Backbencher

Lecture Six was titled Society: All Blacks v. Wallabies and focused on the myths and culture that make up both Australia and New Zealand societies. The myths of Australia's convict settlement and New Zealands planned settlement have permeated both cultures and shaped the way both countries have developed, with Australia attempting to become distinctly NOT ENGLISH and New Zealand trying to become distictly NOT AUSTRALIAN. In New Zealand the idea of a planned settlement with good relations with the Maori people has evolved into a society today that still sees itself as the pinnacle of racial relations in the world even though they might be exaggerating a bit. In Australia the convict past has evolved into a country that identifies itself with its least productive lands and praises outlaws from the past. The real question is, however, how do these myths translate into the modern societies. Both nations, according to Dr. Isern, have developed into multi-cultural nations with anglo backgrounds. They differ, however, in the fact that Australia has become an increasingly urban nation while the rural idea still holds strong in New Zealand. Both nations origins have shaped the way that they have developed into the 21st century but neither nation was able to remain 100% true to their origin myths.

The most interesting part of this lecture to me was the last part about the popular sports in both nations. I admit to not knowing a whole lot about Rugby but have always enjoyed what little glimpses I have been able to catch on television. Both games are fascinating to watch because even though the strategies seem odd to someone who was raised playing football the creativity it would take to play the game is amazing.I wish more rugby and australian rules football was televised in the U.S., preferably between football seasons.