The Truth Behind The Australian Flag
By Sean Keenan
Undoubtedly I'm becoming more left wing as I get older. I think it's a natural evolution for a deep thinker. At some point in the last few years I have hung my ego up on the hat rack and left my preconceived ideas at the doorstep. Time to put serious thought into some of the issues we have in our culture and one of the glaring examples I found early on is the issue with the Australian Flag.
Do you remember the first time you saw the English flag? The first time I clapped my peepers on it my first reaction is that they must have really liked our flag, because they've taken the corner of ours and based their entire flag on it.
Then there is the history of the flag itself. Far from being steeped in a rich majestic tradition, it's origins are in fact dire at best. Its crucial to watch the link below to understand the point I am trying to make. Watch and then read on.
The History Of The Australian Flag
Recognise this flag? No, you don't. It's one of a number of similar versions of Canada's flag pre-1965. The resemblance to our own flag is disconcerting; In fact, our flag is visually very similar to a variety of other countries out there. After 1965, Canada grew some balls, established their own identity and created their iconic maple leaf design.
Australia on the other hand have kept a very outdated, and in some ways, insulting flag. Its purely representative of the views and ideas held by the british more then a century ago. It bears no relation on who we are in the 21st century and insults Australia's previous main occupants who had been living here peacefully for at least 40,000 years. The sole thing going for it is that we all grew up with it, and so it feels homely. The deep rich blue and how it mixes with the white and red. It represents us. Who we are. To degrade it is considered sacrilege to many people. And that's a fair call - there is nothing wrong with defending the symbol of our great country - the problem as it is, lies in the flaw of its design.
So, a very left wing point of view. A point of view that, indeed, makes a very thoughtful point.
