"They Always Seem to be Angry": The Cronulla Riot and the Civilising Pleasures of the Sun

Andrew Lattas

Research program: Australia in the Asia-Pacific

Contemporary ethnic rivalries often deny participation in racism and instead use the language of nationalism to formulate an etiquette of civility as defining national belonging. In contemporary Australia, world events such as the Bali Bombings, the 9/11 attacks and the Global War on Terror have empowered a civilisational logic, which often becomes localised to provide the moral terms for culturally ranking who has the capacity to participate in the pleasures of a modern, enlightened nation. A culture of relaxation built around the beach, around the civilised enjoyment of the outdoors, is used as a point of contrast for a renewed Orientalism. It takes up breaches of everyday etiquette to create a psychological portrait of an uncivilised Arab Other who does not know how to relax and be peaceful.