Eras Journal - On-line discussion
Opinion and Discussion Forum
Eras intends to provide a discussion forum for postgraduates and academics from around the world to discuss issues that arise from the papers in this edition. To facilitate this we have provided links at the bottom of each article which will allow the reader to respond. These responses will be mediated by the Eras editorial committee and will then be available for general perusal on the "Discussion" page. A link to this page can always be found on the side navigation bar. We hope that you will take the opportunity to offer constructive comments and participate in the discussion of this new postgraduate research.Since 2005, we have sought opinion pieces from postgraduate students around the world. These opinion pieces seek to expand the scope of Eras and encourage postgraduate students to engage in vigorous intellectual and wider public debate with a particular interest in connecting the concerns of the past with the context and debates of the present. We hope you enjoy this modest beginning and hope that it will prompt both an immediate response and plentiful future contributions.
Opinion Pieces
The Bankruptcy of Imperial Symbols; or, the future of history is in clever marketing
by Richard Scully
It is a little-known fact that when a regime or empire dies, it soon reappears in t-shirt form. I am currently (as I write) wearing one of those generic, long-sleeved t-shirts which have in the last two years become so ubiquitous; the difference is that mine bears the double-headed eagle of Hapsburg Austro-Hungary. I must confess that it was the novelty of the emblem which first prompted me to purchase the top, as I had of late been engaged in a good deal of casual research on both the dynasty which ruled most of Europe's Danubian lands between the fifteen and twentieth centuries, as well as satisfying a long-standing interest in the role of the Dual Monarchy in the First World War. Read more...
Contending Judith Brett's class: an argument about Labor's past and present … and future
by Nick Dyrenfurth
That Labor's performance at the 2004 Federal election constituted a debacle would seem to be an understatement. In particular the 'Tasmanian forests policy' release may go down as one of the more unbelievable events of Australian electoral history. The comical scene of timber workers and their families in rapturous applause welcoming John Howard was as disturbing as it was plain embarrassing. That said the range of contributions in the latest Blue book 'After the Deluge?' ( Arena Magazine , no. 74) provided critical food for thought to those genuinely concerned by such happenings. Two questions immediately come to mind. Will an inwardly dysfunctional Labor actually listen to any of the critiques raised, or more importantly actually act upon them? And will any of the Australians whose life experiences are completely unrepresented or reflected by modern Labor actually care about or read such internal ruminations? Regrettably, I doubt it. Read more...
Discussion Pieces
by Jessica Freame
Eras - Edition Three
I enjoyed reading the article about female film stars of the 50s; however, it irks me that to this day, that people are still hanging that "virgin" tag on Doris Day.
When the sexual revolution hit in the late 60s, people turned their backs on Ms Day, simplistically deriding her film persona as that of the perennial virgin. It's a view exemplified by Oscar Levant's wisecrack "I knew Doris Day before she was a virgin." That's a funny line, but it's all wrong.
Doris Day was the only movie star of her time who consistently played independent career women, never desperate for a husband — yet people have distorted that fact and as a result have underrated her. As you've probably presumed by now, yes, I'm a Doris Day nut, but I'm tired of that old misconception. Once again, your journal was quite interesting, very well-written and thought-provoking. I'm glad I discovered it.
Regards
Howard Green,
North Hollywood, CA
Thursday, 16 July 2009