The “March for Australia” event has been labeled by many as dominated by far-right extremists, including white nationalists and neo-Nazis. However, this perspective risks providing an alibi for “mainstream” Australia’s complicity in such ideologies. The significant overlap between legitimate concerns about immigration and overt white nationalism suggests that “extreme” and “mainstream” nationalisms are closely linked, necessitating a critical examination of these dynamics.
A key aspect of the far right’s success lies in their political language, often employing euphemisms to reframe their agendas. Terms like “protest” and “anti-immigration” can mask underlying racist sentiments, while phrases like “Australian heritage” signal ideas of racial purity. Even the term “Australia” is co-opted to invoke a sense of unity, despite slogans like “Australia for the white man” revealing its true intent.
Symbols used during the march, such as the Australian, red ensign, and Eureka flags, bear specific connotations in white supremacist circles. These flags help create an atmosphere of white nationalism under the guise of patriotism. Critics often attempt to reveal the truth about the march by labeling it an extremist gathering, but this framing can obscure the broader, more pervasive racism and nationalism that feeds into such events.
The Albanese government’s condemnation of the march while simultaneously engaging in policies that discriminate against asylum seekers exemplifies the structural similarities within these positions, both predicated on deciding who belongs in the nation based on racial lines. This illustrates that responsibility for such gatherings cannot be confined to fringe elements but reflects wider societal issues.
Ultimately, the euphemistic strategies of both the far right and the mainstream reveal how each can mutually reinforce their positions, necessitating a more profound understanding of how these ideologies penetrate and shape Australian identity. Critics must avoid framing events like March for Australia as strictly extremist to fully grasp the shared foundations of mainstream nationalism and racism.
