While Australia Day is a day of celebration for some Australians, a Brisbane man found an alternative way to ‘celebrate’ the date.
Feeling increasingly uncomfortable with with January 26 really represents, Peter chose to spend the day off all forms of social media, instead spending a peaceful Sunday with friends.
“I know what social media is like – certain pages will encourage the ‘the woke won’t let us celebrate Australia Day’ nonsense. And if supermarkets or pubs choose not to commemorate the day, then the same pages act like the world is ending – and then there’s the comments sections!”
Refusing to log onto Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, or TikTok, Peter instead went to the movies with his friends and got home in time to watch the second day of the Pakistan vs West Indies Test on YouTube, followed by take-away pizza and some beers.
“I used to love Australia Day when I was younger: I’d go to parties and watch the Aussie ODI or Test match, play some backyard cricket, and often would get home in the wee hours. Luckily my mates are as ‘woke’ as me and don’t care about Australia Day. It was just a normal Sunday,” said Peter.
“I made the mistake of being on social media last year, spent most of the day fighting with angry ‘patriots’, and nearly unfriended an old cricket mate who said anyone who didn’t celebrate was a ‘silly woke person’. All that anger was a waste of energy and gave me a headache.”
Though while he chose not to celebrate the day, Peter still wished ‘Happy Australia Day’ to any relatives who texted or messaged him.
“I’m not a monster. They can enjoy the day however they want, though I politely declined any party invites. I can still be civil even if I don’t agree with what they’re celebrating.”
