Introduction Good morning ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for inviting me to talk to you about something that I am truly passionate about, and that is Australian stereotypes in contemporary Australian literature. In today’s society, contemporary literature does encourage young readers to look beyond Australian stereotypes. However, Australian stereotypes are still present in some contemporary Australian literature. I have chosen four contemporary Australian texts that both challenge and reinforce the Australian stereotype.
These texts include: Stony Heart Country by David Metzenthen, Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta, Initiation by Christobel Mattingley and How Australian Are You? By Jim Haynes.
In this speech, my goal is to demonstrate that some contemporary literature encourages young readers to look beyond what is now considered as Australian stereotypes, while others reinforce the message. Paragraph 1: So first of all, you may ask yourself, what is a stereotype?
Well, a stereotype is described as “a set of inaccurate, simplistic generalizations about a group that allows others to categorize them and treat them accordingly” (dictionary.
com) Over the years, many people have made their own judgments and opinions of what Australians are like and the basic culture. Such characteristics like men having more power and success than women and Aborigines’ being uneducated and poor have been reflected in the majority of today’s contemporary Australian texts. However, there are still some texts like Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta, which is a great example of a contemporary Australian text that challenges the typical Australian stereotypes. Paragraph 2:
Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta is about a teenage girl named Josephine (Josie) Alibrandi, who comes from an Italian-Australian background and lives in Sydney with her big, traditional Italian family in Sydney, Australia in the late 1990s.
Throughout the book, Josie takes the readers on a journey through her last few years of school at St Martha’s, finding out about who she is and trying to deal with racial comments, family problems and complicated relationships. Melina Marchetta encourages young readers to look beyond the common Australian stereotype by casting a female as the main character.
In many stereotypes, men are categorized as more powerful and successful than women in a way, and therefore are casted as the lead characters in books and movies; whereas the women are seen as the housewives that just cook and clean and look after the household and their men. Women are typically not working class type of people. Looking for Alibrandi really challenges this notion in that women can be successful and know what they want. Paragraph 3: The second contemporary Australian text that challenges the Australian stereotype is Initiation by Christobel Mattingley.
Remember! This is just a sample.
You can get a custom paper by one of our expert writers.
Get your custom essay
Helping students since 2015
Essay Writing Service Features
Our Experience
No matter how complex your assignment is, we can find the right professional for your specific task. Contact Essay is an essay writing company that hires only the smartest minds to help you with your projects. Our expertise allows us to provide students with high-quality academic writing, editing & proofreading services.Free Features
Free revision policy
$10Free bibliography & reference
$8Free title page
$8Free formatting
$8How Our Essay Writing Service Works
First, you will need to complete an order form. It's not difficult but, in case there is anything you find not to be clear, you may always call us so that we can guide you through it. On the order form, you will need to include some basic information concerning your order: subject, topic, number of pages, etc. We also encourage our clients to upload any relevant information or sources that will help.
Complete the order formOnce we have all the information and instructions that we need, we select the most suitable writer for your assignment. While everything seems to be clear, the writer, who has complete knowledge of the subject, may need clarification from you. It is at that point that you would receive a call or email from us.
Writer’s assignmentAs soon as the writer has finished, it will be delivered both to the website and to your email address so that you will not miss it. If your deadline is close at hand, we will place a call to you to make sure that you receive the paper on time.
Completing the order and download