Branding Nationality

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Recommended: The role of media in identity formation

Australian identity is an ever-changing concept, arising as subject matter in copious debates, and often leading to speculation as to what it truly means to be an Australian. Stereotypes, defined as, “generalizations about a group of people whereby we attribute a defined set of characteristics to this group” (Lippmann 1922, Allport 1954) are often picked up by outsiders and in turn proliferated through iconic texts; rarely privileging Australian identity and ultimately leading to fallacious and simplified conceptions. Recognised as a prevalent aspect of Australian life, stereotypes are incessantly perpetuated through means of media, leading to prejudice; moreover, silencing the true Australian identity.

The Aussie Bushman stereotype, exploited throughout a range of texts, often results in misleading and inaccurate representations of Australian identity. The typical Bushman is characterised by their easy going and fair go attitude; demonstrating the importance of mateship and the irrefutable need to be resourceful, physically strong, resilient and quick on their feet. This ideology is foregrounded in a plethora of texts, such as; Crocodile Dundee, The Men of The Open Spaces and The Australian Legend, all revering Aussie Bushman traits. It is undeniable that there is an inextricable correlation between identity and culture; as Australia becomes increasingly multicultural, the more prevalent changes in national identity become. Stereotypes often disprove this idea, providing falsified depictions of Australian identity and failing to encompass such cultural diversity. This, in turn, can be detrimental to the nation, resulting in prejudices and; ultimately, serving as a hindrance for globalization.

A stereotype commonplace when l...

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...ns.com/culture/movies/crocodiledundee.html

Grimes, L. (n.d.). Henry Lawson's Ballad of the Drover | Suite101.com. Linda Sue Grimes Writing Profile | Suite101.com. Retrieved May 16, 2012, from

Lippmann., & Allport. (n.d.). Stereotypes. Changing minds. Retrieved May 13, 2012, from http://changingminds.org/explanations/theories/stereotypes.htm

Longstaff, S. (n.d.). Australian identity | St James Ethics Centre. St James Ethics Centre | St James Ethics Centre. Retrieved May 16, 2012, from http://www.ethics.org.au/ethics-articles/australian-identity

Stereotypes of Australia. (n.d.). Convict Creations - Re-Imagining Australia. Retrieved May 16, 2012, from http://www.convictcreations.com/research/australianstereotypes.html

The Australian Identity. (n.d.). Convict Creations - Re-Imagining Australia. Retrieved May 16, 2012, from http://www.convictcreations.com/research

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