Australian Literature Essay

Good morning writers, students, and guests, welcome to the Youth Forum. Today I will be discussing the Australian identity in contemporary literature. The main question being asked today is â€Å"Does contemporary literature encourage young readers to look beyond Australian stereotypes?.† I will be discussing my point of view, which will be backed up with reasons based on evidence I have found in four different Australian contemporary literature texts. We’re in the 21st century, and right now there is such a huge variety of contemporary literature that encourages young adults to look beyond Australian stereotypes. In this speech I will discuss why I agree with contemporary literature encouraging young readers to look beyond Australian stereotypes. The reason I have chosen to agree with the statement is because of the proof of evidence I have found in the following texts: Tomorrow When the War Began by John Marsden, Looking for Alibandi by Melina Marchetta, The Drover’s Wife by Henry Lawson, and An Australian Short Story by Ryan O’Neill. Body The classic Australian stereotype is very narrow; a particular slang, wears cowboy hats, lives on big farms in the outback, etc. After reviewing the screenplay to looking for Alibandi, it shows a great example of the mixed cultures Australia has, and how we can adapt other cultures into our own traditions. It shows this by the Italian background in Josie’s family. The setting also brings in the city, and landmarks, backing up the claim that the whole of Australia is not an outback. The way she dresses isn’t in boots and cowboy hats but in a multi-cultural way that shows the generation she lives in, and represents her background. Tomorrow when the war began shows the underlay of the Australian stereotype. On the outside it has the average stereotype, but the personalities and emotions the characters bring, proves how much it goes beyond. The personality of an â€Å"average Australian† towards other countries is very â€Å"country aussie† but it’s more than that. The characters in this book show integrity, determination, and wellbeing. The book describes these main three characteristics, as well as many others, which gives readers the chance to understand a more realistic interpretation. Tomorrow when the war began also describes the political view of war and represents the power of a non-democratic country. Henry Lawson’s The Drovers Wife purposely took the ordinary Australians as the subject theme. He used a bush setting, and had a more realistic Australian style. But it isn’t the story itself that is indulging; the melodramatic dialogue that pushes past the Australian stereotype. It’s not the story its self, it’s the hidden meaning in the text. The Drover’s Wife both challenges and reinforces the Australian stereotype. This short story is simple. There isn’t any grand scenes or intense rhetorical indifferences. The message that this story brings is the endless bravery, hardships and perseverance that these women have. This story brings a whole new vision of Australian woman, going beyond the Australian stereotype, and brings a whole new meaning to elegance and courage. An Australian Short Story, written by Ryan O’Neill, is such an in-depth piece of literature. The story’s artistic format brings a new meaning to Australian literature, and the typical stereotype. Ryan O’Neill took a chance on this story, because he isn’t an Australian. But after living in Australia for many years, he took the time to really notice things. And with that, he chose to write what he saw and felt. And that was beyond the Australian stereotype. He chose to write in a way they almost spoke out; that everyone is human, and no matter where we come from, the details we see up close, bring a whole new perspective then the ones we see far away. Conclusion I would like to end as I begun, with the statement that Australian contemporary literature does encourage young readers to look beyond Australian stereotypes. I’ve proven this by the evidence I have found in four different texts. I think there is great promise in Australian literature because it’s always evolving, new generations of writers, with new idea that will continue to shape and change the perspective of Australians. Australian literature is written artistically, not commercially and uses inescapable words and languages to embrace the implausible delight. This is provided by virtually all literature is given a boarder understanding of people so it automatically is giving the chance for readers to look beyond stereotypes. Every character in stories are individuals, and its only the author who choses weather or not they are going to push the boundaries of the average stereotype. The only way for them not to go beyond is weather they are making a statement about the stereotype or just in face that they are poor authors.  So read up, and fill your minds with inexplicable wonder of Australian minds, and learn to understand the meaning of the way they live and the passions they desire.