Love it or leave it, just don’t try and better it

One of the slogans accompanying the crude Australian nationalism that has surfaced in recent years is “Australia: Love It or Leave It”. This reproach is commonly directed at recent arrivals, particularly those of identifiably non-Anglo Saxon descent, who dare to challenge the status quo in any way.

The irony of the appropriation of a foreign slogan (in this case, one of American origin) as a expression of Australian patriotism need not be pointed out. The real concern I have with this slogan is its totalitarian undertones, which are surely counter to the democratic ideals that are almost universally regarded in this country. We are all supposed to “love” an invariably narrow perception of what it means to be Australian, one which a good many people who were born here and have lived here all their lives would likely not satisfactorily conform to.

Public debate is an integral part of any healthy democracy. What could be more Australian than the new arrival who enthusiastically engages with and helps to shape their community? Healthy patriotism is not about making everyone conform to some arbitrary ideal. The true patriot is one who considers how they can help make their country, whether it is by birth or adoption, an even better place. Some of their ideas will have merit, while others may be roundly rejected or even condemned – but this is all part of the democratic process.

Training them for train travel

A most welcome long weekend is on the horizon. You may yet see me at my most prolific, as I am aiming to make a post each day. Let’s see if I’m able to stick to this plan…

Anyway, what can I complain about today?

Well, the behaviour of some Perth rail commuters rather gets my gander up. I experienced the most extreme example of this some weeks ago, on the day of a football game of some significance. Upon nearing my stop, I made my way towards to the doors. As the doors opened, however, a vast horde of football fans stampeded in without any regard for the likelihood that some passengers may wish to disembark. I ended up having to continue to the next stop, then walk back to my intended destination.

I see less extreme variations of this same scenario repeated on a frequent basis. All too often, boarding passengers either stand directly in front of the doors as they open, thereby blocking the path for disembarking passengers, or worse still, barge their way straight past them. The time is long overdue for a passenger education program. It needs to be drilled into the minds of these inconsiderate passengers that not only is allowing passengers to disembark before attempting to board basic common courtesy, but it is also the most efficient means for both parties to complete their respective processes.

Another irksome factor, albeit a somewhat lesser one, is the insistence among standing passengers of congregating around the doors. If the carriage is not crowded, this is of little consequence, but during many a peak hour I have found myself trying to squeeze my way on board without being guillotined by the door. This has in fact happened to me more than once. Not only is it distressing, but it is also embarrassing. People point and laugh at you. Anyway, I appreciate that passengers who are only travelling one or two stops would be well advised to stick close to the doors. However, if everyone else were to move as far along the carriage as possible, it would greatly ease boarding and make the journey more comfortable for everyone.

Some years ago, Transperth had in its repertoire a recording of a rather stern female voice which periodically instructed passengers to “Please stand back so that other passengers can alight when the train arrives” and “Please move along the car away from the doors”. Naturally, these messages were systematically ignored, so simply breaking her out of retirement would unlikely prove effective. A more comprehensive courtesy campaign should be trialled – radio, television, print, the works. If it goes some way towards addressing these problems and fostering a greater degree of passenger courtesy, it will have been well worthwhile.

An open plea to WA motorists

Judging by the behaviour of certain drivers, the following regulations are probably going to come as a revelation to some.

Now listen carefully.

Under the Road Traffic Code 2000 – Regs 57 & 58:

A pedestrian on a footpath, or any other land abutting a carriageway (yes, this includes driveways) that a driver needs to cross in order to enter or leave the carriageway, has right of way over the driver.

Having come close to being flattened by a van earlier today, I’m a tad touchy on the subject.

While we’re at it, another regulation that is seemingly alien to local motorists.

Under the Road Traffic Code 2000 – Reg 45:

A driver turning left or right at a traffic signal controlled intersection must give way to any pedestrian on the carriageway they are entering.

No matter how much of a hurry you are in, it is not worth risking the safety of pedestrians in order to reach your destination a few seconds earlier.

Won’t somebody please think of the children?