What a well-written entry: I agree with everything you've said.
As nice as Australia is, in terms of its geographical features and whatnot, I think I've come to detest this country for the exact reasons mentioned above. The only thing that astounds me more than the rampant racism here is the fact that it is so socially acceptable and ignored. It's disgusting.
Like you, I grew up in NZ, where although we have our fair share of issues with our indigenous population and things are far from perfect, nonetheless learning about the Maori culture was an intrinsic part of primary school (I still remember my numbers and colours and a few basic other words... and the legends). And I'm eternally proud that our Waitangi Day celebrates the treaty with the maoris, which is symbolically the inverse of Invasion Day (though i know the treaty wasn't perfect, etc etc)
One of the weirdest things i found about moving to Australia is how little notice there is of Aborigines. Living in Sydney, you run into a hell of a lot more maoris on the street than you do Aborigines, I didn't have a single person of aboriginal ancestry on my street or in my school so far as I knew, they're just... not present. And although today we have study the farce that is Australian History in school year 9/10, i's still Australian history since 1901, federation, no acknowledgement of all that went on before that... no study of the
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Ok, granted but why should I, as a 6th generation Australian, who cares deeply about our indigenous culture, not be also able to celebrate MY country too. Hard pressed to find many countries that werent colonised. I will not apologise for loving my country. I do apologise to the original inhabitants on behalf of those who came before.
I would prefer the holiday to become that of the reconcilation day, one we share. Whether you like it or not, this is also my country albeit gained in ways that were shocking.
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As nice as Australia is, in terms of its geographical features and whatnot, I think I've come to detest this country for the exact reasons mentioned above. The only thing that astounds me more than the rampant racism here is the fact that it is so socially acceptable and ignored. It's disgusting.
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One of the weirdest things i found about moving to Australia is how little notice there is of Aborigines. Living in Sydney, you run into a hell of a lot more maoris on the street than you do Aborigines, I didn't have a single person of aboriginal ancestry on my street or in my school so far as I knew, they're just... not present. And although today we have study the farce that is Australian History in school year 9/10, i's still Australian history since 1901, federation, no acknowledgement of all that went on before that... no study of the ( ... )
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I would prefer the holiday to become that of the reconcilation day, one we share. Whether you like it or not, this is also my country albeit gained in ways that were shocking.
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