Backbencher

In lecture number four we discussed the myth history of Australia and New Zealand, the convict transportation and settlement of Australia, and the settlement of New Zealand. From mythology I learned about the convicts that were sent to Australia from Europe. There were three colonies of convicts established: New South Wales in 1788, Van Diemans Land in 1812, and Western Australia in 1829. Many convicts went through hardships while in Australia such as starvation and survival in the first fleet. They continued transporting people until they ended between 1850 and 1870 when the operation was canceled.

The planned colonization of New Zealand was very much different. The land was sold and farm workers were brought in to work the land. It almost seemed like they were molding what type of person they want living in the country. However, their perfect society was ruined when they discovered gold. As soon as gold was found, many people moved there in hope to make their fortunes in prospecting. I particularly liked the dysfunction or unconventional upbringing of Australia. I think it is neat how the Australians take pride in their convict heritage whereas New Zealand thinks the complete opposite. My question is if I had a family member whom was a convict would I look up or down on him, and why? Well the truth is I probably would look down on him because I have been raised to condone such things as criminal activity, not embrace it.