Australia Day

Hi All.

Today is Australia Day, which if you didn't know, is the date that the First Fleet landed on Australian shores. For many Australian people, it is a tradition for people to celebrate and enjoy living in one of the best countries on Earth.

Just one day... that people can put their politics aside... and um... celebrate... without controversy?

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The fact is this, that while many do not like Australia Day, perhaps because it marks the day when the First Fleet arrived at Australia and took over the land, there are millions of people who celebrate it, not for the invasion but for the fact that Australia is a great country.

I hope that these people who oppose Australia Day realise something. For the majority of Australians that celebrate Australia Day, they are celebrating the country and it's achievements. They are celebrating as part of tradition. They are not celebrating the fact that Australia was colonised by the British 150 or so years ago.

As an Australian I am fully aware of Australia's past and I think that most people in this country are taught about our country's past in school. Most people are aware of why Australia Day is an anniversary as well as why a handful of people hate Australia Day.

I just don't understand why there is such a huge fuss about it each year.

And of course, these people who protest Australia Day, and call for the date to be changed are perfectly within their rights to do so. I advocate for free speech, and that includes protest.

But let's not forget some facts for a second.

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Image Link: I don't know where this image comes from, sorry. It was sent to me via someone.

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These are days that we celebrate Aboriginal achievement or address the injustices of the past. There are 22 days or so listed here, but one day, ONE DAY that us Australians want to celebrate and appreciate this great country is apparently not okay.

I say that is ridiculous.

Australians, do not be shamed by these people into not celebrating. Do not feel like you are responsible for the actions of the past. Do not feel like you are somehow guilty in any way.

And if you are a person that dislikes Australia Day a lot, and refer to it as Invasion Day, fine. Have your own opinions, don't celebrate it if you really don't want to. No one is forcing you to. No law says that you have to.

But do everyone a favour and stop trying to ruin the day for everyone else.

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Endnote

I wrote a post 2 months ago that talks about collective guilt about Australia's History. If you liked this post, you might like the one I've linked below.

Relevant post: https://steemit.com/colonisation/@fg13531/collective-guilt-detentions-and-the-history-of-australia