Backbencher

Lecture 6 was about the society in Australia and New Zealand. Some of the founding mythologies in these two countries are that Australia was formed from convict settlement, while New Zealand was a planned settlement. Australia was obstreperous class conscious and New Zealand is thought to be a classless society. Both New Zealand and Australia were bicultural Nations, Native (Aboriginal, Maori) and British. New Zealand is thought be an Arcadian myth, a better society than Britain, or a more British society than Britain itself, and not Australia. There were an increase number of farms in the 1970’s in New Zealand. In the mid 1950’s, Australia was an urban, capitalist country that was absent of wealth as stated in The Story of Australia by A.G.L. Shaw. After World War II, Navi's were people that were paid to come to Australia to increase their population.

Footie is a very commonly played game in New Zealand and Australia, also known as Rugby. There are three different variations of the game, Rugby Union, Rugby League, and Australian Rules. The All Blacks is the most successful international rugby organization and is a definition of masculinity in the country. Their main sponsor is Steinlager, and I’m curious how such a sponsor can be for such a prestige’s team if no one from New Zealand buys their products? Other sports played in these counties are netball, field hockey, and cricket.

Have you been to any rugby games, or played in any rugby games Dr. Isern?