Backbencher

The societies of Australia and New Zealand have their respective sterotypical figures. For New Zealand, the Barry Crump image defines who they are. The Barry Crump image makes me think of the Hearty American pionniers going out west, like Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone. That myth of overcoming obstacles is in many colonial histories as they make the colony from a barbarous place to a civilized society. Even thought the irony of that is that Australia was a settlement of the worst of British society.

According to William Pember Reeves, the New Zealanders created a middle class society. Also being along from family and being in a harsh land like Australia, can create this ideal of mateship. This ideal whether it is an Australian mate (friend) or New Zealand mate (equal) is quite strong in both societies even to this day.

Sports and athletics in general help define a nation and its people. The spirit of competition brings pride. Australian Rules rugby developed before the English-style of rugby. The rough and brutish style of the game fits the convict heritage of Australia. It does not reflect the more civil British game, but Australia was not for civil men.

The statement that rugby created in the mid 20th Century is intersting. New Zealand All Blacks show harmony between New Zealander and Maori while South Africa is still divided. I had no idea that a game could divide people and make such a bold statement.

The same can be said about sports in all nations. Soccer (football depending on nation) is the sport of the world. The fierceness of the competition and the passion that many feel for the sport crates a national pride that goes beyond military strength. New Zealand, a minor nation in Western affairs, can take pride in the All Blacks to show their greatness in the world.