Interestingly, the convict origins of mateship perhaps explain some of the political maneuvers it later developed. The celebration of mateship is no more promoted than the various unionists and movements around Australia, in the past and indeed the present. Mateship can be seen to be used in the Union movements against government and business’ trying to weaken their authority, an idea of which draws many parallels to the convicts that suffered but banded together under the strain of authorities.
Yet, the concept of mateship was strengthened further in what many regard as the true beginning of Australian national identity, WW1. Fighting for mates became a justification for fighting a war that perhaps didn’t have any impact on their lives …show more content…
The belief in ‘the fair go’ can be loosely explained as wanting to help the underdog over the oppressor. Much like Australia’s convict beginnings, the idea and perhaps the expression, asking for ‘a fair crack of the whip’ is highly idealized amongst many within Australian society.
‘Australia, just after federation in 1901 was one of the first countries in the world to grant women the right to vote and stand for parliament’.(3) ‘Further still, the introduction of the eight hour working day setting, a standard that most of the world soon followed’ (4); certainly followed the idea of a fair go. “ By federation Australia had the highest living standards and the most equal distribution of income of all the ‘developed nations’ as well as early achievement of political democracy” (5) In fact The Bulliten characterised Australians as “ economically independent, egalitarian, resourceful, contemptuous of authority and possessing a sardonic humor”(6). The Australian idea of the fair go for all was supposed to overturn older ideas of class and …show more content…
Throughout its relatively brief history, the idea of mateship has been planted from its convict roots only for it now to be celebrated as a key cornerstone of Australian national culture and identity. The ultimate of what an Australian can be and through various conflicts and sport, the ideal of mateship has won admiration from many around the world. Whereas the concept of ‘The land of the Fair go’ has had its detractors it still remains a pivotal aspect of Australian national identity in today 's world of increasing conflict and perceived
Yet, the concept of mateship was strengthened further in what many regard as the true beginning of Australian national identity, WW1. Fighting for mates became a justification for fighting a war that perhaps didn’t have any impact on their lives …show more content…
The belief in ‘the fair go’ can be loosely explained as wanting to help the underdog over the oppressor. Much like Australia’s convict beginnings, the idea and perhaps the expression, asking for ‘a fair crack of the whip’ is highly idealized amongst many within Australian society.
‘Australia, just after federation in 1901 was one of the first countries in the world to grant women the right to vote and stand for parliament’.(3) ‘Further still, the introduction of the eight hour working day setting, a standard that most of the world soon followed’ (4); certainly followed the idea of a fair go. “ By federation Australia had the highest living standards and the most equal distribution of income of all the ‘developed nations’ as well as early achievement of political democracy” (5) In fact The Bulliten characterised Australians as “ economically independent, egalitarian, resourceful, contemptuous of authority and possessing a sardonic humor”(6). The Australian idea of the fair go for all was supposed to overturn older ideas of class and …show more content…
Throughout its relatively brief history, the idea of mateship has been planted from its convict roots only for it now to be celebrated as a key cornerstone of Australian national culture and identity. The ultimate of what an Australian can be and through various conflicts and sport, the ideal of mateship has won admiration from many around the world. Whereas the concept of ‘The land of the Fair go’ has had its detractors it still remains a pivotal aspect of Australian national identity in today 's world of increasing conflict and perceived