[Senator Bill] O'Chee: What do I have to do to be an…
![“[Senator Bill] O'Chee: What do I have to do to be an Australian, because my family has been in this country for a hundred and ten years [78-year-old woman on incoming telephone call]: It doesn't matter. O'Chee: I've got to look English, have I? Old Lady: Yes O'Chee: What about the Aboriginies? Old…” quote by Phillip Knightley](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/e20/phillip-knightley-74081_family_senator-bill-o-chee-what-do-i-have-to-do_692964.jpg)
““[Senator Bill] O'Chee: What do I have to do to be an Australian, because my family has been in this country for a hundred and ten years [78-year-old woman on incoming telephone call]: It doesn't matter. O'Chee: I've got to look English, have I? Old Lady: Yes O'Chee: What about the Aboriginies? Old Lady: They're Australian, too. O'Chee: Can I just get this down for the record -- you can look Aboriginal and be an Australian, or you can look English and be an Australian, but you can't look Asian and be an Australian? Old Lady: That's right.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Australian identity is defined by inclusion of all peoples, not by a single ethnic appearance.
In simple terms: Being Australian isn’t about looking a certain way.
Key Takeaway
Embrace multiculturalism as core national identity.
Themes
identity
multiculturalism
inclusion
nationalism
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
sociopolitical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- immigration policy
- education curricula
- media representation
- public discourse
Key Concepts
cultural hybridity
social integration
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies celebrate diverse heritages?
- What challenges arise in redefining national symbols?
A Different Perspective
Some may resist changing traditional narratives.