It may well be that days that celebrate defeat (Anzac) make us more humble. Bit as a Pom I am speculating here), be careful, as it was you lot that sent us knowingly into the jaws of hell – but don’t worry, we don’t blame you specifically!!

Don’t forget that when I say PR I mean the its fundamental underlying principle of two-way symmetrical communciation, an explanation of which is linked into the post. It is very important not to get this ‘real version’ of PR mixed up with media relations, events and publicity stunts.

You raise a good topic here Craig. I don’t think that nationalism as such is bad PR. Bastille Day and St Patricks Day are generally a time of celebration and though the latter tends to be focused around the pub they are both pretty good natured. St Patrick’s Day is an unofficial national day that openly invites people to be Irish for the day.

What I think has changed many national days, particularly in the English speaking world is societies attitude. I am referring to a growing trend for drunken, disrespectful and usually yobbish behaviour. To Stephanie’s point if national day celebrations can be de-coupled from such minority behaviour all the better.

I still firmly believe that there is a place for nationalism. It provides a sense of belonging and a culture to identify with. As a Brit expat new to Australia I have to say that although Britain is very multicultural it is at the cost of Britain’s own culture. This over the last 20 years has regrettably been watered down to the point that displays or discussion of nationalism is often deemed unPC (I am not talking draping flags over yourself and drunken hollering here). Perhaps this is because it can be associated with imperialism?

Having taken part in my first Australia day I agree with your point Craig that the date being celebrated could be better.
To Stephanie’s point like Canada I tend to feel Australia also does a much better job of welcoming and accommodating new comers than aboriginal people. I think the actual date is also a cause of friction, but then a date of historical significance does make it more relevant.

I actually believe that dates such as Anzac Day and Remembrance Day (though not ‘National’ days) are more effective for evoking humble pride, reflection and community collaboration. Ironic being they were born out conflict. Unfortunately as time marches on this too is becoming a excuse for commercialism and boozing.
In summary I do feel PR has a part in creating a more positive attitude to nationalism but I also believe that the issue requires a more wholesale approach than PR alone.

Stephanie, it will come as no surprise for you to hear this, considering the many parallels between our countries, but the Canadian experience as articulated by you sounds very, very similar to Australia.

I think PR does have the potential to help create a healthier, more equitable and even a more sustainable society. But people have to adopt its core methodology. It won’t happen by itself.

In Canada, we have been focussing on multi-cluturalism since I was a kid. It’s not perfect, and don’t get me wrong — however inclusive we seem to be on celebrations day is no reflection of how first nations people are treated, or immigrants accepted. I think we actually do a better job working with new-comers to Canada than we do with working with first nations people — and this isn’t something any of us are proud of.

An interesting thing happened last year. There was supposed to be a re-encactment of the battle of the Plains of Abraham (the Brits beat the French — Canada came under English rule), but there was so much opposition, the re-enactment was cancelled. It was viewed that the event was tantamount to rubbing the noses of the French in thier defeat.

I don’t think I ever considered the history of Canada on such a win/lose basis before, but this exercize certainly changed that for me.

On Canada Day (formerly Dominion Day), we have entertainment and fireworks. It seems with every passing year there is more (embarrassing) exhuberance from young people than there was when I was a kid. This seems to coincide with the idea that Canadians are forever battling our inferiority complex of our neighbours to the south. It’s worrisome and I think in future generations, there will be a Canadian making the exact comments you have — the rank exhibitions of nationalism as an expression of identity.

If PR can help us deliniate the difference between “feeling good” about ourselves and our accomplishments and hooting like drunken bigots our about superiority by simple virtue of living in a geographical area, then let’s get busy and make it happen.