· AUSTRALIA DAY ISSUE
“NOTHING SCARED HERE TO SEE”
· 26 January, Judith Ireland
In Australia, the summer season is the time during which a fiery debate reoccurs almost every January, addressing the controversial issues of the national holiday, Australia Day. Judith Ireland’s opinion piece, published January 26th, was written with the purpose of conveying the message that the celebration of Australia Day ignores the violent history of Australia. By announcing that there is “nothing sacred here to see” about the declared day, Judith communicates a want for a change of date. Using shifting yet overall contemptuous and critical tone, Ireland addresses the general public of Australia or those who have an interest in Australian politics, highlighting that the brutal history that celebrates the “anniversary of British colonisation” is offensive. In this opinion piece, Ireland specifically critiques the Australian politicians who reject the Greens initiative to change the date of Australia Day, stating the day to be insignificant in regards to cultural tradition. The author contends that despite her beliefs that the current Australia Day celebrations hold no cultural significance, the day will be continued to be celebrated in such a way, ultimately concealing the celebration of a “proper Australia Day” .
“Nothing Sacred to see here” announces Judith Ireland in response to the fiery debate of Australia Day. Ireland highlights the views Australian politicians have, quoting Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull, who commented “I’m disappointed by those who want to change the date of Australia Day...seeking to take a day...that would divide us” in response to Greens leader, Richard Di Natale's, initiative to make changing the date one of his top priorities. Along with Trade minister Steve Ciobo who said the attempt would “delegitimize the significance and cultural impact of Australia day, and Citizenship minister, Alan Tudge aggressively stating “do not ruin Australia Day for the rest of us”. By this, the author alludes that “non-indigenous politicians” are ignoring the feelings of indigenous leaders such as Labour MP Linda Burnley who “wearily noted…[she had] been dealing with this issue … for 30 years”. In revealing that Linda Burnley had been dealing with such an issue for “30 years”, Ireland accentuates the apparent futility and helplessness of her attempts, thus striving to inspire the reader to take action to help her bring awareness to and change the date of Australia Day, a day that makes Australia appear to be “a Republic of Horrible Idiots”.
Judith then continues to utilise sarcasm, criticising politicians who support Australia Day, aggressively exclaiming “Political leaders … are hellbent…into making Australia Day into some sort of sacred cow”. By Ireland's’ attempts to discredit and dishonor politicians efforts to keep the day from changing, aligns her readers to agree with her argument against the celebration of declared day, eliciting readers...
