Hey!

Is Waltzing matilda iconic to australia? Does it negatively or positively reflect australia?

I think maybe badly because of the rebellion in it but I need evidence supporting this. so far I know that it was sung in the cronulla riots but that's about it...

Read everything and take good notes.

Australian Songs: Australia Anthem Gum Trees Waltzing Matilda
... Australia Australian Anthem Give Me a Home Among the Gum Trees Waltzing Matilda. ... Find here some of Australia's most iconic songs : AUSTRALIAN ANTHEM ...
http://www.australiance.com/about-australia/culture/songs

A Little Bit Of Australiana - Australia
Jun 16, 2000 ... Waltzing Matilda, Carrying a Swag, Advance Australia Fair, I Love A ... When you see the And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda icon show up ...
http://users.chariot.net.au/~kday/australiansongs.html

About: Waltzing Matilda
Waltzing Matilda is an Australian icon. It is quite likely that more Australians know the words to this song than the national anthem. ...
http://panique.com.au/trishansoz/waltzing/waltz.html

Waltzing Matilda [Archive] - PPRuNe Forums
Apr 30, 2003 ... Waltzing Matilda is an Australian icon. No other sond is more thoroughly identified with any country, and no other song is more identied ...
http://www.pprune.org/archive/index.php/t-88495.html

Waltzing Matilda- Aussies Greatest Song
All about the great Australian icon and our National Song, "Waltzing Matilda": a... Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Australia: This is a country of close ...
http://www.squidoo.com/waltzingmatilda
and
http://www.squidoo.com/search/results?q=waltzing+matilda

Waltzing Matilda Song Sheet - English, Australian Icons
ipod icon Broadband MP4 waltzing_bb.mp4 (17.4MB), suitable for iPods and computer ... Waltzing Matilda is Australia's most widely known traditional song. ...
http://dl.nfsa.gov.au/module/1199/

Waltzing Matilda - Australia's national song - a knol by Peter ...
It stands alone as the icon that speaks to us Aussies of our home 'among the gum ... Waltzing Matilda has truly become Australia's national song and who ...
(Broken Link Removed)

Hello!

Yes, "Waltzing Matilda" is indeed an iconic song in Australia. It is considered by many as Australia's unofficial national anthem, and its significance extends beyond just being a folk song.

Now, to determine whether the song reflects Australia negatively or positively, we can explore its historical context and the different perspectives around it. "Waltzing Matilda" was written by Andrew Barton "Banjo" Paterson in 1895 and became popularized by singer Slim Dusty in the mid-20th century. The song tells the story of a swagman (a transient laborer) who steals a sheep, is pursued by the authorities, and eventually chooses to take his own life rather than be captured.

Some argue that "Waltzing Matilda" portrays Australia in a negative light because it depicts a criminal act (sheep theft) and highlights desperation and struggle. The rebellious nature of the swagman's decision to avoid capture can be interpreted as a challenge to authority, which may be seen unfavorably by some.

On the other hand, many Australians see "Waltzing Matilda" as a symbol of resilience, independence, and the spirit of the Australian bush. The song celebrates the beauty of the landscape and the camaraderie among mates (friends). It has been embraced as an anthem at sporting events, used in political campaigns, and cherished as a cultural symbol.

Regarding your mention of the song being sung during the Cronulla riots, it is worth noting that the song itself is not inherently negative or inciting violence. It is the context and actions surrounding its use that may contribute to negative connotations. The song's association with the riots should not solely shape one's overall perspective on its reflection of Australia.

To gather further evidence supporting the negative reflection of "Waltzing Matilda," you can research specific criticisms or controversies surrounding the song, such as academic analyses, historical commentaries, or public opinion articles. This will provide a more comprehensive understanding of different viewpoints.

Remember, evaluating the overall reflection of a cultural artifact like a song is subjective and can vary among individuals. It's important to consider multiple perspectives and sources of information to form a well-rounded understanding.