Constructions of Australia in pro‐ and anti‐asylum seeker political discourse

Abstract

Whilst there has been a proliferation of research on the role of nationalism in the exclusion of asylum seekers, less attention has been paid to how nationalism can be mobilised in accounts opposing, rather than supporting, harsh antiasylum seeker regimes. This paper compares the ways in which 'Australia' is constructed and used in parliamentary speeches on asylum seekers by both refugee advocates and those seeking harsher asylum seeker laws in Australia. This dual focus is particularly important as it highlights the flexibility of nationalist discourse, in that the same constructions of the nation may be used for both exclusive and inclusive purposes. Whilst typologies of inclusive and exclusive nationalisms, such as Smith's (1991) ethnic/civic typology, focus on the content of nationalist ideologies, we argue that the inclusivity or exclusivity of nationalism can best be determined by examining the subject positions, political solutions and social realities they make possible, and who these discourses benefit and oppress.

Who gets a fair go? A Žižekian reading of representations of asylum seekers in Australia

“…As Laclau and Chantal Mouffe (1985) argued, hegemonic struggle occurs to occupy the meaning of this nodal signifier. For example, as cited in Every and Augoustinos (2008), Senator Bob Brown of the Australian Greens, during parliamentary debate over the Tampa Affair, stated:…”

False Beliefs About Asylum Seekers to Australia: The Role of Confidence in Such Beliefs, Prejudice, and the Third Person Effect

“…However, there are also practical implications arising from our article. The first is the degree of false beliefs espoused by many participants and the fact that they are reinforced by the media and politicians (see Every & Augoustinos, 2008). In one study, it was found that if you consistently hear something, false or otherwise, you are much more likely to remember it (Skurnik, Yoon, Park, & Schwarz, 2005).…”

“…Therefore, where does information that community members hold about asylum seekers originate? We argue that it is likely that such information comes from the media and, in particular, from politicians (Every & Augoustinos, 2008). Yet, not everybody accepts the information that is given to them.…”

Refugee Without Refuge: Wasim, Phillip Adams, and a Nation Divided

“…Pride in their advantage as a citizen of Australia is also seen as a legitimate and fair reflection of their worth (see Leach et al 2002). While national identity can be used to argue for inclusion of asylum seekers, as Every and Augoustinos (2008) found, for Do-Badders it had an exclusionary effect.…”

“…Do-Badders either focused on the rights of Australians over and above those of others; or used a limited definition of humanitarian obligations, focusing on the harmful practice of asylum seeking and the need to protect people from its dangers. On the other hand, Do-Gooders argued for humanitarian approaches on two grounds -one that it is in the national character and good for Australians (see Every & Augoustinos, 2008;Gale, 2004), the other that it is part of our responsibility to other human beings generally.…”