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Ned Kelly: Armoured Icon
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 02:45 authored by Bruce TranterBruce Tranter, Jed DonoghueJed DonoghueMyths associated with outlaws or ‘social bandits’ are important elements of national identity in many countries. Long after his death the outlaw Ned Kelly lives on in Australian culture through various media, ensuring his enduring symbolic importance for national identity. National survey data indicates Kelly’s salience for a majority of Australians, although attitudes regarding his status as hero or villain vary considerably. Younger, left-leaning, working-class Australians and consumers of popular culture view Kelly as important, while tertiary-educated, political conservatives tend to downplay his significance. Perceptions of Kelly’s character also influence attitudes regarding his national significance. The lack of foundation heroes in a nation built not only by free settlers but also by English convicts and Irish rebels goes some way to explaining why a 19th-century outlaw is one of the few historical figures recognized by a majority of Australians.
History
Publication title
Journal of SociologyVolume
46Pagination
187-205ISSN
1440-7833Department/School
School of Social SciencesPublisher
Sage PublicationsPlace of publication
QueenslandRights statement
© 2010 The Australian Sociological Association.Repository Status
- Restricted