<
https://theconversation.com/australia-day-hasnt-always-been-on-january-26-but-it-has-always-been-an-issue-198389>
"January 26 is a date that sparks mixed emotions in Australia. For some, it’s a
day to celebrate all the good things about living in Australia. For others,
it’s a painful reminder of the beginning of British colonisation and the
dispossession of First Nations.
Increasingly, January 26 is becoming a date that divides the nation even as it
attempts to unite it. Some local councils have stopped holding citizenship
ceremonies on the date. In 2018, Triple J stopped hosting its Hottest 100 on
Australia Day, and this year Victoria announced it will no longer hold its
Australia Day parade.
An Essential Poll this week suggests around a quarter of Australians would now
prefer January 26 to be a day to recognise First Nations people with a national
holiday on a separate day.
Those who defend the status quo often appeal to tradition, but it’s important
to recognise Australia Day has not always been celebrated on January 26, and
the meaning of the date has long been contested."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
