The One Day of the Year
In the 60s Alan Seymour’s iconic play, The One Day of the Year, depicted the unease many Australians felt about the way in which Anzac Day was marked, with remembrance and camaraderie being overshadowed by widespread drunken over-indulgence. Since then we have matured significantly with Anzac Day now accorded the respect and solemnity the occasion deserves.
However as our One Day of the Year, January 26th, approaches, once again, feelings of disquiet, unease, even shame, persist amongst a significant section of the Australian community. This contentious issue continues to metastasize, a cancer eating away at social cohesion. And now Peter Dutton digs up the old edict that councils must hold their citizenship ceremonies on that day. Insult upon insult, wound upon wound. His refusal to stand in front of an Aboriginal flag is further evidence of his total lack of cultural respect or any semblance of emotional intelligence.
The politics of division only undermines social cohesion.
Its time to change the date so we can all celebrate together and give thanks for this great country.
Contributions to Pearls and Irritations
Your contribution will fund quality independent comment and analysis in Pearls and Irritations
Contribute
