description: Myths of Oz sets out to examine and extend our understanding of Australian popular culture, and to counter the long-established, traditional criticism bewailing the lack of an Australian culture. The authors argue that the 'knocker's' view of Australian culture started from an elitist viewpoint, yearning for Australia to aspire to a European culture in art, music, literature and other traditional cultural fields. They argue however that there are other definitions of culture that are more populist, more comprehensive, and which represent a vitality and dynamism which is a true reflection of the lives and aspirations of Austrailians. Myths of Oz offers no comprehensive definition of Australian culture, but rather a fruitful way of interpreting its various aspects. The barbeque or the pub, an expedition to the shops or a day at the beach, the home, the workplace or the job queue; all these intrinsic parts of Australian life are examined and conclusions drawn as to how they shape or are shaped by what we call popular culture. The authors look too at monuments and symbols, from Ayers Rock to the Sydney Opera House, which both shape and reflect Australian culture, while a chapter on the Australian accent shows how language and terminology play a powerful role in establishing cultural standpoints. A particular strength of Myths of Oz is that while delivering a provocative and stimulating series of viewpoints on popular culture, it also makes use of current academic 'tools' and methodology to ensure that we gain a number of new insights into the meanings and pleasures we derive from our everyday experiences. The authors are all academics with established backgrounds in media, language and cultural studies, and with a large number of books and articles to their names in this field. Their enthusiasm for the complexity and variety of Australian popular culture has been their chief motivation for writing this book.
language: English
title: Myths of Oz: Reading Australia's Popular Culture
titlecomplete: Myths of Oz: Reading Australia's Popular Culture
ratings_count: 6
publisher: Allen & Unwin