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December 15, 2005
This is the ugly face of Australian nationalism that defended the beach at Cronulla from Lebanese-Australian gangs in the predominantly white enclave of Cronulla.
Bill Leak
It is the face of an aggressive and exclusivist nationalism. This nationalism is the anthesis of reason, the rule of law, allegiance to democracy and freedom as embodied in the Enlightenment. It is anti-modern, radical, deeply alienated from the supposed ruling elites and dominant culture, defensive and even paranoid. Through most of Australian history, it has also been deeply racist, not just toward blacks, but toward most minority groups, including Chinese and Aborigines.
The angry and exclusivist outlook of the aggrieved and aggressive right is still cloaked in the 'nationalist' rhetoric of the "Australian ethos " of democracy and freedom, the fair go, and Australian patriotism. The underlying sentiment is one of a permanent state of siege from the war on terrorism, as well as a defensive response to the continuing stresses on the working and lower middle class as they cope with globalization and economic change.
Can we speak of an Australian fascism forming?
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Gary, That image is disingenuous. It was kids that caused the problems. Not balding white males. Exclusion came in board shirts and broad tanned chests, the bronzed aussie. Not the overweight and balding western suburbs stereotype.