I have lived in many countries but never did I feel like there were so many discrepancies between "theory and practice" as in Australia. The National Anthem is a text that should tell the story of a country. Personally, everytime I see news about refugee camps in Christmas Island or Nauru; everytime I listen to news that tell about cuts on NGO's, schools, hospitals, hospital staff; everytime I see a racist rally being organized and attended to by people; everytime I see news of foreign investment or soon, total ownership of many different areas of the country's economy; everytime I read about the atrocities done to the Aborigines - and the list goes on - it just makes me want to cry and hide! I remind you of the National Anthem Words:
"Australians all let us rejoice,
For we are young and free;
We’ve golden soil and wealth for toil;
Our home is girt by sea;
Our land abounds in nature’s gifts
Of beauty rich and rare;
In history’s page, let every stage
Advance Australia Fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing,
Advance Australia Fair.
Beneath our radiant Southern Cross
We’ll toil with hearts and hands;
To make this Commonwealth of ours
Renowned of all the lands;
For those who’ve come across the seas
We’ve boundless plains to share;
With courage let us all combine
To Advance Australia Fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing,
Advance Australia Fair."
See the contradictions? The hypocrisy? The hidden lies? Well, me two and I am not happy about it. The idea people outside Australia have of us here is very different to the reality! Secrets are well kept and that means that something stinks in the background.
I propose the words get changed or most importantly, before any decision is made, that you stop for a minute and think if it is going to be according to the Nation's values or simply another beautiful lie...
