In the Fairfax press, the national celebration is a cue to get stuck into John Howard, denounce an "artificial fabrication designed by governments, the corporate world, media, Australia Day Councils and smug Anglo-Saxons" and insist that "a bit of coloured clay" is comparable to a Rembrandt if wrought by an Indigenous hand (and observed by Betty Farrelly).
And at The Drum, two articles give readers opportunities to rail against "racists disguising their bigotry as patriotism" (comment by Don't Ask Don't Tell. Oh, and there also is this comment (by Claire), which is a beaut:
I have no problems when people of migrant background affirm their love for their country in a public way. I am of a migrant background too and I have done it myself, though in different ways. I do object - and yes, think "bogan" - when it is a person from the Anglo dominant culture who wears the flag and has the tattoo.Those disempowered New Australians should make the most of their right to hail the nation that took them in. Come the next generation, by Claire's logic their kids will be no less stained by Ocker Guilt than the detested "dominant Anglos" who arrived before them.
From victims to cultural oppressors in one generation! Australia really is the land of opportunity.
AN INVITATION: Readers who come across further examples of the OCSIOV Syndrome -- Our Cringing Shame In Our Voices -- should feel free to provide links in comments.
