In my mind’s eye, my little corner of Australia will aways be a place of clear blue skies, sparkling water and dazzling sun. It’s pure cliche but aren’t so many cliches based on at least a grain of truth?
Even when I find myself cooped up indoors because of the rain and work (more so the work if truth be told), it’s hard not to have a little smile when I remember what today is all about. It’s a celebration of Australia and all that this country represents to its diverse citizens.
The reality for many of us in our daily lives is not endless beaches and wide open plains but rather commutes, congestion and crowds. Australia in 2012 is a land of change. We face issues common to the rest of the world – the rising cost of living, border protection, our role in world conflicts and the moral dilemma surrounding our television networks and their obsession with increasingly demeaning, manipulative and invasive reality television series. Okay, perhaps that last point just really gets me but does anyone else feel the same when faced with the ads for reality television programs?
But our reality exists in a pretty spectacular context. There is a recognition of the problems we face as a nation and the freedom of speech and thought to work towards solutions. Our ability to embrace change is crucial to our future and there are signs that this change has already being felt. This year’s list of Australia Day Honours recipients recognised intellectual and cultural endeavour over sporting prowess, challenging the single ideal of ‘the Bronzed Aussie’ as the symbol of the Australian people.
This year’s Australia Day Speech was given by the prominent neurosurgeon Dr Charlie Teo. He used the address to speak about what he feels are the big issues facing this country. Two main themes were explored in his speech – the rise of anger and rage and its consequences on the innocent bystander and the continued presence of racism, subtle or otherwise. As individuals, we may not have the power or influence to change policy, but we can change our own reaction to anger and racial prejudice.