Backbencher

By discussing the nature of society and culture in New Zealand and Australia, the subject of their national identities is brought to the forefront.

For example, each nation clings to its founding mythologies. In Australia this results in a nostalgic view of convict settlement and the persistence of rural ideals such as mateship. In addition, they take pride in not being British. On the other hand, New Zealand sees itself as a carefully planned extension of the British Empire. They have created a society that has preserved the best of the old world but without its evils, such as class distinctions. Their close social relationship to the motherland is favored over their geographic ties to Australia and results in the “not Australian” sentiment in New Zealand. Both nations viewed themselves as ethnically European, at least until very recently.

These identities are not necessarily accurate, though. Australia has always been massively urban and New Zealand refuses to admit the uncontrolled nature of its early settlements and the appearance of distinct social classes. In contradiction to the Caucasian identity of each country, there has been a steady increase in native populations as well as substantial immigration from Asian and Polynesian areas. Still, the perceived identities have been very influential on the cultures that have developed in each nation. This can be observed in everything from fashion to housing to sporting events.

The discussion of New Zealand/South African rugby was particularly interesting. Mostly, I found it inconsistent that a nation priding itself on its racial policies would abandon its values in order to compete in a rugby match. Perhaps New Zealand’s affinity for British traditions superceded its desire for equality and progress. This appears to be the case, at least temporarily.

One thing I would like to know more about is the importance of American culture in each nation. For example, how much of their television programming or popular music comes from the United States? If the majority is local to Australia or New Zealand, it would indicate that their respective culture might be more persistent in a world where American culture is taking root worldwide.