Inventing Australia: Images and Identity, 1688-1980 (The Australian Experience ; No. 3)

Rating:
Summary: Challenging the notion of cultural identity
Review: White's book is a fascinating read for anyone who has ever thought about the question of national identity and how the rest of the world perceives a particular country's people. While White's focus is the Australian identity and the images associated with it, what he has to say applies to the rest of us, as well. His argument is that national identity changes with different ages, but that the images which become those identities, for instance, the World War I "digger" or the "convict" identity which have at different times been seen as "Australian identity," are really the constructions of people in power who believe a particular identity will further their own or the country's aims. The image, then, of the Australian "digger," the tough-minded, uncomplaining and stalwart soldier of World War I, is an identity that was necessary and helpful to those in power as they tried to convince people that Australians had a duty to fight and were good at it. The book may not be as interesting to those who are unfamiliar with these Australian images of themselves, but it is not hard to apply it to American identity. Our own images of ourselves as an "immigrant," "wealthy industrialist," or "pioneering" society are just as vital to our perception of our own history, and just as challenged by White's thesis. However, the book may be most interesting to those who have spent time outside of their own culture or have had experiences being stereotyped because of their nationality. This is a challenging and useful book for anyone who has ever wondered about cultural issues and how national identity is influencing policy and history.

Rating:
Summary: Challenging the notion of cultural identity
Review: White's book is a fascinating read for anyone who has ever thought about the question of national identity and how the rest of the world perceives a particular country's people. While White's focus is the Australian identity and the images associated with it, what he has to say applies to the rest of us, as well. His argument is that national identity changes with different ages, but that the images which become those identities, for instance, the World War I "digger" or the "convict" identity which have at different times been seen as "Australian identity," are really the constructions of people in power who believe a particular identity will further their own or the country's aims. The image, then, of the Australian "digger," the tough-minded, uncomplaining and stalwart soldier of World War I, is an identity that was necessary and helpful to those in power as they tried to convince people that Australians had a duty to fight and were good at it. The book may not be as interesting to those who are unfamiliar with these Australian images of themselves, but it is not hard to apply it to American identity. Our own images of ourselves as an "immigrant," "wealthy industrialist," or "pioneering" society are just as vital to our perception of our own history, and just as challenged by White's thesis. However, the book may be most interesting to those who have spent time outside of their own culture or have had experiences being stereotyped because of their nationality. This is a challenging and useful book for anyone who has ever wondered about cultural issues and how national identity is influencing policy and history.