I don't even know how to start with this post but I'll have a go.
So, for the benefit of people outside of Australia, let me remind you of the growing movement to change our national day from the day white settlement (or colonisation) started in this country to some other day in the 365 day year.
"Australia Day" is becoming controversial.
So, last week sometime, our biggest grocery retailer (Woolworths) announced that there would be no Australia Day merchandise in Woolworths supermarkets or in the associated discount store, Big W.
Woolworths said "there had been a gradual decline for Australia Day merchandise, in part due to the “broader discussion” around changing the date of the January 26 public holiday."
And then Australia went mad.
The opposition leader called for a boycott of Woolworths, the Prime Minister bizarrely chose to respond. I like the PM but who gives any energy to the ramblings of a maniac?
Woolworths stores have been vandalised.
People plan to "protest" by walking around stores without buying a thing.
All this, over some Australian flag merchandise, made in China and destined for landfill within hours.
All this when there is still another supermarket and every $2 junk shop in the country, happily filling the gap with meaningless, flag stamped, knick knacks tchotkes rubbish.
Who can see the flag on your thongs/ flip flops when your feet are on top of it?
Why are our politicians talking about the loss of novelty sunglasses?
How long is this announcement, which said nothing of any significance, going to dominate people's thinking?
I'm sure other Australians can recall some national stupidities of the past so remind me, what was more ridiculous than this?
Sigh. Captain Negativity delights in confecting outrage. I belong to those who would like to see the date changed but whenever Australia Day is held surely we can produce better items to celebrate the day than those we have seen in recent years.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to see the date changed and have asked to work on the day if that option is available.
DeleteAnd yes, better merchandise!
The jingoism of flags and symbols always appalls me. Especially on underwear and other unmentionables. Like, seriously? Respect? This disconnect would be amusing only that it results in absolutely stupid (and dishonest) spoutings from those always on the frontlines of "distract the peasants".
ReplyDeleteI had no idea Woolworth's is still a valid entity in some parts of the world.
XO
WWW
Woolworths make bucket loads of money but they are an evil corporation so I want to say theyre not valid!!
DeleteFrom this Canadian boy this sounds more than ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteIt's a new low, Red
DeleteSome people have to be heard. I really think I would be outraged if the 4th of July were deemed worthless. But, these are different circumstances in our countries. Yet, I have friends who have to be overly vociferous about everything.
ReplyDeleteNot everyone will agree with changing the date and they are entitled to that but the idea of vandalising a supermarket just because it decides not to sell some non-essentials seems to me to be excessive.
DeleteWhat a ridiculous fuss over nothing. Some people just love to stoke up unnecessary controversies over utterly trivial issues. As for vandalising supermarkets, how idiotic and childish can you get?
ReplyDeletePeople seem to think Woolworths are unAustralian or even treasonous by not stocking the silly novelty stuff they normally do. And of course that raises the question of who and what is Australia, exactly? It's the same people who didn't want equity for our first people.......
DeleteIronically - over here in England we don't really have a national day. Sure we have got St George's Day - April 23rd - but most people just ignore it and if you asked your average citizen to name the date they simply would not know.
ReplyDeleteI learnt about St Georges Day in school but I couldnt have remembered the date. Australia Day was regarded as just a day off until 1988 when there were huge bicentennial celebrations and it became a thing at that time
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