AUSTRALIA: THE LAND OF THE LONG WEEKEND

Australia is often called and recognized in a particular way, a way that the whole world would like to be called: The land of the long weekend. Australians are still thinking that this idea is truth, they still believe that they live in “The land of the long weekend”  where it seems Australian people do not work enough, do not work hard, have many holidays, and consequently, they have a reputation for enjoying the good life but, is that assumption truly right? Apparently, in a superficial way may be true; even being more specifically, in social issues. But if we dig the ground, we will find out that this idea is not true at all. Nevertheless, in past times it was real, but the times are changing and people as well.
It is common to hear the expression “the land of the long weekend” when we refer to Australia and it is not strange believe in that assumption for anyone who knows at least a little about the country. Even, Australian people believe in that idea “they are unenthusiastic about hard work and more oriented toward the pursuit of leisure. It often been suggested that the basis of this national identity as a ‘laid back and carefree people’ was the uniquely Australian industrial system.” (Bittman, 1998)
It is interesting and a little bit curious to think -in an industrialized world- that really exists a country where people is, supposedly, more stressed than other nations due to its relax way of life. But, I am afraid that the twenty first century took the control in Australia and now this conception of life changed forever. The industrialization machine took away everything in its path. In work terms, there is no longer the idealistic view of “the land of the long weekend”. 

A research from the University of Sydney says that Australian workers are working more than past decades affecting workers’ performance. Dr Brigid van Wanrooy says:
There are studies that show that once employees are working really extended and long hours of work that productivity does definitely diminish […] the average working week in Australia among full time employees is 44 hours. And one in five Australians work more than 50 hours a week. (Knight, 2009)
Richard Dennis says “they work longer hours, have less annual leave and fewer public holidays than workers in most other industrialized countries.” (Horin, 2003) Even, searching deeper, Australia has some of the longest working hours among employees in OCDE nations (Knight, 2009)

Something is failing, and possibly is because of trade unions have been weakened, there are constantly staff cuts and workers are under pressure. In this way, to save labor cost, they extend hours.
Dr Ian Campell from RMIT’s Centre for applied social research says:
You’ve got this kind of pressure, either directly or indirectly where if you don’t have good regulations around the maximum number of work hours per day or week, or the maximum number of hours of overtime, there‘s a free field there for workers to work longer and longer hours. (Knight, 2009)
However, in spite of the long work hours a week, it is curious that the Australians always have time for a vacation, even a little because a part of their life style is fun. They are people who are characterized by have an open nature; they are very smiling and friendly. They love the sea, nature, sports, barbecues and beer, this latter is the reason for they are called the biggest beer consumers in the world and have a great attraction for barbecues. Australians will always have a reason for celebrate and to be gathered with the family enjoying the life. 
Like Western countries, they also celebrate almost all these festivals, such as Christmas, New Year and Easter. As December 25 is one of the first days of summer in Australia, Christmas and New Year are celebrations that all Australian families see as the start of their holidays. But it is important to say that although this population consists of diverse dynamics cultures, they result in a mixture of customs and traditions from the native culture with Britain and European tradition and also from the influence of people around the world; with the passing of the time they have been able to create their own culture. 
This culture is made up of their own festivities, customs, life styles, etc. Among the typical Australian celebrations are Anzac Day (which is a tribute to all those who died in the wars that included the singing of the National Anthem, a prayer, recitation and moments of silence), Boxing Day, Easter, and January 26 which is the Australia Day and the beginning of their vacations due to it is one of the first days of the summer.
As they live in an island where the most people is located living to 50 kms from the beaches, it is common for them to live a quiet and social life. In a typical weekend it is possible that people have a barbecue with friends, spend time with their families, go to a sporting event or go swimming or surfing, because within the typical characteristics of a good “Aussie” is able to swim.
Coming back to the point that Australia is no more the Land of the long weekend, it is possible that they as a society have not yet realized this. Due to they are very far away from the rest of the world they have had to be more developed that the other countries; they are a step ahead of the rest of the countries on issues of technology, lifestyle, education, etc. and they are so accustomed to live in that way so it is impossible that they could change because are happy with their lives. Because of that one of their favorite expressions is enjoy! Finally, we believe that the Australian government should start take action to regulate working conditions and thus ensure they do not lose the happiness that they project to the world.






References

Australian Government. (n.d.). australia.gov.au. Retrieved Octubre 3, 2012, from http://australia.gov.au/about-australia/australian-story/
Australian Government. (n.d.). australia.gov.au. Retrieved Octubre 3, 2012, from http://australia.gov.au/about-australia/australian-story/convicts-and-the-british-colonies
Bittman, M. (1998, Junio). Trends In Free Time Among Working Age Australian. Retrieved Octubre 23, 2012, from The Land of The Lost Long Weekend?: http://www.sprc.unsw.edu.au/media/File/dp083.pdf
Horin, A. (2003, Julio 5). Whoever said this was the land of the long weekend? Retrieved Octubre 23, 2012, from The Sydney Morning Herald: http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/07/04/1057179162638.html
http://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/. (n.d.).
Knight, A. (2009, Noviembre 25). A long work hours culture. Retrieved Octubre 23, 2012, from The Sydney Morning Herald: http://www.smh.com.au/business/clevel/a-long-work-hours-culture-20091125-jrbw.html

Australia, Education for the World

When people want to talk about education, often, they focus their attention in Australia. Why this country? The Australian Education System has proved its efficacy bringing to Australian people the opportunity to study what they want and to be employed by people that require their abilities. However, people may think that all of this can only work for Australian people; nothing could be further from the truth, the reality is that the education in Australia is not only for Australian people but also to the rest of the world. Since many years, education is one of these hobbyhorses due to its academic excellence that has been useful like a good example to follow. But it does not stop there; this good reputation gave them the assurance to teach other people like foreign students: Australia has decided to open its arms to bring others their own arms leaving its loneliness far behind. What were the influences or causes that originated this change? Was a political decision or just an adjustment for this new globalized world?

It is well-known that Australia was many years ago a British Empire colony. In times of colony, education did not exist. Well, existed but not for anyone actually because; obviously, rich people could pay for private education and the poor people had no enough money to pay for. Even, if they could pay, this did not mean that there were suitable classrooms or quality education because there had a few teachers or sometimes there had no teachers simply.

                  “If you lived in the country in the 1800s, you might be lucky enough to have a 

                   small, one room school house on land donated by a local farmer. In the city,

                   if you could not afford to attend one of the schools set up by the various churches,

                   you would most probably be tutored by the wife of the local doctor, lawyer, 

                   magistrate or other professional. No standard for education existed. Education 

                   was only available to the wealthier middle and upper classes, who could afford

                   to pay tuition”. (McCreadie)

Over time, the government thought that the bad education or the lack of education resulted in crime. Therefore, the Australian government in the 1830s earmarked money to improve it and establish it.

                 “The government allocated money for education and this was used to pay

                   teachers, erect and equip schoolhouses and buy necessary textbooks.

                   A government school was one which had been either set up by the

                  government or was an established school which received monies from

                  the government to continue educating children”.   (McCreadie)

Nowadays, not only the government brings education (public schools) but also there are private and Catholic schools. All of the schools – whatever is the choice- follow the same high standard curriculum framework. (Working In Australia., )

Its academic reputation is so high, so much so that the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) ranks it often as the eighth position. (Working In Australia., )

But, what is the relation with the issue of this work? Well, it is necessary to establish the differences between the past scene and the current scene to understand how education has changed and try to explain why they are offering education abroad and in Australia itself. At this last point, the reader may be wondering why they are doing that, possibly the answer is:  they are doing that because of their good results that in some way prove the right way to progress and they want to teach for everyone who wants to participate.

It is known for all that Australian education is competitive and flexible; the Australian education system has a good image in the world and it is known for its strong structure and its policy developments. It is the example to be followed for many countries, which see as in recent years it has become a multicultural country with a high quality of education and preferred by many students worldwide.

It is important to say that Australia’s laws promote quality education and consumer protection for overseas students. These laws are known as the Education Services for Overseas (ESOS) framework and they include the ESOS act 2000 and the National Code.

The Australian Government provides quality and protection of the rights of students, also, it wants overseas student in Australia to have a safe, enjoyable and rewarding place to study; in the other hand, if we ask why so many students decide to study in Australia every year, we would give several of factors which can affect their decision: Their institutions are focused on the future “boasting world-firsts in research and innovation, as well as advancements in new technologies, new cures and new ways of shaping a better, more sustainable planet. Australian qualifications are also recognized throughout the world”. (http://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/); to have academic excellence and training, The fact that Australia is an English speaking country can be the most important factor when a student must choose where to study, but this taken in conjunction with quality and a multicultural society, the recognition as both inside as out of the country, make Australia a paradise student.

But we have not yet said why Australia provides education to the world. There are many reasons; one of them is that international education provides significant economic benefits for Australia. What kind of benefits? It is a source of domestic economic growth and export industry too.

To the government, it is important the economic growth that every year is reported by the increase of foreign students, who choose Australia as their place of preparation for future employment; it is also important the tourism related to the large number of students and because of the large amount of foreigners arriving on the country each year to visit students; it is relevant to scientific and technological development, which manifests itself  in exchange professionals worldwide and their constant training.

The international education is not only a business for Australian Government, but it is also the basis of future research collaboration. We know about its remoteness from the rest of the world, but this has been its excuse for attracting the world to them. This country has proved its efficacy bringing to Australian people the opportunity to study what they want and to be employed by those that require their abilities. Australia can not afford to be isolated in a more knowledge-connected world. Its future will depend on strong international connections and openness. 

References

·         Australian Government. (n.d.). australia.gov.au. Retrieved Octubre 3, 2012, from http://australia.gov.au/about-australia/australian-story/convicts-and-the-british-colonies

·         Australian National University. (n.d.). Australian Dictionary of Biography. Retrieved from http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/savery-henry-2632

·         GROUP OF EIGHT AUSTRALIA. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.go8.edu.au

·         http://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/. (n.d.).

·         McCreadie, M. (. (n.d.). Internet Family History Association of Australia. Retrieved Octubre 10, 2012, from http://www.historyaustralia.org.au/ifhaa/schools/evelutio.htm

·         Working In Australia., . (n.d.). Education in Australia: an overview. Retrieved Octubre 10, 2012, from http://www.workingin-Australia.com/education/system/overview#.UHXw1JhmIr4

AUSTRALIA: HOW THE FUTURE OF LITERATURE WAS DETERMINATED BY THE HISTORICAL PAST

Australia has been always thought as a prison to the British Empire and consequently to the rest of the world. Almost everyone has heard Australia as “The Prisoner’s Island”. That assumption is actually true. First people who arrived to that country were convicts –besides of explorers. All these people settled down and worked the land or were employed like carpenters, servants and even like nurses. But some –well educated people, mainly British colonists- decided to write their experiences. Being Australia a continent where bad people arrived (some criminals, convicts and soldiers), crime arrived as well. This context was an inspiration source for these writers that they tried to describe in their books. Furthermore, this particular context is still a strong influence to new Australian writers. Now the questions are: can the historical context leave an indelible influence on Australian literature? Can the social environment give particular features to it? Is important the geography to understand it?

Within the characteristic of Australian literature we can find some like its Aboriginal origins, where many authors referred to how Aborigines were treated by white men who colonized their lands, this type of literature is more common today than many years before; another characteristic is its “bush” legacy which refers to a typical Australian lifestyle that represents it as in literature as in other branches of the art. This characteristic was very important in literature because some writers as Banjo Paterson or Henry Lawson expressed in their works how common people lived in rural zones. This style was very similar to the “gauchos” of the Argentinian pampa and the “cowboys” of the United States. However, one of the most important characteristic of Australian literature is its penitentiary past which left an indelible sign on the history of this country and at the same time it marked the basis for what would later become the art of this country.

Australia has changed since its years as a penal colony for the British Empire. Australia is now a little bit different. Centuries and decades have passed but some traditions and customs still remain in their culture. One of the most important is the “convict legacy”. Therefore, it is necessary to know about the History of Australia, particularly about the penal colony and the first colonists that arrived there.

In 1788, the first ship arrived in Australia. Years ago, in 1770, Australia had been declared a penal colony. People that arrived were mariners, convicts and children. Later, in 1793, the first colonists arrived and settled down in this new land. They worked like workforce to the British Empire contributing in the construction of the new infrastructure in Australia like bridges or roads. (Australian Government)

Life was not easy “a convict's life was neither easy nor pleasant. The work was hard, accommodation rough and ready and the food none too palatable.” (Halliday) Even a convict said “We have to work from 14-18 hours a day, sometimes up to our knees in cold water, 'til we are ready to sink with fatigue... The inhuman driver struck one, John Smith, with a heavy thong.” (Australian Government).

People convicted knew how their lives would chance in this new land. For that reason, they did tokens. Convicts love tokens are:

Smoothing and engraving a coin with a message of affection was one of the few ways a convict transported to Australia could leave a memento behind with loved ones in England. These small tokens are also known as 'leaden hearts'. They record personal and emotional responses. (The National Museum of Australia).

Here there are some real examples of the messages recorded in the tokens (Burbury, 1999)

"Dear Father Mother/ A gift to you / From a friend / Whose love for you / Shall never end"

"When this you see / Think on me / When I am in a far country"

"May the rose of England never bud, the thistle of Scotland never grows, the harp of Ireland never play till I, poor convict, gain my liberty."

Quintus Servinton was the first Australian novel which was written by the British convict Henry Savery, and its significance is mostly due to its historical value than its literary value. They were not influenced by the current literary genres due to the isolation; therefore they could create their own styles which at first, began to be autobiographical, where the prisoners could tell their cruel experiences by using nicknames or remaining anonymous.

Australia was consolidated as a country much later than their English - speaking peers and because of that its literature was formed with parts of many countries of the world. It is very rich in terms of styles but in the same time it is not corrupted by others literary trends from the rest of the world. 

Australian literature has been the vehicle Australian identity, a platform to advance the campaign of cultural independence from Britain, causing that the racial and multicultural mix of the population is reflected in their literary.

Today, in this country there is a sort of literary fashion because of the large number of foreign writers who have settled down there to write their works, considering themselves as Australians. Finally, some of important features of the literature of this country are the history of their own land, including the indigenous situation is dealt with Aboriginal and white authors. Relationships, broken links and lack of communication are common threads. Many of the writers have an ability to analyze topics of other countries and other ancient cultures from a new and revitalized perspective. For instance, the latest novel by David Malouf, does the same: he remake the passionate scene where Achilles warrior returning the dead body of his father in a whole new way.

It can be said that this kind of literary work has a "little originality positive", using themes and stories from other parts of the western world and projecting upon them a new and unique perspective. However, the writers have known Australians also explore the history of their own country.

Does the Australian literature deserve a place of honor within the world literature?

Yes it does. Not in vain already won a Nobel Prize in 1973, from the hand of Patrick White.

References

·         Australian Government. (n.d.). australia.gov.au. Retrieved Octubre 3, 2012, from http://australia.gov.au/about-australia/australian-story/convicts-and-the-british-colonies

·         Australian National University. (n.d.). Australian Dictionary of Biography. Retrieved from http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/savery-henry-2632

·         Burbury, D. (1999). Ancestry.com. Retrieved Octubre 3, 2012, from http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~austashs/convicts/contokens.html

·         Halliday, J. (n.d.). Pilot Guides. Retrieved Octubre 3, 2012, from http://www.pilotguides.com/destination_guide/pacific/australia/convict_australia/convict_life.php

·         The National Museum of Australia. (n.d.). National Museum Australia. Retrieved Octubre 3, 2012, from http://www.nma.gov.au/collections/highlights/convict-tokens

AUSTRALIA: History, art & music

Being Australia a country with a lot of aborigines, we will approach our work in its history mainly based on its first inhabitants. Through the understanding of the past we begin to understand the present and possibly the future. One of the oldest and longest surviving cultures is Australian Aboriginal culture which dates from 40.000 years ago approximately, when Australia began to be inhabited by Aborigines, who were from Southeast Asia and migrated there. In Australia there have existed over 250 Aboriginal languages with many dialects spoken. It is important to say the aborigines were semi-nomads who lived in large groups within their own territories, often called to as ‘traditional lands’. These lands were defined by the surrounding environmental boundaries, such as rivers or mountains. They lived with the land, because their lives were distinctly related to the land and were one with the environment. To them, the land was not just trees, rocks, rivers and animals but rather the land is part of the people spiritually and should be used in harmony and sustainably. The land had its own stories of creation. To continue with the history, by the 17th century, this territory began to be settled by Dutch, Portuguese and Spanish people but were the Dutch who settled down there. In the beginning this place was called by the Dutch New Holland; however, later in 1688 British arrived and claimed possession of the island, calling it New South Wales. Where now is located Sydney was set up a British penal colony and were transported there about 160,000 English convicts who were there for about 50 years. New South Wales, Van Diemen’s Land, Western Australia, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia were the six colonies which were established by free settlers and former prisoners. Afterward, many people attracted by the gold rush arrived to this place. The six colonies federated and the Commonwealth of Australia was born in 1901. This country began to be known for its liberal legislation where women could suffrage, pensions for sickness and old-age people, free compulsory education, etc. The period between 1900 and 2000 was called the post federation period and it was marked by the two world wars.
“While science advanced the way we lived through the industrialization of manufacturing, so too it was seen in its devasting form through never before seen weapons used in the wars. The warring periods were interspersed with the Great Depression and further armed conflicts that Australia was involved in, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. While the wars eventuated, Australia was becoming more involved with their outdoor lifestyles and the passion for sports was great.” (AUSTRALIANHISTORY.ORG, 2012)
Regarding Australian art we can say that various forms of arts are practiced in this country especially for Aboriginal people, who told their history from generation to generation through stone paintings which represented, for instance, legends like the “Rainbow serpent”. Some anthropologists think that there are still paintings from this date which would be underground now due to the passage of time. Some of these paintings were made by blowing ink with the mouth, it is said that the ink was blown into the hands of the dead children, over rocks with the aim to perpetuate their passage on earth. Due to the Aborigines had no written language in that time, this was the only way to pass on the knowledge from one generation to the next. Even today those legends and stories are passed to young adulthood, when they are responsible to pass those stories and culture subsequent. Nowadays, some places with those paintings are open to the public and tourists, but some can only be used with permission of the Aboriginal tribe that owns the land. Others are sacred and can not be seen. Paintings on stones such as the Carnarvon National Park are open for public visits free. Is there any relationship between the Australian location and its music? The music in Australia is particularly original due to its special environment where Australian people have lived for centuries. It is well know that music and environment have always put together like a constant relationship. Furthermore, Dunn says:
The "music" is thus the tracings and expression of the composite mind immanent in a particular connective instance. In other words, the music results from the implicit needs of said interaction such that, not only description of an observed phenomenon results but also description of the changes induced in both the observer and the observed. (Dunn, 1984, pp. 7-8)
According with that definition, music is not only a simple description of what people can observe but also is a genuine way to express how they feel in a certain environment. No doubt, feelings move the life and music is not the exception. As a matter of fact, Jung (1973) himself said that “music expresses, in some way, the movement of the feelings that cling to the unconscious processes” (as cited in Kobialka, 2010) Therefore, music has important meaning if somebody tries to describe correctly people culture; now that, music has in implicit way all the things that surround to the human being including in this the specific features of Geography where civilizations have settled down. To talk about Australian music, it is necessary to mention a little bit Indigenous Australians and Australia’s Geography. Australia is one of the driest islands in the world, surrounded by water and little islands where the weather is sometimes cold, sometimes hot and sometimes especially rainy. (Australian Government) All this features make Australia a little particular. Australia was discovered and colonized in 1770, but several years ago, original inhabitants played their music (in rituals or dances) in total isolation making unique and unusual kind of traditional music. (Asiado, 2009) Then, it is not weird that the traditional instrument be a long flute made of wood called Didgeridoo. Didgeridoo is also described as the world's oldest musical instrument. But this instrument is just a result of Indigenous spirituality and mind, obviously, because of the geographic region. Lawlor says:
As with image making, Aboriginal music also unites consciousness with the invisible laws and energy patterns of nature […] traditionally; an Aborigine would go into nature and listen intensely to animal sounds, not just voices but also the flapping of wings or the thump of feet on the ground. The Aborigine would also listen to the sounds of wind, thunder, trees creaking, and water running. The essences of all these sounds were played with as much accuracy as possible. (Lawlor, 1991)
Australian people were isolated and they found in nature some kind of company in their loneliness and Didgeridoo was the instrument created to express their feelings about what they see and feel, it was just the only instrument that they played almost like a reflection of their own way of life: solitude and spiritually. And we must remember that Australia is an island.

References

• Asiado, T. (2009, Marzo 17). Bukisa. Retrieved Septiembre 27, 2012, from http://www.bukisa.com/articles/45652_history-of-australian-music

• Australian Government. (n.d.). Retrieved Septiembre 27, 2012, from australia.gov.au: http://australia.gov.au/about-australia/our-country/the-australian-continent

• Dunn, D. (1984). Retrieved Septiembre 27, 2012, from http://artscilab.com/~david/writings/mle.pdf

• Lawlor, R. (1991). Voices of The First Day, Awakening In The Aboriginal Dreamtime. Inner Traditions.

• Kobialka, D. (2010, September 14). Music and the Development of the Humanistic Conscience. Retrieved September 27, 2012, from http://ezinearticles.com/?Music-­and-­the-­Development-­of-­the-­Humanistic-­Conscience&id=5034798

• AUSTRALIANHISTORY.ORG. ( 2012 ). AUSTRALIANHISTORY. from http://www.australianhistory.org/
•   portaloceania.com. (2002). www.portaloceania.com. From http://www.portaloceania.com/au-life-arts-esp.htm