A question of Standards

'standard', n, a flag or military symbolic figure on a pole, marking a rallying point ..: a basis of measurement..: a criterion: a measurement .. among others.
From Old French - estandart- 'to stand'.

Funny, really, how the english language changes perceptions depending on 'words in context'. Have just been looking at the Ausflag site and am fascinated by the discussion.

Have to admit to a certain dichotomy of feeling, as my father gave his life in 1945 defending the 'standards', principles and 'flag' that currently represents the 'standard' of Australia.

My first, and emotional, impulse is to defend that flag to my dying day, but also recognise that Australia is developing a 'personality ' of its own. We began by being 'british to the bootstraps'. The concept of "fair play", "stiff upper lip", "playing by the rules", "understatement", "courage under extreme duress", "reverse and subtle sense of humour", "being polite", "loyalty" .. and even "noblesse oblige" was built into a developing Nation.

In the beginning there were two distinct "classes". The rulers, and the "convicts".

There was a small, unsuccessful rebellion against 'british beaurocracy' tried at the 'Eureka Stockade' in Ballarat, creating a a sort of standard that still strongly exists, subliminally, to this day.

Then, after the war in 1945 we experienced another influx of 'european' migration, and the Banjo Patterson sort of Australia became something else. 'pizza', 'souvlaki' and 'kebab' entered the vernacular.

We accepted, and evolved. The children and grandchildren of the migrants "assimilated" into a developed "culture", changed it into something of our own, and we grew.

Then, as the American economic machine gained momentum, and our cinemas and industry were swallowed, television came into being, we began to change. Attitudes, insidiously inserted, changed us again .. and this one, whether we know it or not, has been flying over Parliament House in Canberra for quite some recent years..







And so, we are back to the discussion on Ausflag. While personally think that any alteration to a "republic" is an anathema without a great deal of thought and discussion as to "what sort", recognise that Australia IS moving further from the "british" ideals" - and will need a "statement of standards" of its own. This one sort of appeals to me.

And this one - without the words "true blue" - also appeals. (designed, methinks, by John Williamson.

The discussion continues.

(PS. our troops in Al Murtanna province find that 'the flag' is not enough, so have painted big red kangaroos on the side of their vehicles. Australian troops have a great deal of respect, internationally)