Synopses & Reviews
Thought of most often in the context of the Olympics or other sporting events, national anthems are a significant way for a nation and its citizens to express their identity and unity. Despite their prevalence, anthems as an expression of national self-image and culture have rarely been examineduntil now. Anthem Quality analyzes the lyrics of many anthems in order to explore their historical and contemporary context. Christopher Kelens research reveals how many of the worlds most famous and best-known national anthems, including The Marseillaise,” The Star-Spangled Banner,” and God Save the Queen” deal with such topics as authority, religion, and political devotion.
Review
"A timely and significant new analysis—essential reading on issues of identity and our own anxieties about national belonging and what it means to 'be Australian' in a globalising world." —Kate Darian-Smith, professor of Australian studies and history, University of Melbourne
Review
"A clever work: incisive and original. At a time when Australian identities have never been more debated, Elder finds an open way through the closed doors which often restrict cultural representations of 'Australian-ness.'" —Adam Shoemaker, dean of arts, The Australian National University
Synopsis
Following a decade of major social and cultural change in Australia, this study looks at what exactly it means to be Australian and examines how different conceptssuch as egalitarianism and sporting prowesshave been used to create a national identity. Serving as a broad introduction to Australian history and social science, it explores the origins and effects of the national character, including the dominant ideas of class, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, and race in modern society.
Synopsis
After a century of speculation by writers, filmmakers, travelers and scholars, being Australian' has become a recognisable shorthand for a group of national characteristics. Now, in an era of international terrorism, being seen as un-Australian' has become a potent rhetorical weapon for some, and a badge of honour for others.
Catriona Elder explores the origins, meaning and effects of the many stories we tell about ourselves, and how they have changed over time. She outlines some of the traditional stories and their role in Australian nationalism, and she shows how concepts of egalitarianism, peaceful settlement and sporting prowess have been used to create a national identity.
Elder also investigates the cultural and social perspectives that have been used to critique dominant accounts of Australian identity, including ideas of class, gender, sexuality, ethnicity and race. She shows how these critiques have been, in turn, queried in recent years.
Being Australian is an ideal introduction to studying Australia for anyone interested in understanding Australian society, culture and history.
A clever work: incisive and original. At a time when Australian identities have never been more debated, Elder finds an open way through the closed doors which often restrict cultural representations of Australian-ness.'
Professor Adam Shoemaker, Dean of Arts, ANU
This is a timely and significant new analysis essential reading on issues of identity and our own anxieties about national belonging and what it means to be Australian' in a globalising world.'
Kate Darian-Smith, Professor of Australian Studies and History, University of Melbourne
About the Author
Catriona Elder lectures in the department of sociology and social policy at the University of Sydney.