Two things:

1. Before World War One we did have a national identity, we just didn't realise what is was until Gallipoli. And no, I'm not talking jingoistic crap like mate ship, or courage. Soldiers from across the world displayed those qualities, not just ANZAC troops.

In 1915, we already had one of the world's most egalitarian democratic societies. By 1915 we had already had several Labor governments, women could already vote, and we had created a substantial social and industrial safety net. Other countries called us the "social laboratory".

With the obvious exception of Aboriginal people, we did have a much more egalitarian culture than most European countries, with their class privileges and entitlement.

Our own egalitarian culture became a lot more obvious in wartime, when we were jammed together with the rest of our allies. In this regard, Gallipoli revealed who we already were.

2. I don't think you should throw out ANZAC day just because a few conservative politicians use it to spread jingo and nationalistic sentiment. I'm sure some idiot will get up tomorrow and talk about the ANZAC legend, and I'll be ignoring that person. We weren't the only country whose soldiers were brave and courageous.

To me the first purpose of ANZAC day (and rememberance day in Europe) is to give the funeral service for those family members who never saw their sons again, and to commemorate those who fell. I don't see any jingoism, nationalism or patriarchal values in the last post, the ode, or the minute's silence. Those sections of the service are sad for a reason. We are sad for the millions of people who fought in a stupid war and never came back, or who came back damaged.

Separate the ANZAC legend from ANZAC day, and treat the day like the funeral ceremony that it really is.


Edited by lastbroadcast: 24/4/2015 09:37:49 PM

Two things:

1. Before World War One we did have a national identity, we just didn't realise what is was until Gallipoli. And no, I'm not talking jingoistic crap like mate ship, or courage. Soldiers from across the world displayed those qualities, not just ANZAC troops.

In 1915, we already had one of the world's most egalitarian democratic societies. By 1915 we had already had several Labor governments, women could already vote, and we had created a substantial social and industrial safety net. Other countries called us the "social laboratory".

With the obvious exception of Aboriginal people, we did have a much more egalitarian culture than most European countries, with their class privileges and entitlement.

Our own egalitarian culture became a lot more obvious in wartime, when we were jammed together with the rest of our allies. In this regard, Gallipoli revealed who we already were.

2. I don't think you should throw out ANZAC day just because a few conservative politicians use it to spread jingo and nationalistic sentiment. I'm sure some idiot will get up tomorrow and talk about the ANZAC legend, and I'll be ignoring that person. We weren't the only country whose soldiers were brave and courageous.

To me the first purpose of ANZAC day (and rememberance day in Europe) is to give the funeral service for those family members who never saw their sons again, and to commemorate those who fell. I don't see any jingoism, nationalism or patriarchal values in the last post, the ode, or the minute's silence. Those sections of the service are sad for a reason. We are sad for the millions of people who fought in a stupid war and never came back, or who came back damaged.

Separate the ANZAC legend from ANZAC day, and treat the day like the funeral ceremony that it really is.


Edited by lastbroadcast: 24/4/2015 09:37:49 PM

I understand the thought that it's disrespectful to go out and get pissed on ANZAC Day, but if ANZAC Day is meant to be a national funeral ceremony for the soldiers then in the same way there is a wake after a funeral that often involves lots of drinking, why would today be any different?