Saturday, January 27, 2018

Australia Day divided..



We were in the city yesterday to see what was going on for Australia Day. That day when the First Fleet arrived at Port Jackson and raised the British flag. The two shots here taken from the bridge in Elizabeth Quay. Boats heading out to claim their spot for the fireworks display later in the evening, hope those young people on the boat above have sun-cream on!


It was a different scene in Forrest Place where a group of Aboriginal and white Australians were gathering for a march to protest the date of Australia Day. It's worth a read of the short news article here (would have happened soon after we left the city) to get an insight into how Australians both indigenous and white view the celebration date. A statement from one of the white pro-keeping the date "if we keep changing dates and things then we'll lose our identity as a nation" Whaaat! That's just ridiculous! As far as I know the date has never been changed before and seriously, as we did invade back in 1788, I'm pretty sure we weren't invited, it's the least we can do. Everyone has heard the Aussie greeting g'day mate, well how about May8.. get it 'mate' :) Happy weekend, take care and stay safe..


24 comments:

  1. Since I retired I've never been sure about what day it is, so it wouldn't matter much to me. And as long as people got their day off work and plenty of beer and fireworks I don't suppose they'd be too concerned either.

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  2. ...like John, I have difficulty knowing one day from the next. I hope that you had a great day.

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  3. I also hope those young sunbathers have sun protection with the incredible heat you've had. I still don't know what date Australia day should be although we celebrated it with our Aus colleagues in West Africa. I hope you had a good day, Grace. Greetings Jo

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  4. Ich hoffe es war ein schöner Tag das Wetter war ja in Ordnung.

    Noke

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  5. Beautiful day to be on the water! Interesting to hear about the date controversy.

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  6. Food for thought. I the date really offends so many people, perhaps it should be changed.

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  7. People today have become skilled at being offended. Have a great day!

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  8. I hope you had fun despite the controversy, Grace.

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  9. Odd... thought I commented on this one. Beautiful shots, Grace.

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  10. Happy Australia Day, unless you are indigenous in which case you have my sympathy. We have the same mixed feelings about our Thanksgiving Day. As the native people here say, "There goes the neighborhood." Looks like a great summer day out on the water.

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  11. Beautiful shots, Grace. Whatever the date is, enjoy and celebrate.

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  12. It looks so hot! May 8th would be a great choice!

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  13. Weather looks beautiful. I thought only the U.s. Government liked changing hoildays so they no longer mean anything.

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  14. Columbus Day in the U.S. (honoring Christopher Columbus, one of the explorers who "discovered" the U.S.) generates some controversy here, particularly from Native Americans who don't see him as much of a hero, much less anyone to celebrate.

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  15. Beautiful pics.
    Greetings from India.

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  16. That's a lot of bare skin on the boat. Hope it's not too red today.
    Thanks for your Australia Day pictures and insights. Do people still sing Advance Australia Fair?

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  17. Does it really matter what date it is if Australia wants to celebrate? Interesting post though. Hoe is the cough? Enjoy your day Diane

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  18. People are upset nowadays about the wrong things. History is history and you can accept that and not look at it with modern eyes. Things have been wrong in the past, but we learned of it and changed things to be better. Here we have the same discussions about slavery. Times have changed and history is the past.

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  19. Wishing ALL Australians a Happy Australia Day!

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  20. Happy belated Australia Day!

    The Indian Ocean is sooooo blue....

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    Cup Z Sexy Girl

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  22. People get offended too easily. No one today was alive then, Aboriginal or those of European descent. How long will white Australians have to bear the guilt & blame for "Invasion Day". What happened centuries ago happened & we can't change that. Changing the date won't change the past. For the record I don't care what date it is on & whether they change it or not. I just think that there will always be those looking for a reason to be offended.

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  23. Some people, right, but oh wow what a day to be out and about!

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  24. I never tire of seeing your city, the people and the structures, and oh yes the bluest of waters and skies! Lucky you.

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