Australian Identity

Australian identity is a hard thing to put your finger on. Is it the old identity of the worn battler working hard to earn the daily bread in outback Australia? Or, is it the modern identity, where little to no hard physical work is required and men take as much care in their bodies as women?   Arguably, the question of our single national identity is so hard to answer is because no other country has so many people feeling angst at the expression of national stereotypes, descriptions of culture or even praise for their ways of living. In Australia, it is far safer to argue what "we" are not, that argue what "we" are.   Stereotype plays an enormous role in the way we live, and the way we see our lifestyle.   Also, racism plays a part in our society, whether we like to accept it or not, racism is steeped into the way we grow up.
The poem ‘Clancy of the Overflow’ is an excellent representation of classical Australian stereotypicality.   It shows the Australian reluctance to change, and the liking of the simple life. Clancy personifies Paterson’s vision of what the Australian “every man‟ should be. He is an individual who is a part of the historical evolution of Australia – in touch with the traditions of life on the land. Paterson is celebrating this aspect of Australia and idealising the experience of the shearer and drover, in general. Paterson uses evocative language to foreground or privilege the benefits of country life (and the values it represents) over town life (and the values it represents). This dominant position is also assisted by the manner in which he silences any negative view of outback life or positive view of town life. In essence, he encourages readers to accept the beauty of living off the land by demonising city existence and painting a highly idealised version of life as a drover. For instance: Vision splendid, Sunlit plains, Wondrous glory, Everlasting stars, versus Dingy little office, Stringy ray of sunlight, Foetid air, Dirty city Foulness,... [continues]

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