Is an Australian Mate also Unfair, Unreasonable and Dogmatic?

Is an Australian Mate also Unfair, Unreasonable and Dogmatic?

An article I posted: March 9, 2016

I thought to repost it because; I personally can not recall a time in our lives. There is much going on – at the same time there is great disconnect.

My take on this moment in time, this disconnect; we are in desperate need of leadership. In my view, that is where it starts, consumer confidence is more than numbers, or interest rate etc. 

One example: The housing crisis is REAL – resolved would contribute to family, intergenerational wealth, social-fabric and our economy. It is resolvable… yet this disconnect continues and, continues.

Our own national anthem; “Advance Australia Fair”, may serve to remind us to rejoice in our ability to be fair to one another.

Please read full article below. 

The word mate generally refers to someone who is a comrade, someone to whom you would offer support, and someone who is extended a warm welcome.  Australians place a great deal of weight on being a mate.  There is a sense of pride in being a good mate and in being someone’s mate; we even affectionately consider sports heroes and popular celebrities as familiar mates. 

As a nation, Australia’s generosity extends to immigration, foreign aid, and pulling together in national and international disasters.  Australians do make a difference and it is wonderful to see our goodwill in action.  In fact, we do not like people who go against these values and will label someone “un-Australian” when we see conduct that is considered greedy or unfair.

Our competitive successes sit with the best in the world and despite our challenges; we do not like to be second best.  Our business acumen, sport, science and creative skills are admired the world over.  Our pride and love for our country is also well recognized.  We loyally respect the Anzac legend of our forefathers and proudly raise our flag.

Yet, despite an understood readiness to help our mates, our fellow Australians, our neighbours; the same code of being a mate can quickly turn to scathing rebuke if our national or ethical code of mateship is deemed to be sullied or broken by another individual or group. Why do we do this?

As Australians, why do we turn from mate to hate on our fellowman with such a passion?  Why do we celebrate success but equally persecute it with bitter hatred?  Australians are commonly said to have a tall poppy syndrome where one foot wrong may find a personality or team on the receiving end of their own nation’s contempt. 

Is this because we instinctively follow the mass herd mentality?  Are we are so proud of our humble heritage that we have no tolerance for over-confidence or self-importance?  Are we simply cheering with the cheerers and hating with the haters?

Are we all expecting such high standards and faultlessness from our mates that we have no tolerance when a mate fails or makes a mistake?  Why do we zealously join with mob fervour?  As a nation, does this praise or pummel behaviour serve the spirit of community into the future? 

When our mates go overseas to build their dreams, do those who reach a celebrated status choose not fly as high as they could for fear of being attacked by their own?  Do we need to challenge what is a deep-rooted national behaviour or simply accept that this is who we are?

What is a mate?  A mate is there for all times, not just the good times.  In fact, it’s downright un-Australian to only be simply a fair-weather mate!   Our own national anthem; “Advance Australia Fair”, may serve to remind us to rejoice in our ability to be fair to one another.

Anthony Aoun