The 2005 Cronulla Riots sparked much controversy across Australia over how the event reflected deeply held ideas in Australian society and culture. Australia's founding arc can be said to be based on increasingly simmering tensions between white Australia and the 'others', resulting in a continued release from hostility and crime. This is seen in politics and mainstream media that shape dominant national identity and create oppressed countercultures. The existence of this dual narrative, one fiercely protective of national identity and the other seemingly opposed, directly and indirectly provoked hostility that led to racial and social crimes. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayA political cartoon titled “Happy Day at the Neach” was published in 2006, a year after the riots. It depicts a man lying on his beach towel wearing shorts with the Australian flag and a Santa hat. Around him are various weapons, including an axe, a pistol, a sword, a hand grenade and brass knuckles. Although the cartoon is presented as specifically targeting the Cronulla riots, there is an innuendo surrounding the cartoon. It can be said to be representative of Australia's hidden history and national identity. The weapons partially buried in the sand reflect the fact that Australia's past was once buried but is now being uncovered thanks to the Cronulla riots. The Cronulla riots, as noted, do not exist in isolation. They reflect a long narrative but also testify to the deeply political climate of the time. The Howard Liberal government was in office from 1996 until 2007. The term "un-Australian" was used by authoritative Prime Minister John Howard to ward off accusations that his government bred enmity and division throughout Australia. The Cronulla riots had lasting social consequences that are still felt today. When Attorney General Alfred Deakin wrote in 1901 that “aliens…among us” should be expelled, he created a context of exclusion and tension between those declared “aliens” and white Australia. Historian Keith Windschuttle has reformed and reinforced the view that it was the nations' introduction of multiculturalist policies, moving away from the White Australia Policy, that had "been a dismal failure". Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized document now from our expert writers. Get a Custom Essay In conclusion, the Cronulla riots were a result of simmering tensions towards a group of people. This was because mainstream politics and media shaped the dominant national identity and created oppressed countercultures. The existence of this dual narrative, one fiercely protective of national identity and the other seemingly opposed, directly and indirectly provoked hostility that led to racial and social crimes. An analysis of Australia's history strongly reflects the existence of social unrest that resulted specifically in racial crimes..