Australia Cultural Identity

Long has sport been an important aspect of Australian culture. Some attribute the prominence of sport in Australia to the fitness required for the survival of aboriginal tribes during prehistoric times (Parker, 1996). Regardless of the origin of sports’ cultural significance in Australia, its importance is indubitable. However, the question of whether the importance and representation of sport in a cultural identity is exclusive to Australia, still remains. The notion that Sport is as Australian as ‘Kangaroos, Holden Cars and Meat Pies’ suggests that all aspects of sport and its presence within Australia’s culture is unique to the Land Down Under. This essay, through the examination of sporting events, entities and concepts within Australia, …show more content…
The uniqueness to Australian sporting legends resides in the identity and the characteristics that they demonstrate. It is the Australian sporting legends displays of larrikinism, egalitarianism, and stoicism in the face of adversity, as well as what a sporting legend signifies, that Australian society is able to create ties with. When a sporting athlete embodies the characteristics of Australia’s national identity, society views the athlete with a level of pride, and lays claim to them as an Australian …show more content…
A Racial Discrimination Act was employed in 1975 to ensure that people are treated equally regardless of race, ethnic origin, descent, or background (Oliver, 2007). Though this federal law exists, racial discrimination still persists through all walks of Australian culture. Examples of this can be seen in almost all forms of sport. South Sydney NRL captain Bryan Fletcher gave Indigenous Parramatta player a ‘racial spray’ during a 2005 rugby league match, whilst Rugby union player Justin Harrison racially sledged his opposition’s winger in a 2005 super 12 game (Oliver,