Happy Significance Day, Australia

“What is it that Australians celebrate on 26 January? Significantly, many of them are not quite sure what event they are commemorating. Their state of mind fascinated Egon Kisch, an inquisitive Czech who was in Sydney at the end of January 1935. Kisch has a place in our history as the victim, or hero, of a ludicrous chapter in the history of our immigration laws. He had been invited to Melbourne for a Congress against War and Fascism, and was forbidden to land by order of the attorney-general, R. G. Menzies. He had jumped overboard, broken his leg, gone to hospital, failed a dictation test in Gaelic and been sentenced to imprisonment and deportation. When the High Court declared Gaelic not a language, Kisch was free to hobble on our soil...”

— K. S. Inglis, Observing Australia (1959 – 1999)

Reading this short account gives you some glimpse into the ‘vibe’ that is Australia. There is an innate eccentricity and humour involved in living in Australia and being Australian.

What is laughable about the story Inglis tells is that the ‘undesirable’ Kisch was forced to write the Lord’s Prayer out in an Irish language, not English! It was entirely within the rights of the authorities under the White Australia Policy to subject an immigrant to a test they could not pass! The High Court saw the joke, had a good laugh, and promptly overturned the decision allowing Kisch to enjoy Australia provided he not go around burning ants with a magnifying glass.

But one thing is clear. The 26th of January is a very significant date. As Ken Inglis cites, many Australians have been completely unaware of the date’s significance, though I expect more will have some idea now than in previous generations. Thankfully, we have a much clearer idea about our national heritage now than ever before.

For some, Australia Day represents invasion and the deplorable massacres of whole communities of Aborigines. For others, it’s about the arrival of ‘civilisation’. Some are more astute: they know their history; it was the date in 1788 when the first fleet arrived. And for many, the 26th of January simply represents outrage and division. There is no arguing one thing; it is a very significant day.

In our social media age, there are some from both sides of the political landscape who make more of the Day than is helpful, playing on their choice of propaganda to garner support. Perhaps this divisiveness simmered under the surface in previous generations. I’m only a little over 50 so I’m too young to tell. I’m wondering if our social conscience has been piqued. It has in many. That presents both opportunities and threats to potential for productive change.

Australia is a country very blessed because of its democracy — perhaps something of its ‘Christian’ heritage. Again, I don’t know for sure. Australians seem at their best when they have good natured fun at the expense of no one. It is un-Australian to be mean. But our outrage is turning us into something we’re not. What is most lovable about being Australian is we’ve not traditionally taken offence. But times are changing. When we’re offended, we may then cause offence. Respecting differences is something that defines us when we’re at our best.

I have no qualms with changing the date; none whatsoever. Or, leaving it as it is. But are we losing part of ourselves in the way we’re carrying on about things? Let’s just be Aussies and give everyone a fair go, and that includes passionately allowing everyone to ‘live and let live’. It would certainly help if we could be honest about our history. We live in an enlightened age. No more cover-ups. Let’s look ourselves in the face and face who we are. Let’s not imagine there’s been no harm done. Lament honours all. We do need to give our indigenous brothers and sisters their voice. Let’s also look forward in hope.

We’re a country that does things at, and goes to, the margins; but the threat is we’ll be lost to those influential voices at the margins. We’re a country with a rich immigrant heritage, with Anglo-Saxons leading that way from the beginning.

Our reality at times departs from our identity. We’re a country where just about everyone is welcome. We’ve prided ourselves on not being better than the next bloke. Our togetherness means we don’t take ourselves too seriously. But our humanity has made it that these ideals have not always been upheld. Racism, for instance, is also part of our true identity.

Come on, Australia. Our history is patchy, and it matches our countrywide personality. No Australian ever set their sights on anything silly like world dominion! We’re much too larrikin for that. And that is part of the identity we share in a bond of unity.

It’s time for the quiet majority to rise and spread okker peace, Aussie to Aussie. Smile at each other and have a good barbie. Just my thoughts. Just one mind.

Photo by The Enlight Project on Unsplash