Essay - Anzac Myth - Essay Writing - Assessment Answer

Essay Assignment

Assignment Task

Why does the Anzac myth continue to resonate so strongly in Australia?

Introduction

The Anzacs refers to the deeds of the Australian soldiers of World War 1. The analysis will highlight the history of Anzacs in Australia. Then there will be analysis of the relationship between the Anzacs and the Australian culture. The essay will also address the perception of the old, young, the elite class, urban residents and immigrants concerning the Anzacs. The Anzacs is part of Australian identity and unity hence the Australian people embrace it to the modern times.

The conquest of the Anzac Cove soldiers during that time is recognized through the celebration of the Anzacs. The term was initially used to refer the soldiers of both Australia and New Zealand. This notwithstanding, not all Australians could ably identify individual Anzacs. One of the notable soldiers who are part of the Anzac is General Sir John Monash and a field ambulance stretcher Simpson Kirkpatrick and his donkey. The donkey form part of the Anzac because of its deed. Simpson is phenomenal because he managed to carry all wounded soldiers from battle to safe havens despite enemy fire. However, the stretcher dies in 1915. The Anzacs fought alongside the British army during the World War 1. The Anzacs still characterize the identity of the Australians. The heroic soldiers provide Australia with an impeccable history. The Australians have differing attitudes towards the Anzacs. The shared myths among the Australian people constitute of their Australian identity. The myth also forms part of the Australian culture. The Anzac myth is vital because it provides the Australians especially the journalists with an opportunity to redefine the national identity. In fact, the Anzac myth promotes loyalty and allegiance to the country among the Australians. The sacrifice of the soldiers is equivalent to the birth of the Australian nation in 1901.

The myth creates unity amongst the Australians. He Anzac myth links the old and the new generation of people in Australia hence breaking the age barrier problems in the society. The virtues learnt from the endurance of the soldiers are inculcated in every generation. For instance, the success of eth soldiers inspire of hard conditions is a lesson for the Australians. The Anzac Day marching in Australia is a culmination of the sacrifice and selfishness of the Anzacs. The commemoration and celebration of the soldiers are also a manifestation of recognition of hard work in Australia. The fact that the soldiers were only men also gives the Australian men a challenge to work hard like their counterparts. Additionally, the heroic celebration enhances volunteering of men to military service. This notwithstanding, the educated cosmopolitans reject the concept of the Anzac because they consider it anachronistic, archaic and insignificant. However, the majority of the Australian people derive unity and national heritage from the Anzac celebrations. The Anzac myth cannot be wished away by any person because it is already a defining element of every indigenous Australian. The celebrations enhance the Anzac as a national identity over the years.

The celebration of the Anzacs is observed by more young people than the old. The Vietnam War of the 1970s threatened the Anzac celebrations but did not bring an end to its practice. The fact that the young generation has embraced the Anzac celebrations and its significance imply that the Anzac identity of the Australian will never end. The recognition of the Anzacs as a part of the nationhood will be handed down to every generations. The elite in the Australian society usually fails to prioritize the Anzac celebrations because of their divergent understanding on them. Moreover, the left-leaning political parties also consider the Anzacs inconsequential in their calendar. The urban residents also fail to participate in the celebration because of they are endeared to modernity, individualism and western civilization. The Anzac myth is critical to Australian because it forms the Australian heritage. The myth also gives the military an assurance of success in any battle like their predecessors. The memory of the heroes and saints of Australia is relived through the celebration of the myth. The Anzacs myth also provides the Australian with a reference point whenever their freedom is threatened.

Australia is a young settler society hence Anzacs provide a vital aspect of cultural development for the nation. The myth is highly regarded even by the Australian leaders. In fact, a former prime minister of the Australian government declared that he was an Anzac Bradman Australian during his speech to the Australians. The declaration was vital and it underscored the significance attached to the Anzac myth. In fact, the embracing of the Anzac myth by the leaders means that the celebration practice will be propagated in the Australian society. Political goodwill enhances the propagation of the Anzacs myth even in the contemporary era. The leaders refer to the myth to show their patriotism to the country. The Australian-born prioritize the Anzacs celebration compared to the immigrants. This is because of the Anzacs cultural disposition among the native Australians. The political players are also divided on recognition and practice of Anzacs celebrations. The Greens and labor parties promote the celebration of Anzacs compared to their counterparts, Liberals and National parties. The Anzacs are the most vital historical figures when compared with free settlers, postwar immigrants, sports heroes, convicts, aboriginal people, politicians, bushrangers and other groups.

Table: Australian regard of Anzacs

The table shows that the Australian consider their World War 1 soldiers as the most important figures in the history of their nation. For this reason, the Anzacs are relevant in the modern times. The myth also serves as a unifying factor of the Australian society. The people are reminded that they share one national heritage, especially during the Anzacs celebration marches.

Conclusion

The Anzacs is part of Australian identity and unity hence the Australian people embrace it to the modern time. The myth serves as a patriotic symbol for all Australians and forms the Australian culture. Additionally, the Anzacs celebrations are a manifestation of patriotism for the Australian. However, the elite and political class considers the Anzacs as anachronistic and irrelevant in their lives. The urban residents also find the concept of Anzacs inconsequential in their lives because most urban dwellers are immigrants who have little knowledge on the Australian nationhood roots. The Anzacs is an icon of success, endurance and patriotism for Australian.