Catriona Elder: Being Australian: Narratives of National Identity

Events – July 25th, 2007 by Don

Venue: gleebooks, 49 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe
Cost: Free
RSVP: gleebooks - 9660 2333

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. After a century of speculation by writers, filmmakers, travelers and scholars, being ‘Australian’ has become a recognisable shorthand for a group of national characteristics. Now, in an era of international terrorism, being seen as ‘un-Australian’ has become a potent rhetorical weapon for some, and a badge of honour for others.

Catriona Elder explores the origins, meaning and effects of the many stories we tell about ourselves, and how they have changed over time. She outlines some of the traditional stories and their role in Australian nationalism, and she shows how concepts of egalitarianism, peaceful settlement and sporting prowess have been used to create a national identity.

Elder also investigates the cultural and social perspectives that have been used to critique dominant accounts of Australian identity, including ideas of class, gender, sexuality, ethnicity and race. She shows how these critiques have been, in turn, queried in recent years.

Being Australian is an ideal introduction to studying Australia for anyone interested in understanding Australian society, culture and history.

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