What does it mean to be an Australian?

What does it mean to be an Australian?Australia is home to 21 million Australians. They include Indigenous Australians who have dwelled here for thousands of years, the Anglo-Australians whose forefathers came on the first fleet a few centuries ago, and migrants from other countries who have just arrived recently. Being an Australian is very diverse, but all Australians share many similar issues and have common traits. The aspects Australians share include issues on the environment, issues on the economy, multiculturalism, issues on technological advancement and many more.

The environment is a very meaningful issue to all Australians. It affects pollution, climate change, and most importantly, the drought. The drought affects the Australian Agricultural industry dramatically as it relies heavily on the decreasing water supply. Many Australians are farmers, and they are suffering the effects of global warming. Australians must save every drop of water they can, and must endure strict water restrictions, especially during summer. The environmental issues in Australia are very grave, and most Australians move as one to conquer these issues.

The economy of Australia is another important issue in our time. The financial status of Australia is rich and stable, and is the envy of many. However, there are still many Australians with financial problems. This is caused by the consistently rising cost of living – the rising petrol prices, rising interest rates and many more. This is forcing many Australians to live in poverty. They are forced to sell their houses and many are close to bankruptcy. Homelessness is not uncommon in Australia, and this issue is worsening at a rapid rate, affecting all Australians.

Australia is a multicultural country. There are many migrants living in Australia, and millions more dream of a home Down Under. Australians are continuing to accept these newly arrived migrants with open arms, and are willing to share the Australian culture with them. The migrants in return, share their own culture with Australians, and everybody lives cohesively. However, racism is an important issue in Australia. Unlike the treatment migrants receive, the Indigenous Australians are treated unfairly. Aborigines are left behind in the development of society in Australia. Even though the Australian Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd has apologized to the stolen generation, and to the Indigenous Australians for the treatment they have received, a big portion of the society have not. Indigenous Australians have been shunned and ignored by many. This is an issue Australians must work on to improve.

The technological advancement is a part in all Australians’ lives. The younger generations embrace this, but the elder are staying behind. This is creating serious communication breakdown between generations, and widening the generation gap. Eventually, youths will prefer to use technologies over ‘traditional’ ways, and will lead to relationship problems.

Although Australia is not a perfect Utopia, Australians can be proud of their distinct traits. Australians are proud of their culture and lifestyles, which includes their love for mateship, and laidback attitude. Australians can always find space to relax and wind down even during the darkest of days, and their mates rare always reliable.

Australia is home to many diverse communities, but they all have enjoyed and prospered. There might be issues to still be worked on, but overall, it is still a lucky destination, and a lucky country for all.

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