Nile, Richard (2000) Introduction. In: Nile, Richard, (ed.) The Australian Legend and Its Discontents. University of Queensland Press, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, pp. 1-7.

PDF (Published Version) - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only

Abstract

[Extract] The Australian legend is a storyline that has influenced and given shape to nationalist interpretations of Australia. By highlighting and privileging select aspects of the settler experience - indigenous Australians do not figure - the legend acts as a narrative that seamlessly weaves together otherwise complex and sometimes differentiated events, circumstances and characters. It is exclusive, narrow and hierarchical. Women make cameo appearances but only in subordinate and supportive roles. Yet the legend gives the appearance of being wide-ranging and generously embracing, as a story whose heroes are the common stock of the nation. Its bias, 'offensively Australian', was appropriated from Joseph Furphy's Such is Life (1903) by 'old left' radical nationalists in the first half of the twentieth century. More recently, conservative-right elements, for example, the short-lived fireball of 'One Nation', have authorised themselves as the legitimate inheritors of the legend.

Item ID:	54131
Item Type:	Book Chapter (Scholarly Work)
ISBN:	978-0-7022-2985-5
Keywords:	Australian history, historical narratives, nationalism, conservatism,
Date Deposited:	12 Nov 2018 00:30
FoR Codes:	21 HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGY > 2103 Historical Studies > 210303 Australian History (excl Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander History) @ 60% 20 LANGUAGE, COMMUNICATION AND CULTURE > 2005 Literary Studies > 200502 Australian Literature (excl Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Literature) @ 40%
SEO Codes:	95 CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING > 9505 Understanding Past Societies > 950503 Understanding Australias Past @ 30% 95 CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING > 9502 Communication > 950203 Languages and Literature @ 70%
Downloads:	Total: 3
	More Statistics