Quote Originally Posted by Moti View Post
The problem with this sort of saccharin patriotism is that it contributes to the Americanisation and militarisation of Australian culture. Once Australians had a healthy disrespect for authority, the military etc. It's only recently that the "my country right or wrong" attitude seems to have been seeping in. Anzac day used to be a low key event honouring people like Weary Dunlop or Simpson and his donkey - it seems to have become (together with Australia Day) a celebration of Australian military prowess and jingoism. "Australia, best country in the world" and so on.

Denouncing this particular instance as a myth and an imported and doctored one does a little to stem the tide. John F Kennedy said "made up stories on the internet are the last refuge of a patriotic scoundrel"
Well I guess if JFK said it, it must be right. Or is that just another Americanism?
Personally, I could not care less what JFK had to say about anything.
As for Anzac day being low key, you must be joking. Thousands have thronged the streets every year since its inception. As for honouring Weary Dunlop and Simpson and his donkey, I think you will find it has been far more a venue for Vets to get together with their ex service mates and drown their sorrows.
There is no such thing as a healthy disrespect. Disrespect is disrespect. What motivates it is what is healthy or unhealthy.