By Chelsea McLean Olympic Ceremonies	フレームで見る  英文をプリントする  脚注をプリントする
4年後のシドニー五輪に向けて 2000年のオリンピック開催地となるオーストラリアは、アトランタ・オリンピック閉会式で盛大なパフオーマンスを見せました。歴史の浅いこの国にとって、五輪は世界に国をアピールする絶好のチャンスであるため、国内では早くも活発な意見が交わされています。

Australia's presentation at the Atlanta Olympic Games closing ceremony gave the world its first glimpse of what to expect at the Sydney 2000 Olympics. The seven minute performance livened up the Atlanta stadium with Aboriginal dancers, bronzed surf lifeguards, an inflatable Sydney Opera House, and multicolored blow-up kangaroos on bicycles. Those of you who saw the ceremony may have enjoyed Australia's contribution, especially our bicycle-riding kangaroos. But back home in Australia the performance generated some criticism and raised basic questions about Australia's national identity.

The letters I receive from ST readers often ask about Australian culture. Because Australia is just over 200 years old, it is still a relatively young country. Therefore, Australians are sensitive about the culture we are cultivating and the image we want to present to the rest of the world.

Australia has its own very distinct culture which is reflected in the lifestyles of every Australian. Our culture shows in the way we talk, like when we greet our friends with "G'Day mate." Our culture is also reflected in our "she'll be 'right" laid-back approach and lively sense of humor. Australian culture is defined by the food we eat ― usually a variety of international dishes and, of course, meat pies. We also define our culture by the clothes we wear ― on university campuses football jerseys are standard attire even for girls.

But these are merely stereotypes; only a start for creating our own cultural identity. Not every Australian says "G'Day mate" or eats meat pies or wears football jerseys. Australians who don't identify with these stereotypes get uptight about the image we are presenting to the rest of the world, because that image is not the way they see Australia.

People from other countries generally think of Australia as a sunny tourist destination with cute cuddly animals, beautiful wildlife, endless sandy beaches, the Sydney Opera House, and the Aboriginal heritage. These were the exact images presented at the Olympic closing ceremony.

The criticism many Australians had about the ceremony was that these icons do not present a sophisticated image of Australia. New South Wales premier Bob Carr said he would ban inflatable kangaroos and other Australian cliches from the Sydney 2000 Olympic ceremonies.

"I think we can sell Australia without that kind of thing. I don't think the rest of the world was too agitated by it, but I would expect a higher standard...in the year 2000, " Carr said.

Other Australians have also expressed their concern that these images, designed by a group of students from our National Institute of Dramatic Arts, were corny cliches. I think Australians want to venture beyond the already popular images of Australia and show the world that we have more to offer than beaches and wildlife.

There has been talk about changing our national anthem "Advance Australia Fair" to the popular Australian folk song "Waltzing Matilda." Mr. Carr said he wants to change to "Waltzing Matilda" because it is more likely to capture the spirit of Australia at Sydney's 2000 games.

Who should open the Sydney Games is also an issue on the Australian Olympic agenda. It has been suggested that Prince William, second in line to the British throne after his father Prince Charles, could do the job. But I would like to see Australia become a republic by the year 2000 and have an Australian head of state open the games.

Australia's chances of becoming a republic by 2000 are remote, however, because Prime Minister John Howard doesn't want to cut our ties with the British monarchy. Mr. Howard has promised to ask Australians what they think about the republic issue in order to reach a consensus in the near future. The games would be an excellent opportunity for Australia to promote itself as part of the Asia-Pacific region.

The image Sydney should present to the rest of the world at the 2000 Olympics will be on Australians' minds for the next four years. Perhaps blow-up kangaroos should feature in our opening ceremony after all, just so Australians don't lose their characteristic sense of humor.

Many thanks to all of you who have sent me letters ― I'm making some very good pen pals. I'm eagerly awaiting more letters about what you want to know about Australia. I hope to hear from you all soon. Until next time...



Shukan ST: Sept. 13, 1996

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