The 2005 Cronulla riots sparked much controversy across Australia regarding how the event reflected ideas deeply rooted in Australian society and culture. It can be said that Australia's founding arc is based on an increasingly latent tension between white Australia and the “others”, resulting in the ongoing outpouring of hostility and crime. This can be seen in politics and mainstream media that shape the dominant national identity and create oppressed countercultures. The existence of this dual narrative, one fiercely protective of national identity and the other seemingly contrary, has directly and indirectly caused hostility that has led to racial and social crimes. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay A political cartoon titled “Beautiful 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 gun, a sword, a hand grenade and brass knuckles. Although the cartoon is painted to specifically target 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 that Australia's past was once buried but is now being exposed due to the Cronulla riots. The Cronulla riots, as stated, do not exist in isolation. They reflect a long narrative but also speak to the deeply political climate of the time. The Liberal Howard Government was in office from 1996 to 2007. The term “un-Australian” was used by the influential Prime Minister John Howard to remove accusations that his government fueled hostility and division across Australia. The Cronulla riots had long-lasting social impacts that are still felt today. When Attorney General Alfred Deakin wrote in 1901 that “foreigners… among us” should be deported, he created a context of exclusion and tension between those declared “aliens” and white Australia. Historian Keith Windschuttle has reformed and reinforced the idea that it was the nations' introduction of multicultural policies, away from the White Australia policy, that had been "an abject failure". Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper now from our expert writers. Get a Custom Essay In conclusion, the Cronulla riots were the result of latent tensions against a group of people. This was caused by mainstream politics and media shaping the dominant national identity and creating oppressed countercultures. The existence of this dual narrative, one fiercely protective of national identity and the other seemingly contrary, has directly and indirectly caused hostility that has led to racial and social crimes. An analysis of Australia's history strongly reflects the soft underbelly of social unrest that specifically led to race crimes.