The Australian Hero: An overview of what is a hero and how it has changed over time

Subject  > History Term Papers  > Australian History

THE AUSTRALIAN HERO WHAT IS A HERO? Many people have different representations of a hero, which is impacted by a person's social and cultural understanding within society. My beliefs of a hero are shaped by my knowledge of Australia and the values and beliefs I practice. Attributes of egalitarianism, mateship and anti-authoritarianism have shaped our national identity and developed into the concept of the Australian hero. The discourse of a hero is quite remarkably different to that of other countries. In pre-modern times, heroism has always linked with the 'outdoors', is predominantly male with a well built, muscular figure. He is involved in dangerous situations of self-sacrifice. These attributes are very common in male soldiers. ...

... had many great sports heroes and their achievements have been widely recognised and accepted in the media. As sport has become a social importance within society, the media has played an important role in redefining a hero. However, people involved in police, fire and ambulance rescues are not classed as a hero. The media has shaped these people as professionals who are trained and paid to help others. It can be seen that the media marginalises certain groups within society to strongly shape and foreground the Australian hero. WOMEN AND ABORIGINAL ADVANCEMENT IN AUSTRALIA The feeling of belonging and sense of pride is a cultural process created by the historical and social contexts of

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