Backbencher

This lecture talked about the societies of both Australia and New Zealand. It looked over the mindset of each culture and what is a major part of their day to day life. We started off talking about how society needs to be traced back to the origins of settlement. In both cultures there is a strong connection to the past, even if their beliefs don't necessary match up with their behaviors. This was a good lecture to help understand some of the more personal beliefs that the every day person might have about their culture and country.
There is also a strong national connection to sports such as cricket and rugby. They use these sports as a way to connect to their fellow countrymen (maybe even a reason to cheer against them) as well as reason to step into the national arena. It struck me when thinking about their longing to beat Britain in all sports as a way of defining themselves. This shows up with the U.S. when it comes to a famous golf match called the Ryder Cup. This is a game between Americans and Europeans, and it has a lot of controversy surrounding it.
Something that stood out to me was how Australians don't want to be thought of as British, and that New Zealanders don't want to be thought of as Australian. Both of these ideas are a good example of wanting to be their own country, rather than being thought of as coming from somewhere else.
I also liked the twist Prof. Isern put on the belief of being an outback kind of people versus the reality of becoming a more urban/suburban culture. This goes along with the thesis put forth in class about a self-defined national character, and the ever present idea of national identity.