Question. How old are you? I am asking to gain perspective.
I find your takes and evolving opinion on Australia quite fascinating. I lean more positive - that Australia will achieve some, if not all, of its potential and will do great things (if by accident (increased pop, circumstances, events, etc) as much by design? Time will tell). You seem more doubtful. Hence the age question.
A lot of people who grew up with Hawke and Keating are perhaps the first cohort of Australians born to a country with less cultural insecurity as we were exposed to some greater national vision than previously. Combined with the ease of travel (and some Civ play :)) I wonder if the combo has meant for a greater appreciation of what could be accomplished?
By comparison, you seem more cynical of our potential as a people?
Thanks for reading. I wouldn't say I'm cynical about Australia (and am greatly opposed to cynicism in politics). The tone this week was meant to be playful. Instead I just have an extreme case – maybe played up for effect – of cultural cringe (something I know I should be over, but I can't seem to shake). I do think that Australia is an incredibly successful country, that has improved greatly over the time I've been alive (almost 4 decades). I guess on a personal level it simply doesn't have the scale that I enjoy. When you're in London or New York you feel at the centre of the world, and this is something I enjoy. Also, I don't think Melbourne sees things that cities like London or New York would. For example taking design seriously. Melbourne has an enormous soft power opportunity with its tram network, but fails to take advantage of it through design (our trams look shit, especially the interiors). I think a) we don't consider it important, and b) don't have the critical mass of people with know-how who can place upward pressure to make improvements. This is the awareness and ambition that I think the country lacks.
Thanks for taking the time to write back Grant. I don't think the CC overwhelmed the playful nature of the piece. It is just that I see and hear less cringe than I used to and one I see it from a younger writer I am always interested as to the why.
On re-reading, I think cynicism wasn't the right word. Doubt (perhaps justified) or even lower expectations would have been better?
I totally understand the comparison with the sort of semi-world capitals. I get that feeling when I am in Tokyo (I find NYC weirdly parochial in its way - it is still very American directed; London is more international and impressive culturally, but very...banky / financy...) but these are just crazy places.
Your point about ambition and awareness,....dreaming....this I agree with and share your frustration. Particularly with Australian officialdom. I think younger Australians (I am 40) believe the joint can be special and do special things. I guess I see it as very much trending in the right direction and am more excited / hopeful by the future as we grow and continue to mature.
Thanks Grant. I enjoyed this.
Question. How old are you? I am asking to gain perspective.
I find your takes and evolving opinion on Australia quite fascinating. I lean more positive - that Australia will achieve some, if not all, of its potential and will do great things (if by accident (increased pop, circumstances, events, etc) as much by design? Time will tell). You seem more doubtful. Hence the age question.
A lot of people who grew up with Hawke and Keating are perhaps the first cohort of Australians born to a country with less cultural insecurity as we were exposed to some greater national vision than previously. Combined with the ease of travel (and some Civ play :)) I wonder if the combo has meant for a greater appreciation of what could be accomplished?
By comparison, you seem more cynical of our potential as a people?
Hi Marcus,
Thanks for reading. I wouldn't say I'm cynical about Australia (and am greatly opposed to cynicism in politics). The tone this week was meant to be playful. Instead I just have an extreme case – maybe played up for effect – of cultural cringe (something I know I should be over, but I can't seem to shake). I do think that Australia is an incredibly successful country, that has improved greatly over the time I've been alive (almost 4 decades). I guess on a personal level it simply doesn't have the scale that I enjoy. When you're in London or New York you feel at the centre of the world, and this is something I enjoy. Also, I don't think Melbourne sees things that cities like London or New York would. For example taking design seriously. Melbourne has an enormous soft power opportunity with its tram network, but fails to take advantage of it through design (our trams look shit, especially the interiors). I think a) we don't consider it important, and b) don't have the critical mass of people with know-how who can place upward pressure to make improvements. This is the awareness and ambition that I think the country lacks.
Thanks for taking the time to write back Grant. I don't think the CC overwhelmed the playful nature of the piece. It is just that I see and hear less cringe than I used to and one I see it from a younger writer I am always interested as to the why.
On re-reading, I think cynicism wasn't the right word. Doubt (perhaps justified) or even lower expectations would have been better?
I totally understand the comparison with the sort of semi-world capitals. I get that feeling when I am in Tokyo (I find NYC weirdly parochial in its way - it is still very American directed; London is more international and impressive culturally, but very...banky / financy...) but these are just crazy places.
Your point about ambition and awareness,....dreaming....this I agree with and share your frustration. Particularly with Australian officialdom. I think younger Australians (I am 40) believe the joint can be special and do special things. I guess I see it as very much trending in the right direction and am more excited / hopeful by the future as we grow and continue to mature.