Chapman, Jane (2016) The Aussie, 1918-1931: cartoons, digger remembrance and First World War identity. Journalism Studies, 17 (4). pp. 415-431. ISSN 1461-670X
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18098 S1 Chapman RJOS updated 16 07 15.pdf - Whole Document 86kB | |
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18098 Jane Chapman published article.pdf - Whole Document Restricted to Repository staff only 755kB |
Item Type: | Article |
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Item Status: | Live Archive |
Abstract
Feelings of community, cultural definition and memory were kept alive through the soldiers’ mass circulation tabloid, the Aussie, examined here in the light of theorization of memory and representation, applied to both text and cartoons. The publication’s aim for veterans’ values to become shared national values is analysed in the light of its high profile usage of soft cartoon humour and also of nostalgia – highlighting the limitations as well as the effectiveness in terms of Australia’s evolving national identity. When the post-war economic situation worsened, deeper issues of national tension were glossed over by the use of scapegoats such as ‘profiteers’ and ‘lazy workers’. The armed forces were obliged to take on a political role of lobbying for their cause, but the Aussie as ‘cheerful friend’ experienced its own identity crisis that proved to be terminal.
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