Australia Quote by Douglas Pearce
“As Dutch, British and French explorers literally put this Great Southern Land on the map it would be ridiculous to say that modern day Australia is anything other than a grand - and successful - outpost of Euro-colonialism and, more specifically Anglo-Celt British colonialism. It's a fact of life like the Euro-colonization of the Americas etc. If it was an outpost of, let's say, Iranian or Zimbabwean colonialism would so many people still be so desperately trying to get into Australia by any means necessary, legal or otherwise? It's doubtful. Thank the Gods for Euro-colonialism!”
About This Quote
The quote argues that Australia's identity is shaped by British colonial history, implying that other colonial powers would not produce the same immigration dynamics.
In simple terms: Australia's modern character stems from British colonization.
Recognize historical influences on national identity.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- education
- media analysis
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What would Australia look like under different colonial influences?
- How do colonial legacies affect current policies?
Ignores indigenous perspectives and complex modern factors.