The flag represents Australia's colonial history and the atrocities both England and Australia committed against Indigenous people here and elsewhere. Both the flag and the anthem does not shape my identity. And they mean little to me.
Identity in a country such as Australia means very little, especially if we see it characterised as the 'white Australian bushman'. Australia is made up of immigrants and Indigenous people, so to reduce its identity to a white man is far from what we should be proud of. I believe in Australian unity, not identity unless you are Indigenous as their narrative gets pushed to the side too often.
While some atrocities were committed to the Indigenous peoples of Australia, this flag is a sign of redemption. Many convicts who were sent to Australia as criminals from England, as well as others who arrived later, came to Australia to experience a better live. Consequently, while mistakes have been made in the founding of Australia post-colonisation, strides for redemption and reconciliation can, should and are being made. Consequently, while areas of our nations history are flawed, we should be proud for the true egalitarianism we experience, today
I agree with what the response believes the Australian flag and anthem to be a representation/ product of. However, simply because I challenge the importance of these symbols due to their political/ historical symbolism does not mean they haven't shaped my identity. They mean alot to me as they are symbols of where I am from, thus who I am. I am an Australian - I live in a country marred by its colonial past, but still striving for reconciliation, which I am reminded of every time I witness these national symbols and feel the urge to challenge their importance.
They don't mean much to me. I recognise them but they only symbolise the country I've grown up in, nothing further
The flag and the anthem mean fairly little to me. While yes, being Australian is part of my identity, it is much more of a label than what actually defines me as a person
Both the flag and the anthem mean a lot to me, and while I will strongly argue that Australia's history (with European settlement and exploration) is brutal and should not represent modern day Australian values of equality, respect ect.
I am of the belief that while our history should be taught, we should not be ashamed of our modern state.
And I will stand and sing the anthem if requested of me (that being said I will not go out of my way to start the anthem at a sports match or an event of any kind).
And with the flag I will stand for the flag, although I do believe that the flag sho… Read more
I'm proud of my country, but not the the point of wearing the flag as a cape. There's a point where over-enthusiasm smacks of insecurity.
they national flag and anthem dont shape my identity but I proudly associate them with myself
@9K8MMYS9mos9MO
I am not from Australia so their flag or symbols do not have significance to me
cronulla riots, racism, exclusion, toxic patriotism
@9K8L9RNSocialist Alliance9mos9MO
They mean very little to me. The flag represents Australia as a nation but not necessarily myself as an individual. Although I don't have an issue if someone feels as if it does represent them - until it becomes nationalistic. Same stance with the Anthem - that being said I do like the Australian National anthem generally.
i am proud to be Australian but i don't think patriotism holds a very important note with me as i think there are a lot of flaws when people are completely devoted to their country as its leads to people thinking that the country can do no wrong
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