actually became an Australian,,,it was a Sunday afternoon session at the McMahon’s Point tavern,,  when i was the winner of the Chook Raffle..Safe Australia Day to all

Justan Oz says:

12:02pm | 21/01/10

I am of british stock—but i am an Aussie..Get rid of the foriegn part of our flag and replace it with a kangaroo !!!  you will never stop drunken idiots from disgracing the flag or anything else—- Send in the police with batons bending in the breeze !!1

Chase Stevens says:

12:49pm | 21/01/10

Left people traditionally are associated with the ‘caring’ professions though. Right wing people are traditionally associated with more high-paying jobs (CEO’s, bankers etc etc).

H of SA says:

01:09pm | 21/01/10

Ever consider people might actually berate Australian nationalism because they care about Australia’s international image? That’s it patrotic to be concerned for your country? That people are critical because they care? As many as I love I rebuke kind of thing?

Bryndal says:

05:01pm | 21/01/10

Because they wouldn’t drive Fords or Holdens - it’s unAustralian!

Greg says:

03:09pm | 21/01/10

It’s the truth, and people recognise it as such. That’s why it annoys those who implement the plan, and they are reduced to responding with some version of Godwin’s Law. They have no other rebuttal.

David says:

12:23pm | 21/01/10

Tory,
An interesting article, but you give two reasons in your own piece why changing the flag will not work - the fact that two iconic Australian images have already been apparently appropriated.  I have huge beliefs that the meaning of a word, symbol, object has more meaning to the person listening or seeing than the person using.  You have the ability to change the meaning of these symbols by the way you use them.  Fly the flag on Australia Day, wear the Southern Cross with pride, go and do something that makes you proud to be an Australian.  And let the world know about it.

All the best!

nic says:

01:27pm | 21/01/10

Solving your problems about racism by going to Japan? My god, do you know anything about where you are going to?

Chase Stevens says:

12:28pm | 21/01/10

When you vote in someone with the guts to do something about the problem. That’s when you say enough is enough. Running Riot and beating up people who probably think the instigators are as stupid as what everyone else does only makes the problem worse. Both sides are idiot Bogans that we shouldn’t tolerate.

H of SA says:

12:29pm | 21/01/10

Brad, My leftie Mum has managed to stay with my rightie Dad - so I think its possible to hold an opinion for either side of politics without hating the otherside.

And fair point that about the simplification about the professions - but fact is some professions - early childhood development, social work, nursing ect have their fair share of lefties. Service jobs like that don’t speak of hatred of humanity to me.

S.L says:

12:36pm | 21/01/10

@not and never will be australian I have one word for you…......BYE!!!!!!!!!

vic says:

12:37pm | 21/01/10

I don’t think you’re right at all. In a time where OUR tennis tournament is hijacked by people in Croatian colours, and gangs are roaming our streets sporting the colours of their inherited nationalities, I see NO ISSUE with proud Aussies bearing our colours. We are in a PATHETIC situation at the moment where foreign flags are welcome at events like Big Day Out, but we can’t wear out own national flag.
Why are you trying to make Aussies feel like outsiders in their own Country?
Now THAT is pathetic…...

Bob says:

12:38pm | 21/01/10

There was actually a campaign in Britain to do the same thing in trying to recliam the union jack from the BNP. If you put the flag up everywhere you steal its popular meaning back from the far-right, ultra-conservative wackos. If you change the flag I think that the current one would probably end up being a bit like the confederate flag in the US, it would become a highly politicised symbol that all the racists would rally around and glorify. As depressing as it is seeing the nupties in Cronulla and elsewhere abuse and denigrate our flag, changing it would create more problems than it would solve.

Gavin says:

12:45pm | 21/01/10

I think that people seen with the “F*** Off We’re Full” slogan should be charged with treason. It sullies our name like no other.

Miles says:

12:50pm | 21/01/10

It’s sad that the only thing people remember about the Cronulla riots was the white australian thugs causing trouble.  Every body seems to gloss over why it actually happened in the first place (ie non-action on racial violence against white australians culminating in the beating of a lifeguard), and the fact that is wasn’t just white australian males involved either.  These issues are STILL not being dealt with by the authorities as it’s seen to be too politically incorrect.  This is why (unfortunately) more and more people are starting to misuse our flag, and indeed the southern cross symbol.  People are getting fed up with having with having to take every other cultures sensitivities into consideration yet this same sensitivity is not returned.  Multiculturalism is a two-way street.

Greg says:

12:51pm | 21/01/10

Rituals are “a chance to reflect on who we were, who we are and who we want to become”.
Maybe the people celebrating Australia Day have done just that, and are rejecting the schizophrenic multicultural identity that has been imposed upon them without their consent.
As for the national flag, if the government ever does change it, the current one will become even more powerful, because many people will not recognise any other.

Garry says:

12:55pm | 21/01/10

The flag is one men and women have died under, having being miltiary myself I have prided myself serving under the flag of my country. I do not wear it, I don’t need too, my love for my country is proven by the service I do.

I hate, absolutely hate, seeing it worn as a skirt, or a shirt, or a face mask and to do so in my view defaces and devalues those that have given their lives to it.

Perhaps the right move is to ask our military if they find it wrong to have the union jack in the corner, do they think they are fighting for the UK I seriously think not.

To those who wear our flag as a piece of clothing, do you consider yourself a patriot? why? A patriot is not one who takes the word but one who by deeds proves their patrioism. To use it to insult another does not make you a patriot but a fool… you are demeaning the country you say you love is nothing is sacred, not even our flag.

not and never will be australian says: says:

12:58pm | 21/01/10

I am going on holiday to Japan. I have been here for 23 years because of my mum and dad. It is a shame, australia use to be a great place, but since I have grown up here for 23 years, I have seen the great oz image we used to have become bad, as bogan generation comes in. So yes I am here to stay and laugh at all those who wear the flag on australia day

Nathan H says:

01:00pm | 21/01/10

I know the website rules state no abuse, so I’ll try my best. Ms Shepherd is sub-optimally intelligent. Flags are symbols, and ours is a symbol of our constitution. We are a nation founded by the British, under the Southern Cross bringing together states and territories; thats ALL. Just because a few yobbos take nationalism too far, doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with the flag. To disown the flag is to disown your own country. Australia day is a chance to celebrate Ausralia, not an excuse to berate it, like all the chardonnay quaffing leftards in the press seem to delight in.

Man says:

01:02pm | 21/01/10

Tory, do you realise the origins of the swastika?Hitler nabbed it from the Buddhists, then flipped it so the arms pointed the other way. I don’t see the Buddhist religion, as a whole, abandon their symbol because of Hitler. Changing the flag to something else will just add another target for someone to claim is racist. It will not eliminate racism. You don’t mind the flag of the boxing kangaroo but failed to mention the Aboriginal flag, whose symbolism and history runs far deeper than a yellow kangaroo with red boxing gloves. Prejudices exist in history regardless of what the flag is. Start there.

Jay says:

01:09pm | 21/01/10

Hi,

My family goes way back and was involved in the eureka stockade and helped build this beautiful land. This is my country and I love it to death. My family has fought in almost every single war australia has had. I am in the army today and when I go and fight for our flag and country, how dare you tell me its a racist symbol.

Some of you 1st generation people say all “founding” australian families are simple racist bogans. I am sorry but we do have some right to this country and yes immigration has caused problems. No point stepping around it, that is why it has become a problem. This country has been created from the sweat, blood and tears from my own and many other anglo saxon familes so please stop acting like white anglos have no say or respect. What you said about our flag was highly offensive to me.

The journalist who posted this rubbish is not an Australian and she should be ashamed of herself for such dribble.

The 1st generation immigrant thugs who fight 10 on 1 are not Australian in my eyes. The 1st generation immigrants who hold down jobs, have families and love Australia and it’s way of life are as Australian as you can get.

Those little anglo bastards who go around gang bashing people because they are not white cannot call themselves Australians no matter how many generations they have behind them. They disgust me by following a very un Australian way of life.

Australia is not a country. It is an idea.

Freedom. Refuge. Family.

Please start respecting Anglo Saxons and relising that some of them do have a right to this country and are not racist but just really care about Australia and sometimes immigration can be scary when certain immigrants fail to intergrate properly.

Some are just racist uneducated morons though. Ironically the real racists are usually only 1st or 2nd gen themself.

Womble says:

01:11pm | 21/01/10

The same thing happend to the St Georges cross (flag of England), that got so tarnished by its continual usage by skinheads, football hooligans, and the BNP (British National Party) that in some counties it is now no longer permitted to be flown by public individuals as its seen as a sign or racial intollerance. The southern cross is a fair way down the same road, aside from govt buildings the most common place it is seen these days is wrapped around a drunken bogan.

Mark James says:

01:13pm | 21/01/10

Apparently the country needs to change when others come to this country to live rather than the person who has decided to migrate to our country. So now we have to change the flag because some people believe it is a symbol of racism. What a load of rot. I don’t see why I can’t be proud of my country and flag. It stands for many things, one being freedom to express your own opinion. Australia is not perfect but I am proud of my country and flag and I expect people who visit or come to live here to respect it and how we live and not impose their beliefs on everyone else and expect other people to change for no valid reason.

Phil says:

01:16pm | 21/01/10

It was a tongue in cheek swipe at South Australia which apart from Good Reds and some Bluefin Tuna, seems to he the hotest place I have visited.

Mind you I have enjoyed some good times down there.

Your name: Danielle says:

01:17pm | 21/01/10

Here, Here!  I agree - I too have come to the point that I am embarrassed by the sight of the country’s flag… it HAS become the symbol of bogans & rednecks.  Australia Day has also become an unsaid day of celebration for non-minority groups only.  Seeing people behaving anti-socially and draped in the flag sickens me and I don’t want to be represented by that same flag.

Null says:

01:27pm | 21/01/10

Wow, you love the country so much your solution is not to work on ensuring the overwhelming majority view on something is bought to be the dominant image, but to thro it out and start again.  How sad

Kate says:

01:30pm | 21/01/10

Well said Tory, I’m resent the way the flag and australia day has been hijacked. But, by the same token, the red necks that drape themselves in the flag and spew racist rubbish have a right to express thier patriotisim the way they see fit.  I suggest we need to address the underlying issues rather than the tokens and rituals.

COF says:

01:34pm | 21/01/10

If the yobbos start chucking meat pies for kicks, do we need to review their tastiness?

Review the flag for the right reasons, not because bogans decide to wear it on Australia day. I believe bogans are an unnecessarily lionised group anyway, not all bogans are stupid alcoholics who contribute nothing to society - many of them contribute more than the people who lionise them.

In the end its a symbol for a country - is the country the important thing or the symbol? Do people die, kill, or work hard for the country or the symbol?

Natalie says:

01:42pm | 21/01/10

I get so sick and tired of hearing REDNECKS and HILLBILLIES - these are American terms and are constantly used when speaking about Australian race/discrimination/predjudice issues. I get very annoyed seeing these terms splashed across Australian news entities who should know better but are just too lazy.

Sorry I'm white says:

01:48pm | 21/01/10

Tory, how about we change the flag every 5 years? that way it would not have time to represent anything at all, and would not have time to offend anyone.
Prejudice can be found in many areas, some people don’t like non-Anglos, others don’t like “bogans”, but to sit in judgement of anothers prejudices while presenting ones own is interesting.
In the year 2010 does the “F*** Off We’re Full” slogan indicate someone who is nationalist or someone who is environmentally aware?

Cuppa says:

01:49pm | 21/01/10

As soon as you said penbarthy wrote a good article you lost all credibility. Personally i am starting to think he hates the fact Australia was colonised, built & made a success by the white man(judging by his rants).I love seeing our youth draped in our flag on Australia day.They are showing a patriotism & love of the Australian culture that is lacking in many of our immigrant minorities, inner city ‘trendys’ & ‘intelectuals’ like yourself(you have suggested we change the flag many Australians died for.What does that say about you Tory?).Happily they couldnt care less what you think, & will continue to celebrate Australia day however they want, so get used to it.

Francis Forbes says:

01:51pm | 21/01/10

I have a apology to make, I have an Australian Flag, i even have a pair of thongs with the Australia Flag on it. And it gets worse, I have a ute and I celebrate Australia Day with friends, watch cricket, drink beer and am proud to be called Aussie.

I dont mind immigration, Indian students or Japanese whaling and I think we have neglected the aboriginal people for to long.

My concerns are that because of the small minority or Australian who can get over another skin colour we are changing or national flag. Why not legislate against the southern cross? Weather we like it or not alot of people liek it as it is.

cats says:

01:51pm | 21/01/10

What? Why should we change the flag because of a minority group? Isn’t the flag only a couple of hundred years old lol what about the British flag, that’s been around for ages, and it’s definately been used to incite racial hatred in the past. But they haven’t changed it. Thats a stupid suggestion. And to the old fogie conservative right commentors - what has this got to do with left vs right? How is it that all left wingers suddenly agree with changing the flag? God you people are idiots.

Keybored says:

01:53pm | 21/01/10

Megan,

As MC has said, the protest didn’t occur on Australia Day, it was scheduled for December.

I assume the reason you thought this is because you watch news dribble like a current affair, the same show that filmed people on Australia Day (wearing flags, stickers etc) and asked them to make comments on the backlash of the protest. I was a person interviewed by them on Australia Day and I made a comment about the cause of the tension being the fact that the gang that sat on the wall attacked a lifeguard.
That film was then edited in a way that made it appear as though I was making racist remarks at the actual protest two months earlier - when I wasn’t even there that day. And my original comment certainly wasn’t racist!

If you actually took the time to speak to people involved, instead of just listening to people like Tory here, you might learn something.
And so you’re absolutely clear that you’re not a one in a million case, I’m another girl from the shire with an Italian boyfriend.

H of SA says:

02:12pm | 21/01/10

I’m Anglo-Australian and I’m pleased that I have billingual fellow citizens, what on earth about being able to speak 2 languages rather than 1 is worthy of mockery?

Jon Mison says:

02:15pm | 21/01/10

Tory I think that you are over eager to mention Cronulla as if it were bigger than our flag. Have some faith and drop the cynicism.

s says:

02:25pm | 21/01/10

Those little flags you see stuck on cars and flapping in the wind, aren’t they made in china?  Now it that or is that not AUSTRALIAN?

Rob says:

02:49pm | 21/01/10

Tory U R nuts go to K mart, target et al and look at the flags plastered on bikini’s, g strings, boardies, caps, shorts singlets t-shirts, bags, towels, underpants, sluggos, bedspreads etc etc etc. We are Bogan and we promote it but we are many so if ‘the flag’ does not mean a rats arve to any one the it’s replacement will be the same. So the white euro trash disenchanted youth use it to justify thier disatisfaction and the marketing types sell products with it so what they’d all use anything.

Jiply says:

02:53pm | 21/01/10

Hillbillies and bogans, what awful bigotry. Not classy at all.

Consider this. Cronulla was after years and years of denial of racially motivated violence and intimidation. Those that pander more to race than violent crimes against women. Denial. Trying to cover up the horrific way young women had been treated. Denial. The victim being raped twice, once by racist thugs and again by the press. Denial. The Cronulla riots were not racially motivated, they were a response to racism. Indians came up against the same wall of denial. Indians felt the same frustration as the Cronulla folk. Indians also took to the streets and became a little out of control.

It is high time the grown ups as they like to be perceived took the on the responsibility of causing these conflicts by their DENIAL. The constant obessession on race rather than the rights of the individual to live in safety. Their politics more important than victims. Victims being the colateral damage so they can promote themselves as being some sort of hero, for what? Who did you save, what victim fo crime have you stood for? fought for?

Now you call them hillbillies and bogans but if your daughter was ever a victim I bet they are the first you will call, the police, media and government will not be interested. Indians found that out, they called the wrong number.

Turpentine Con says:

03:01pm | 21/01/10

MAKE IT ILLEGAL TO WEAR THE FLAG. Problem solved while maintaining our heritage. But that wont give arrogant, condescending opinionists (its incorrect to call them Journos. Journos research their information.) anything to troll on about. oh well, they’re a waste of fresh air anyway.

David V. says:

03:02pm | 21/01/10

There is only so much one can tolerate, and the constant denigration of Anglo/British/Australian/whatever will trigger an ugly backlash if not already.

These are the people who built countries, whose diligence and work ethic made our country great, produced artists, scientists, sportsmen, doctors, etc.

And yet leftist propaganda wants you to forget that. English people in general work extremely hard and don’t claim welfare.

Sky says:

03:03pm | 21/01/10

This article drives me insane. I am a young Australian male, I love the flag and the country the flag represents. I look at our flag and i see what our Grandfathers and Great grandfathers fought proudlt to represent. I love the fact that so many people in Australia have and own this flag and that it means so much to them. What i dont appreciate is articles and media like this giving extra coverage to the minority of idiots that get around wearing the flag whilst being absolute wankers. Without all the coverage u idiots give these other idiots, this flag wouldn’t even be bought up with incidents like the Cronulla Riots. I, like the majority of other Australians have a large percentage of multi-cultured friends and am happy to make more as long as they fit into our country and treat it and respect it as their own. Last time i checked. that was NOT racist. I believe thats how the majority of Australia feels.

Tory, if you’re looking for a reaction from people, then congratulations, you’ve done a very good job. If you actually believe what you have written then i feel sorry for you and believe you are in the wrong profession because the hypocrisy of the media is deafening.

Happy Australia Day - i love the freedom of speech.

marie says:

03:06pm | 21/01/10

“The flag started out noble and ended up bogan” !!! Surely you gest ! This article must be a fishing excersize. Any how, I have taken the bait. Therefore there are twenty one million bogans. So there !!

E says:

03:10pm | 21/01/10

The error Tory is making stems from her eduction. She is educated to believe that our thoughts are dependant on symbols, and if you remove the symbol you remove the thought.
Its the last gasp of the ridiculous post modernist philsophy which taught that if you didnt have a word for something, you couldnt concieve of it! Which is of course exactly the wrong way round, for if we have a concept without a word, we invent words. I mean where do they think words/symbols came form in the first place?
Stupid piece, pick up your game Punch, this is getting lame. Lets have some writers with some intellectual heft instead of these B-grade barrow pushing hacks.

Saskia says:

03:19pm | 21/01/10

What a silly article.  Sweeping ridiculous generalisations and stereotypes abound!  Don’t tar all of Australia with the Cronulla brush.  Some of us come from convict free states and love our beautiful flag - and have never seen the hill-billies etc that you speak of.  From civilised friends in Cronulla I was advised that the riot was not racism but a desperate response against violent assaults and rapes by a certain ethnic group targetting ‘white Aussies’.  But don’t let the facts stop your PC fascist self-loathing rant.

Australians are free to do what they want - thankfully from people like you Tory who want to impose you narrow view and ‘morality’ on others.

As others have said our flag is beautiful and should NEVER change - nor should we become a republic like all the other boring sheep-nations.  Change will no absolutely nothing.  If the flag offends you and your ilk - well that brings a smile to my face.  You know where the airport is.

SM says:

03:59pm | 21/01/10

“They say that patriotism is the last refuge
to which a scoundrel clings
Steal a little and they throw you in jail
steal a lot, and they make you king”

Bob Dylan, 1983

Perfect Paul says:

04:06pm | 21/01/10

“These flags started out noble, and ended up bogan.”
Says it all.
We need to ditch the flag and the rediculous racist, bogan behaviour that goes on during Australia Day.

S.L says:

04:05pm | 21/01/10

@James thanks for replying. Although I am nowhere near The Shire and so wasn’t involved in anything down there that day I have been witness to some events here and overseas that have recieved international coverage (including one public revolution on a government) through no other reason than being some nobody in the wrong place at the wrong time. With no exception with what I have seen compared to what I’ve read you could not be blamed for thinking the journalist was at another event? (or I was!) I have no thoughts on the Bra Boys film as I’m not into their culture but you’ve convinced me to have a look. Thanks

Perfect Paul says:

04:10pm | 21/01/10

What a bogan…you need to get a reality.

Or maybe your british and love seeing the union jack-off on a flag.
Or maybe you’ve already got an australian flag tatoo and don’t want to have to change it.
Who know what idiocy goes through the mind of someone like this bogan.  We (Australia) all hope you grow up one day.
Until then, please try to not embarrass the rest of us true Australians.

Roger says:

04:15pm | 21/01/10

I agree that the flag has been hijacked but I think it is a sign of frustration which many Australians feel not just so called “bogans”. We see our country with it’s laid back ways sullied by people who bring their hate with them..flares and fighting at tennis matches and soccer games, racial violence between people from the other side of the world, not just against Australians but also against various ethnic groups because of centuries old hate back in their old countries. Australians have had their lives and our culture enriched by migrants in the past but that is not what is happening with some of the current migrants who refuse to accept the Australian lifestyle. If our govt is to allow refugees and it should,  it must help them and Australians more by setting up programs where it is easier to meet each other at local community halls or wherever so that we can reach a better understanding and grow together. As for those who believe their religion is a greater power than any other and want to preach hatred to the detriment of the Australian lifestyle, there is no place for them in Australia.

Proud Ethnic Australian says:

04:30pm | 21/01/10

I think this article has a good point to it.
The image of the Australian flag has been tarnished by a few “red neck” or racists. Since Cronulla the flag has taken on a new image to ethnic Australians & to Anglo Australians. Last year on Australia day my girlfriend and I went out with some friends to celebrate as everyone does only to be approached by a group of young drunk Anglo Australians who demanded I kiss the flag that one of them had been using to soak up his sweat all day! When I refused I was called a dirty wog and hit, for what? The fact that I’m less Australian then this guy because I’m darker? Come on.
Now, I know that this is not what our flag represents yet when this is what is presented to you what conclusion do you come to? This is the image it is given by this small group of idiots.
I’m not saying that the only people at fault for any racial tension are white Anglo Australians! There are small groups from all ethnicities that prolong these issues and cause these problems.
I think a lot more needs to change in this country before we worry about changing a flag.

Matt says:

04:47pm | 21/01/10

dazedb42, don’t underestimate the effect war has on those who return. Killing another human being is devastating for most people, no matter what the circumstances. The fallen don’t live with the memories, it’s their families that suffer.

JJJ says:

04:58pm | 21/01/10

The simple solution to this issue is simply to make any use of the Australian ‘flag’ or close replicas illegal except to use it as a FLAG. Our flag should not be made into clothes, capes, etc etc.  This is something I have thought for some time, but as an ex-soldier (when even tipping PART of the Australian flag on the ground was a chargable offence), that may not be surprising. Call me old-fashioned, but I think it would be nice if the internationally recognised symbol of our country (regardless of what you think about it!) was respected.

RB says:

05:03pm | 21/01/10

Highjacked by hillbillies?Why Tory?because they show pride in their flag, culture & nation?Leftard do gooders like yourself & David Penbarthy would like the average Australian to be ashamed of their heritage & culture(that way they wont’offend’any minorities) but thankfully all you are doing is giving the youth of our nation fuel for their patriotism.And their numbers are growing, so get used to it…....

David says:

05:04pm | 21/01/10

Bob also needs to learn the difference between “your” and “you’re”.

Anthony says:

05:05pm | 21/01/10

The union jack represents the ancestry of most older generation Australians. But what about Australians who have a different ancestral link which is not British???  The reason why most people cannot feel a connection of pride with our flag is because there is nothing that links them to it. I understand that the majority of Australians are still British descent but that blood has been so diluted over the years that maybe it’s time to look into a symbol that we can ALL connect with.

These racist douchebags use this flag as their emblem because it subjugates other Australians with non-british ancestry ,that this country is run by a predominantly white government. Which subconsciously puts in our mindset that we are clearly still not accepted as 100% Australians unless we have white ancestry.. The southern cross is now called the AUSTIKA for it represents a symbol of white Australians reminding us that we can ” Fuck off back to OUR country where we belong’. Even if our country is Australia.

Terry says:

05:23pm | 21/01/10

Your elitist attitude is alarming. The flag is for everyone, how these so called bogans choose to use it is up to them, thats the beauty of a free country, and something someone like you, who has never served or fought for will never understand. Go back to your Ivory tower with your elitist crowd a lament continue to lament how others are using your flag.

Dan says:

05:27pm | 21/01/10

Right GG, and those kids in Cronulla who said ‘we were born here and you flew here’ and who attacked anyone who looked as if the Lebanese, and the shockjocks who incited violence, yeh they were just standing up for their community against thugs. You’re such a fool. Oh, and nobody cares what your grandfather fought for. It doesn’t give his grandson the right to be racist!

Yossarian, multiculturalism doesn’t work? Then I guess you should leave Australia as it’s working here just fine! Europe and the UK are not multicultural, so before you state it’s an empirical fact, perhaps you should get your facts straight! Oh, and who cares whom people barrack for in sport. There is no rule saying that an English-Australian can’t support England in the Ashes. As for not calling one-self ..-Australian, you do realise that it is about being proud of where one comes from.

“Assimilation is the only way to a happy society.” Nonsence. Absolute nonsence. However if you believe that then leave, because plenty of people are happy here and haven’t assimilated. You do realise that there are more than one way to lead to a happy society, and again, Australia IS multi-cultural!

S.L says:

05:42pm | 21/01/10

@ Glenn. Pal so what if you have a Japanese girlfriend? What has that got to do with anything I have said? Go back to sleep!

Steve of Cornubia says:

05:49pm | 21/01/10

The flags of many countries have been hijacked by nationalists, including both of those of which I hold citizenship - Australia (my home) and the UK (my birthplace). I doubt that changing Australia’s flag will make any difference to the yobs who use it as an excuse for racist celebration.

I don’t believe that Australia Day itself is to blame, but increasing nationalism all over the world, and I say this as a conservative voter.

Because we have a national day, it is inevitable that this growing nationalism will attach itself to our national day and, if allowed to, make it it’s own. Only a dogged determination to reclaim Australia Day as a day of egalitarian celebration and pride in all the good things that Australia represents will head off this arrogant kidnap attempt.

Australia Day should be reclaimed as a day for ‘family’ - the small few of blood relatives held dear to each of us and the 20 million-strong larger number of countrymen that we count ourselves part of.

ab says:

06:20pm | 21/01/10

What makes me saddest about all of this is that people who dare to dissent are labelled un-Australian. It isn’t unreasonable to suggest that we change our flag, although I would change it on the basis that Australia does not belong to anybody else but itself. The British flag shouldn’t be present, despite our historical ties. I’m sad that there are those who have lost faith in our country, admittedly as I have before… Australia has forgotten its values. We shouldn’t let ourselves be sullied by racism. In all likelihood we’re probably little more racist than any other developed country. Our values have given way to bigotry, anti-intellectualism, mob psychology and slander, but luckily not for everyone. While I am proud to be an Australian, being Australian doesn’t mean one has to be unquestioningly supportive of the country, nor does it mean we should not talk about changing flags or the date of Australia Day. I am mixed on ANZAC Day - while their efforts are noble, not only has the day degenerated but we have been told that they fought for our country, which is a lie. ANZACs fought in WWI not for us but for Britain, and we should honour the sacrifice and the government’s mistake in letting that to happen. For the spirit of an individual Australia, we should become independent. For the spirit of a virtuous Australia, we should stop electing those who have eroded our values, from both Liberal and Labor, who have fuelled racism, anti-intellectualism and blind patriotism.

Hugh says:

06:54pm | 21/01/10

I am an Australian of largely non-British heritage no longer living in Australia.  Over the past twenty years I have noticed significant changes in Australia including the negatively evolving patriotism or nationalism that has emerged.

I believe the source of this nationalism is the divisions in society arising as a result of the national policy of multiculturalism.  Multiculturalism divides and leaves some Australians wondering what it means to be Australian in this day and age.  It discourages newer Australians from adopting values traditionally shared by society whilst at the same time encouraging “older” Australians to reneg on one of the most important values of all - tolerance. 

Multiculturalism needs to be rejected by both Australian society and our political elite.  It collectivizes persons of a certain ethnicity, encourages and promotes differences and is, in fact, inherently racist.  Different cultures, where they do not conflict with important Australian values such as tolerance, need to be respected.  But respect for difference and encouragement of division are two different things entirely.  If Australian society wants to move forward, become a truely tolerant society, then it needs to encourage all Australians to adopt common values and forge a culture common to all citizens regardless of ethnic heritage.

Paul says:

06:58pm | 21/01/10

I don’t know what flag your grandfather fought under, but can guarantee it was not the Australian flag.  If you are as patriotic as you claim, you would also know that!

Ionakana says:

10:48pm | 21/01/10

This is a topic that warrants much wider discussion. We need a greater degree of national introspection as to who we are and where we are going. Many of the popular stereotypes of “Australianess” simply do not bear close examination, and the flag-waving nationalists already have their own perspectives as to who qualifies as Australian and, more particularly, who does not. I would certainly question whether the desecration of our national symbols can - or should - be prevented by changing them. However, that is not to say that I oppose such a change per se. The move to a republic and a new flag would be a monumental declaration of collective confidence and identity. The anniversary of the establishment of the republic would, in my view, be a far more appropriate national day than Australia Day. As for the flag, it should reflect the contemporary nation, one that features unambiguous symbols of inclusiveness and unity, and one that is meaningful to all Australians. It will still be the Australian flag - even a radical design will not change that.

Carl Palmer says:

07:13am | 22/01/10

@Lexi says: -11:09am | 21/01/10

I love it how false and misleading lies are bandied around. The following statement from your URL states that

“……2005 Cronulla riots, started when local Bogans became incensed that groups of Lebanese people were behaving like Bogans on ‘their’ beach”.

No this is 110% incorrect, it should read

“…….2005 Cronulla riots, started when local Bogans (don’t agree should be the community) became incensed that groups of Lebanese people were - over a number of years physically and verbally assaulting people on ‘their’ beach”. I think assaulting someone is a criminal offence.

Now because of this lie, Australia is a racist country.

Let’s not have the truth get in the way of a “great” story  

Read the article titled “Ethnic violence at the tennis, it’s just so pathetic” 19th Jan by Leo Shanahan, that should give you an idea of where the “Ethnic Violence” comes from.

Maddie says:

07:23am | 22/01/10

I disagree with this article; when I think of the flag, I feel proud of the country I was born in, proud to be Australian, proud of those who have come before me & played their part in making our country a better place.
I don’t think of the Cronulla riots & I don’t think of racism.
When I think of Australia Day, I don’t think of bogans & drunken louts. I think of sunny afternoons on the beach with mates & family sharing a drink or two, celebrating all that is our beautiful land.
Absolutely, there are drunken idiots who will no doubt cause some kind of trouble but isn’t this true of every public holiday, nay, every weekend? Being a “young’un” myself, I go to nightclubs once or twice a month & the drunken behviour I see there is far worse than that of Australia Day.
Stop making this issue into more than it is. Cronulla happened 4 years ago. The issue was (mostly) resolved.
Let us celebrate Australia.

Gaz says:

07:57am | 22/01/10

We used to just get a long weekend that suited most people, now we have all these idiots promoting b,bques and parades that are a load of shit. Who wants to eat greasy slimey lamb chops, what muck heart attack food or drink a gutful of watered down beer and vinegary wine made by ex dope dealers.  Who wants a day off in the middle of the week when you can just take a sickie.  Grassby and Howard cheapened our flag Grassby started off all the nationalist crap and then along came Howard who used the flag as a prop, every time he said something there was the flag behind him one flag then two then 3 and in the end no matter how many flags he had they couldn’t save him.
The flag used to be sacred and was only rolled out on special occasion now its just become a duster or clothing accessory. Every time I see a car with the flag hanging off it I think those people are suffering from an identity crisis. I have never needed a flag to tell people to F…off if you dont like it here be like Murdock, the Lowey family, Kidman, Minogue and one million other Australians go F…off and take that pommy balding son of a fruit cake and associated parasites with you along with all the people who call themselves some kind of wog Australian. F..off just F…off do us all a favour . I bet if you went around to Quentin Bryces house on the 26th she wouldn’t be having wallaby stew and damper, she should piss off as welll. She represents a foreign queen and foreign laws the whole bloody lot is just bullshit. Australia day for who? the country is run by foreign arseholes pity they wouldnt F… off. Take a good look at the serbs and croats wrapping themselves in the flag and dining on bowls of home made hate,  thats the last thing we need here in our home F… it off..

Chewy says:

09:19am | 22/01/10

FFS I canot get over geniuses who think just because their Gramps fought WW2, their opinion is somehow precious. Well my gramps fought WW2 too and I know he would cringe if I thought my views of the nation were precious because of his commitment. How pathetic.

Kon says:

09:48am | 22/01/10

You want to get rid of war, hatred and racism? then get rid of the flag completely… Its time the world stopped separating ourselves with symbilic idols ie"The flag” which are usualy the result of vicious battles, domination over the weak, genoside….....
We have been children of mother earth for around 3million years…
We are all brothers and sisters

Im proud to be an earthling… but i despise belonging to any country….

frank robb says:

01:51pm | 25/01/10

Tory, please list three things that “Aboriginal people” have done for me to acknowlege, “and to recognise their part in our history and heritage.”

David of the Fleurieu says:

04:16pm | 25/01/10

It’s amazing to me how the comments keep bringing up the term “lefties” as some derogtory term to describe those that want both a republic and a new flag.
I pride my self as “left-leaning” although in australia today that would put me 500 miles to the left of the ALP and off the planet compared to the Libs.
To make my life even more interesting I am….
Born in Uk (but even though I came here as a 2yo I have never been allowed to forget it)
Also Homosexual…and therefore subject to discrimination (yes even in 2010)
Partnered to an asian (Thailand) and therefore witness to racism first hand.
But let me say this…I don’t give a stuff about changing the flag, if that’s what the majority want let it happen.
I am also open to the republic debate but always remeber the observations of my father when he said “Do the head count son, do it good and proper aand make sure you look at the names of those “prominent citizens angling for the republic”...take note of their Irish ancestry son and think about it”
I did…Kenneally, Keating, Doogue, Donovan, the list goes on.

I also note the number of thugs driving around the streets of my town this week with multiple flags flying from the windows and I think the whole Ozday thing has gotten totally out of hand and rascist….call me a wet lefty if you like but this is going to end in tears.

Nathan says:

02:41pm | 25/01/10

I love the irony of someone expecting others to be tolerant and understanding, when that same person has no problem denigrating anyone else who does not think exactly the same as she does. I am sure ms. shepherd must feel terribly superior and enlightened as she looks down upon the bogans and hillbillies, but seriously luv, you’re just a journalist who thinks that being controversial is somehow a replacement for talent, so get over yourself. These articles where she thinks she can tell everyone else how they should act are laughable. tory, your opinion is no more valid than anyone else’s ... actually given the intelligence level on display in some of your articles, I’d say your opinion is less valid than most others.

It’s revealing that ms. shepherd is so offended by people wearing the flag, but makes no mention of people buring the flag. Oh, but it wasn’t whities burning the flag so lets just leave that bit out. Just another shephard article with absolutely no attempt at balance, although suprisingly there’s no dig at christianity. Try harder tory

May says:

03:16pm | 25/01/10

This is ridiculous, sure there are occasions when the majority of Australia is ashamed of some bogan idiots misusing the flag but who seriously thinks that changing the flag is going to make these individuals behave with any more respect!! it is these people who need to change, not our flag.

Duane says:

04:18pm | 25/01/10

Tory, yours is a typical Politically Correct solution - mask the problem, and hope it will go away. Changing the flag will be of no value at all. You need to change people’s attitudes. That takes a real effort in education, not re-labelling. Unfortunately, the Politically Correct persist in trying to enforce acceptance through re-labelling and mantra. This approach is always doomed to fail, as genuine acceptance comes from genuine understanding. In turn, this comes from genuine education, not Politically Correct mantra.

bek says:

05:12pm | 25/01/10

I have more important things to do than worry about the flag Tory.

Kevin Rennie says:

05:26pm | 25/01/10

Nothing is sacred anymore. Oh for the good old days! See how it used to be at Flagging Australia Day http://www.redbluffr.com/

T.Jones says:

06:41pm | 25/01/10

Lets face it the whole world is racist. If its not happing here its happing in France, its happing in Iran, its happing in Tibet, its happing in the US. It will never change no matter how hard we try. Its our nature as human beings to be wary of other cutlutres and customs etc etc. But as an Australian I proud to see our flag flying in distance countries. Its sad to see some journlist bashing us as country…....Tory ......try live in India or any other countries where ‘anglos’ are attack because of their colour

Rob says:

08:59am | 26/01/10

That’s a terrible article. Reading this is like reading the womans day or new idea in the doctors waiting room. The Australian flag gets hijacked by companies selling products, politicians and people from all walks of life. Christ they make bikini’s out of it. The flag will never get changed and we will never be a republic it has always merely been a labor distraction topic for years. Journalism really has gone to the dogs in this country.

Martyn says:

09:18am | 26/01/10

Same old argument. Those before me fought under this flag or simular. So did the Canadians and many other countries but they changed so that the country became one. If we had a flag designed around the national colours all people from other countries would be proud of it. At the moment immigrants living in this country feel as if they are living under an English flag. The problem in changing the flag is that every $2 group would want it’s colours on it. Whites, Aboriganals, RSL, Collingwood, the list goes on on on.

Martyn says:

09:23am | 26/01/10

Eddy they are people who can’t express themselves well. Kevin Rudd supporters

realist says:

10:21am | 26/01/10

tory… take your bleeding heart L for Lefty views and go live in a mud hut

Douglas says:

10:46am | 26/01/10

A decade of Howardism cost us many decades of progress. Howardism is a cancer that in many ways sent Australia back to the 1930s. As for Abbott, he’s Howard on steroids.

William Le Goos says:

11:28am | 26/01/10

This is the biggest lot of journalistic drivel from a so called “respected journalist” I have heard this year. It is in the same category as Tony Abbot talking about contraception and sex.

LynP says:

11:40am | 26/01/10

Phil, Phil, Phil - words fail me mate - is there anything you are positive about?  Adelaide is such a great place to live that we don’t talk it up too much or else or you non-South Australians would want to live here, LOL It is our best kept secret!!

Mustafa says:

12:22pm | 26/01/10

Do you people think we got rid of Pauline Hanson? Have a look at this site for starters:
http://www.protectionist.net.

Unfortunately, it looks like they learned from Hanson’s mistakes and this lot look like they might be harder to get rid of.

Where is the law to shut these people up?

Stevo says:

09:36am | 27/01/10

Well said S.L

If we talk about that then we a racist….......
How many of these people were asserted and put on the front page of the paper????????

Andrew Phillips says:

04:14pm | 07/02/10

Mustafa,

Australian Protectionists are not a re-hash of One Nation which appeared all too willing to cave in on issues of concern to Australians once the media whipped up the hysteria and campaign of misinformation.

Regarding “laws to shut these people up”-come now. This is Australia and while we do have to deal with misinformation and a media which often does not give one a right to reply and rarely admits when it has twisted the truth, we do have some degree, in fact a right, to freedom of expression.

This is not (yet) some Third World tinpot dictatorship and your ridiculous suggestion that our parliament should introduce laws to silence us speak volumes about your very poor knowledge of what it means to be an Australian.

What would you have them do to me? Gaol me, take all my assets and throw my family out onto the street for having an opinion? Perhaps execute me, would that appease your anger?

For my part, I am happy to take whatever comes if it means the preservation of freedom of speech in my own land.