 |
| Australia Day 2011, since this year was canceled due to flooding |
Our local radio station is listening to stories of people who have migrated here, "New Aussies," and reminding us that most of our ancestors have only been here for a blink of an eye as well.
(Many Aborigines call this day "Invasion Day" since it celebrates James Cook's arrival at Sydney Cove in 1788, and the beginning of colonialisation, not the official birth of Australia as a federation on January 1, 1901 Lookie there - even a new Aussie can learn!)
In any case, we are listening, this morning, to stories of how other Australians got to be Australians.
Like America, there are many tales.
 |
| Ian with his Aunt Merle |
Karina's ancestor jumped ship within sight of shore.
Damon's great-great-great-great uncle McPherson came over from Scotland to keep watch over Debbie's and Carina's ancestors.
 |
| Damon and Uncle Don contemplate the enormity of their task |
Uncle's parents shuffled him from place to place in the 30s and 40s because his father was white and his mother indigenous and they had to stay one step ahead of the people who wanted to take their children away and reeducate them to 'fit into' modern Australian society. As a servant.
Mick's mate came over a few years ago from Eritrea, where he was sentenced to death for his religious beliefs.
 |
| Aidan taking matters into his own hands |
"Oh. Oh. Oh. Please don't make me go back to GERMANY!
It's COLD there.
And it SNOWS!
The state-sponsored schools really really suck.
Although the roads are good. And everything is neat and tidy.
What do you mean I have to fly to NEW ZEALAND?!
But the airplane seats are really really tight and the movies suck.
AND you have to pay for snacks.
What if the aircon doesn't work?"
Silence.
And applause.
No comments:
Post a Comment