How has ned kelly shaped australia's identity?

Question

How has ned kelly shaped australia's identity?

Answer 1

In the time since his execution, Ned Kelly has been mythologized among some into a Robin Hood, a political revolutionary and a figure of Irish Catholic and working-class resistance to the establishment and British colonial ties.It is claimed that Kelly's bank robberies were to fund the push for a "Republic of the North-East of Victoria", and that the police found a declaration of the republic in his pocket when he was captured, which has led to him being seen as an icon by some in the Australian republicanism cause.

In early June 1900, when the Boer Transvaal capital Pretoria fell to the British assault, President Paul Kruger and his government fled east on a train and evaded capture. In the Melbourne Punch of 21 June 1900, a cartoon titled "BAIL-UP!" depicted the Kelly Gang capturing Kruger's train and seizing Kruger's gold, thus winning the Boer War for the British. This is among the first of the Australian political cartoons to invoke Kelly's memory.

During World War II, Clive Turnbull published Ned Kelly: Being His Own Story of His Life and Crimes. In the introduction Turnbull invoked the Kelly historical memory to urge Australians to adopt the Kelly spirit and resist the oppression of the potential invader.

Sidney Nolan's painting The Trial, depicting Ned Kelly on trial]] The distinctive homemade armour Kelly wore for his final unsuccessful stand against the police was the subject of a famous series of paintings by Sidney Nolan.

Jerilderie, one of the towns Kelly robbed, built its police station featuring numerous structural components mimicking his distinctive face plate. Some examples include walls made of differently toned bricks making up his image to storm drains with holes cut in them to form it.

An image of Kelly, based on Sidney Nolan's imagery, appeared in the "Tin Symphony" segment of the opening ceremony for the year 2000 Olympic Games. He has also appeared in advertisements, most notably in television spots for Bushell's tea. A man drinking tea in the iconic suit of armour is the focal point of part of the ad.

Australia Post produced a stamp/envelope set The Siege Of Glenrowan - Centenary 1980 to mark the capture of Kelly 100 years before. The 22-cent 'stamp' printed on the envelope shows Kelly 'at bay' wearing his armoured helmet and Colt revolver in hand.

Answer 2

http://www.ironoutlaw.com/

While I agree to a point of how ned kelly has been made a greater being in Myth that he was in reality the fact remains that at the time there was a great divide between the irish Catholic and the English Protestant Australians ... and to many he was indeed seen as a type of Robin Hood........

Some view Kelly as an out an out criminal . .and yes it is true he was a thief and due to what took place at Stringy Bark Creek ... classed as a murderer ( defence or attack ??  being debated still) ... But he is also considered as one of Australia's first Republicans.

Also as a result of what happened with the Kelly gang and the claims of police provocation and harrassment a royal commission was carried out after the execution of Ned Kelly. Results from that commission  had recommendations that are still a part of the Victorian Police Force Today.

It is worth noting too that at least 10,000 people signed a petition in an attempt to save Ned Kelly from the Gallows. So he definitely had much of the public's attention and compassion.

The link I have given you is invaluable for any Kelly-o-phile save it to your favourites for future references

http://www.ironoutlaw.com/html/writings_...  <--- A piece from the Ironoutlaw website that you may find VERY useful. but remember not to plagerise .

http://www.beechworth.com.au/nedkelly.ht...  <----- Another link for you.

Answer 3

He represents a defiance of authority, both in terms of British and Anglican rule.  Coming from an Irish, Catholic, and convict background, Kelly's antics and flamboyant style made him an icon that represented anti-authoritarianism in a culture where most people from similar background felt disempowered.  He thumbed his nose at the rich and powerful and many people praised him for this.