Catriona Elder explores the origins and meanings behind the many stories we tell ourselves about what it means to be Australian', and to be un-Australian' in this introduction to Australian culture, society and history.
Since the publication of 'Inventing Australia' twenty years ago, research and writing on Australia has burgeoned. Catriona Elder takes advantage of the work that has been done on all aspects of Australia: history, culture, social life, geography and politics to create a new introduction to Australian studies.
She explores the bush legend and its role in Australian nationalism, arguing that it has been given too much attention to the detriment of other influences. She also shows how concepts of egalitarianism, peaceful settlement and sporting prowess have been used to help create a national identity. She then introduces cultural and social perspectives that can be used to critique dominant accounts of Australian identity, including ideas of class, gender, sexuality, ethnicity and race.
In the second section of the text key historical and contemporary sites, rites and events are used to structure a guided tour of the national story.
This is no 'black armband' account, nor is it a celebration. Rather, the text seeks to find a balance between the positive and the critical in analysing the Australian experience. Elder uses the themes of anxiety and desire as the core themes for the book, and emphasises the complexity of relations between different groups.
'Being Australian' is designed for use as an introductory student text in Australian studies for both local and international readers. It is illustrated with examples, photographs and documents.
