AN ATTEMPT to unite Australians behind a more “inclusive” national anthem appears to have backfired, with long-running community divisions spilling onto social media.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced during his News Year’s Day address that the second line of the national song would now read “we are one and free” in place of “young and free”.
The change is a response to recent concerns that the word “young” could imply exclusion of aboriginal Australians. It is reported that NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian had suggested the re-wording.
ANCIENT
Mr Morrison said such a change was for all Australians.
“We are one country and have proven so from generation to generation,” the prime minister said.
“Australia as a modern nation may be relatively young, but our country’s story is ancient.
“In the spirit of unity, it is only right that we also acknowledge this and ensure our national anthem reflects this truth and shared appreciation.”
While the change has won widespread support, there is a loud chorus of activists demanding it goes further.
Champion sportsman Anthony Mundine said the change was a “kick in the face”.
The NRL footballer turned boxer said the anthem remained a “white supremacy song” that needed to be entirely rewritten
“The ‘one’ can mean all sorts of things. Obviously it could mean inclusivity … or it could mean the one people who colonised the land,” Mr Mundine said.
“The core of the anthem is white supremacy … we need to make changes and not just one word.”
In a social media post on dailytelegraph.com.au, Jim said: “I don’t think any change is necessary. The national anthem is symbolic. Whatever changes it makes cannot meet all people’s demand. But it will destroy its meaning of Australian heritage and value as a whole nation.”
Andrew agreed: “Reconciliation will only ever be possible if both parties are willing to give and take. In this case, it will never happen.”
Carolyn sided with Mr Mundine’s view: “Anthony’s right, the song is still based on white supremacy and this one word change is little more than a token gesture. Indigenous Australians have been silenced for far too long, they deserve a serious place in any anthem that we expect to unite us all.”
Nick, however, disagreed: “I think the change is fine. Why is Mundine given air time. I cringe whenever he opens his mouth!”
Lisa cynically summed up her anti-Morrison viewpoint: “Exactly, only Liberal Caucasian Australians should have a published opinion on whether an anthem composed during the myth of terra nullius excludes Aboriginal culture.”
IDENTITY
Mr Morrison, meanwhile, said the change was important particularly in an era “when communities around the world are splintering and identity politics concentrates on our differences.”
“Our Australian identity is of one people made of many. We are a commonwealth with a common future.”
The national anthem’s wording was last changed in 1984 when then prime minister Bob Hawke altered the first line from “Australia’s sons let us rejoice” to “Australians all let us rejoice”.PC
Mundine has always sought to play the victim…but this white supremacy nonsense is actually irrational. So Anthony, should we include a few lines from every other nationality that has come to Australia? Why would aboriginals want to discriminate against Italians, Indians, Chinese, Greeks, …you get the idea. Clearly, the national identity cannot be based on ethnicity or other geographies, as it is about one Australia…anything else is divisive and impractical for equity reasons. Time to stop race bating!
One Nation – One Flag !
I think her has had too many hits to his head!
Mr. Mundine has to face the obvious, real facts.
Australia, in this modern age, is still composed of peoples predominately of European, white lineage but we are expanding into a wonderfully multi-hued Nation of many rich strands.
Yes, in history, we ARE young, being quite lately founded as a cohesive Nation. We have grown and thrived in the huge space that was once solely, but sparsely occupied by our valued, much respected Indigenous People. We fully acknowledge that fact and encourage every member of this unique, original community to participate fully in moving forward together, consolidated as a strong, National entity.
We’re a flourishing part of the wider World Community albeit with our fierce independence front and centre and it’s certainly not possible to anchor everything in an Indigenous past.
Doesn’t Mundine have respect for his caucasian mother? White supremacy is his words and very divisive.
Really ? Er, who is Anthony Mundine ?
“It is reported that NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian had suggested the re-wording.”
Yes, that would be Gladys, the “Liberal” politician.
How long before people wake up and stop voting for these frauds, who are nothing more than closet Greens?
It will not matter what changes are made with the anthem, flag or any other gripes. A number of people will never be satisfied, they do not want harmony. Why do people want to make changes to most things these days? Be very thankful fo what we do have – and don’t find faults with everything.
Mundine and his ilk will never let Oz be one nation altogether, they just don’t get it