An Accurate Representation Of Australian Identity

Making an accurate representation of Australian identity will forever be a difficult task with the vast range of lifestyles its people live. However, this concept is challenged and has developed into an obsession. (ConvictCreations, 2000) This is because of the many age groups, class divisions, differences in location and cultural diversity. Since the introduction of television, producers have made humorous and witty shows, interpreting and critiquing the Australian Identity. This critique is referred to as ‘satire’ and is made apparent mostly in television shows such as Chris Lilley’s 2005, hit mockumentary series, We Can be Heroes. The internationally acclaimed show satirises the ‘faults’ in Australian identity while also providing humorous entertainment. In the short, six episode series, a variety of satirised elements are unmistakable. Characters have been developed to represent the many levels of class division in our society. Enhancing the defin ition of such classes is the differences in use of language and knowledge between the characters – an effective tool to categorise the differences in our society. The characters featuring in We Can be Heroes have been carefully constructed and utilise humour to deliver an impression of the complex concept of class division in Australia. From the first episode, class division becomes apparent as three separate storylines are introduced. Pat and Terry Mullins are a lower middle class couple living in the outer suburbs. TheyShow MoreRelatedMulticulturalism : The Emerging And Ever Changing Concept Of Multiculturalism1981 Words   |  8 Pagesbackground, people of colour, or people of all cultures regardless of race† (5) The Australian Government Department of Social Services defines it as a â€Å"term which describes the cultural and ethnic diversity of contemporary Australia,† as well as detailing it as an integral part of Australian society (13). 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