As an Australian celebrating Australia day 26 January 2017, I am saddened by the Invasion day premise.
I, for one, am not celebrating the atrocities of the Indigenous Australians of 26 January 1788, I am celebrating all of the achievements of our country which have come about since.
The Indigenous people of many countries face atrocities for those countries to begin their journeys. This is a sad fact which we, the descendants, must live with. It doesn't mean we agree with how our history came about.
Unfortunately we cannot change the past actions of our ancestors, we can only make sure these atrocities are never repeated.
The Australians of today may be descendants of those who perpetrated the atrocities, however, they are not direct perpetrators.
We are celebrating the achievements of our country, and our countrymen/woman, and many of those celebrated achievements have been achievements of Australian Indigenous People.
Australian achievements such as medical research, inventions and many others can all be celebrated on this day of ours.
I am a proud Australian, along with hundreds of thousands of others born and bred here, and those who chose to be in this great nation.
Australia today, is multicultural, and I applaud our multiculturalism, however, many of our country's celebration days are being questioned and/or wanting to be changed, as a result of our multicultural society.
If you travel, or move from Australia to another Country you must respect the cultures and laws of that country, why is it different for an individual who may choose to live in Australia.
Australia has culture and laws which deserve to be upheld and respected, by all who choose to live here.
I am not suggesting choosing Australia means you should be stripped of previous culture and tradition, I am saying, do not be offended by the culture and tradition of our country to the point we have to change that which we have come to know as Australian, to feel welcomed at your new choice of residency.
Why choose Australia if you will be offended by the culture, beliefs and way of life!!
Atrocities have been perpetrated all over the globe, sadly, there are countries still facing them.
The past is the past, it has been recorded in our history, never to be repeated, however, sadly it cannot be changed.
Let us celebrate the future, it's the only thing we can change, albeit as a result of the past.
Today is 26 January 2017, I have spent my day at home, because its too hot to venture out, my family has been coming and going as they choose, and the ODI match, Australia v Pakistan, is being viewed on our TV, great game btw....
Aussie, Aussie, Aussie
Oi, Oi, Oi
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