Racist Lies in Australia for Good Jobs and Handouts. By Lucas McLennan.
A new form of nationalism has emerged on the Australian Left. It is a nationalism that centres the perspectives, histories, spirituality and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia’s national identity. This new form of nationalism was very much on display as new Labor, Teal and Greens members of parliament made their first speeches for the new parliamentary term.
Rather than trying to balance Aboriginal perspectives with more traditional conceptions of Australian identity, many progressive new members simply ignored any positive aspects of the Anglo-European contribution to Australia. In general, the narrative seems to go something like this:
For 65,000 years, the Australian continent was home to a rich and enduring culture. This culture provided the continent with its first scientists, doctors, artists and astronomers. Therefore, this culture’s perspectives on every issue must be given particular weight.
This enduring culture was then suppressed by British colonisation and the period from 1788 to approximately 1972 is one of great darkness.
Finally, in the 1970s, the Whitlam government ended immigration restrictions and implemented multiculturalism. Now, a more diverse nation allows the country to redeem (just a little) the sins of its past.
In this framing, the unique role of Anglo-Celtic or British Australians in building, settling, farming, constitution-making, fighting and defending the Australian continent is ignored. In this narrative, Anglo-European Australia is something of which we are to be ashamed. It constitutes a darkness bound on either side by the lightness of indigenous Australia and multiculturalism. …
Pay up, pay up:
It seems that every event, be it a speech in parliament or a game at a sports stadium, must now open with a ritual acknowledgment or welcome, no matter how frequent these events might be. What began as small acknowledgments at occasional events of significance has become ubiquitous in Australian life. This has happened slowly and with little discussion.
It’s assumed that those who criticise these practices are engaged in a culture war, but there has never been a debate about incorporating Aboriginal symbols and ceremonies into Australian public life.
Welcome to Country is insulting. If someone welcomes me to my country, then they are telling me it’s not my country. In most cases I’ve been here longer than them (I’m 61). Are those individuals claiming to be more Australian than me? Are they claiming privileges based on their race?
At no stage in [Labor’s Sally Sitou] speech is there an appreciation for the democratic culture and society that developed in Australia from 1788 to 1972. In the new progressive nationalism, this foundation stone is never to be honoured. …
[Labor’s Zaneta Mascarenhas] initiated her first speech by proclaiming, “It’s astounding that we have the oldest continuous culture right here. Australia’s connection to country, family and knowledge will be critical to help us navigate our future.” Mascarenhas seemed to be suggesting that Australia’s future is intimately tied to harnessing the knowledge of indigenous peoples. This may or may not be the case, but whether the customs of the British foundation of the Australian state might also provide a pathway forward seems unimaginable. …
Follow the stone age culture, not western culture:
Only listening to First Nations can save us — that seems to be the theme.
For these MPs, to be a good Australian patriot in 2022 means celebrating indigeneity and multiculturalism. The development of the Australian nation from 1788 onwards can only be mentioned if one condemns it. Strangely, these three new Labor MPs seem uninterested in their party’s English and Irish radical origins. This is a pity, because the trade union movement and its achievements are a positive legacy of Western civilisation in Australia — the concept of Western civilisation should not just be a right-wing thing.
“First” nations people? Does that make the rest of us second class citizens?
Get over your racism, lefties. I know it supports a burgeoning industry of well-paid bureaucrats, but it’s doing real harm.
The most significant difference between conservative-minded Australians and those in the progressive camp is their outlook on a future Australian relationship with indigenous peoples. Right-leaning Australians assume that through equal citizenship and economic opportunity, Aboriginal people will become like other Australians while preserving their own cultures if they choose to do so.
The progressives see the “First Nations” as a permanently separate category of citizens entitled to special rights due to indigeneity. Aboriginal people could be the wealthiest group in the country, but they would still be entitled to a voice and treaty due to their indigeneity.
Choose one: racist or colorblind. Think about the good of society, not the personal fortunes of you and your allies.
