While I'm all for multiculti celebration and still regard acknowledgement of country as an important ritual throughout Australia to remind us of just how varied indigenous culture was and is, I have to say hats off to you for a very thoughtful critique of all of the above.
Attacks on our ritualistic acknowledgement of indigenous heritage usually come from the very hard-right types you are so critical of in your piece.
This is a very nuanced argument you have put forward.
And I'm a 100% with you on the scandalous Disneyfication of the Powerhouse and the Minns Govt's shallow cultural celebrations while gutting its cultural institutions.
Thanks for your thoughtful analysis of what’s going wrong with cultural policy. I hope that ‘Disneyfication’ is not the only expectation the citizenry has of its governments.
I knew you'd say that! And it's true, sadly. I gave up entering decades ago for the same reason. However, the fact remains that this is a particularly fine piece of thoughtful analytical writing, with added spice, and I wanted to say so.
Yes, I agree with Stephen that it's a position that threads a very small needle, but so desperately needs to be said. So much of this sort of reasoned analysis won t stop the far left or far right condemning the messenger
By golly I’m glad I subscribed! That was another riveting read John. I look forward to each McDonald missive!
While I'm all for multiculti celebration and still regard acknowledgement of country as an important ritual throughout Australia to remind us of just how varied indigenous culture was and is, I have to say hats off to you for a very thoughtful critique of all of the above.
Attacks on our ritualistic acknowledgement of indigenous heritage usually come from the very hard-right types you are so critical of in your piece.
This is a very nuanced argument you have put forward.
And I'm a 100% with you on the scandalous Disneyfication of the Powerhouse and the Minns Govt's shallow cultural celebrations while gutting its cultural institutions.
Thanks Stephen, writing 'nuanced' pieces is a real challenge in today's climate, but if we don't do it we'll just keep wallowing in mindless spin
Thanks for your thoughtful analysis of what’s going wrong with cultural policy. I hope that ‘Disneyfication’ is not the only expectation the citizenry has of its governments.
Goodness John, that was extraordinary. What a powerful statement. Jeff
Thanks Jeff, it's the Austrians who go for broke. We go with the flow
Brilliant. Walkley contender - which is insulting really, as it's worth way more than that. Thanks, John.
On the rare occasions I've been convinced to enter the Walkleys, Di, I didn't even make the shortlist. I'm not welcome at that party!
I knew you'd say that! And it's true, sadly. I gave up entering decades ago for the same reason. However, the fact remains that this is a particularly fine piece of thoughtful analytical writing, with added spice, and I wanted to say so.
Great read John. You don't squib the hard stuff.
You are beyond compare John! Thank you
Another sterling read John, well put.
DK
Thanks Derek. I wish I could find some good news
Yes, I agree with Stephen that it's a position that threads a very small needle, but so desperately needs to be said. So much of this sort of reasoned analysis won t stop the far left or far right condemning the messenger
Behind one's back...
That's generally where it happens