Being Australian: Narratives of national identity

by Catriona Elder

After a century of speculation by writers, filmmakers, travelers and scholars, being Australian' has become a recognisable shorthand for a group of national characteristics. Now, in an era of international terrorism, being seen as un-Australian' has become a potent rhetorical weapon for some, and a badge of honour for others.

Catriona Elder explores the origins, meaning and effects of the many stories we tell about ourselves, and how they have changed over time. She outlines some of the traditional stories and their role in Australian nationalism, and she shows how concepts of egalitarianism, peaceful settlement and sporting prowess have been used to create a national identity.

Elder also investigates the cultural and social perspectives that have been used to critique dominant accounts of Australian identity, including ideas of class, gender, sexuality, ethnicity and race. She shows how these critiques have been, in turn, queried in recent years. Being Australian is an ideal introduction to studying Australia for anyone interested in understanding Australian society, culture and history.

Genres: Nonfiction

400 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2007

Reviews

[Dallas Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a superb book which examines the very notion of being Australian. I began this book a few years ago for a Uni subject I never completed, and have finally gotten around to reading it cover to cover. If everybody in Australia read this we’d have a very different national story to tell, I imagine. But that will never happen, so our politics will continue to skirt the far left and far right for generations. Sadly.

[Esther · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another university text, but a little dry I found. Did not read the whole text as a result.