Edwin Tiang Hong’s poem “Coming To” can indeed be considered an exploration and re-definition of Australian identity, particularly in the context of multiculturalism and the post-colonial landscape. The poem delves into themes of self-discovery, cultural conflict, and belonging, which are crucial to understanding the modern, evolving Australian identity. As Australia grapples with its colonial past, immigration, and diversity, “Coming To” can be read as an effort to challenge traditional notions of Australian identity that were once largely shaped by Anglo-Celtic heritage and the colonial experience.
1. A Multicultural Context
In “Coming To,” the speaker’s journey of self-awareness is entwined with a broader cultural awareness. The speaker, who might represent a new generation of Australians, expresses a sense of being caught between different worlds—those of the colonial past and the post-colonial, multicultural present. Edwin Tiang Hong, who likely comes from an Asian background (as suggested by the name and themes), uses the poem as a tool to explore cultural hybridity—the intersection of Indigenous, European, and Asian influences in Australia’s evolving national identity.
In Australia’s multicultural society, especially since the 1970s, when immigration policies became more inclusive, the concept of what it means to be Australian has shifted. The poem reflects this change by addressing the tension between cultural assimilation and cultural preservation, where individuals from different backgrounds negotiate their identity within the national framework. The speaker in the poem may find themselves both part of and apart from the dominant Anglo-Australian culture, highlighting a sense of hybridity in their experience of belonging.
2. Post-Colonial Re-definition of Identity
Australia’s colonial history has long shaped its national identity, often relegating the experiences and contributions of non-European Australians to the margins. However, Tiang Hong’s poem can be seen as part of a broader post-colonial discourse that seeks to reclaim and re-define the meaning of being Australian. The title “Coming To” itself suggests a process of awakening or becoming aware, which could symbolize the broader process of Australians coming to terms with their complex, multicultural identity.
The post-colonial identity explored in the poem involves understanding the impact of European colonization on both the Indigenous population and the waves of immigrants that followed. The speaker’s journey towards self-definition in the poem reflects an attempt to reconcile personal heritage with the realities of living in a country that has been shaped by centuries of colonial oppression and immigration. This is especially relevant in the context of Indigenous reconciliation, where Australian identity is now being reconsidered to include Indigenous voices, immigrant stories, and the country’s colonial past.
3. Conflict and Resolution of Identity
The internal conflict the speaker faces in “Coming To” can also be read as a metaphor for the broader struggle over Australian identity. There is a tension between wanting to belong to a unified national identity and the recognition that identity is fluid and multiple. This notion is central to multiculturalism, where there isn’t a single, fixed understanding of Australian identity but rather an acceptance that it is continuously shaped by individual experiences, cultural interactions, and historical contexts.
The discomfort or sense of alienation expressed in the poem may stem from the fact that the speaker does not fully align with any one cultural narrative but instead finds themselves in a liminal space—neither fully fitting into the mainstream Anglo-Australian culture nor completely embraced by their own cultural heritage. This experience mirrors the lives of many Australians who are second or third-generation immigrants or are part of minority ethnic groups. The poem’s journey towards “coming to” suggests that identity is not something static but is an evolving process, shaped by personal understanding, social context, and the acceptance of diversity.
4. Cultural Hybridity and Integration
One of the poem’s key aspects is the exploration of cultural hybridity, where the speaker’s identity is formed from multiple, often conflicting, cultural influences. The blending of cultures and the acknowledgment of difference are critical elements in the re-definition of Australian identity, particularly in the context of an increasingly globalized world. Tiang Hong’s poem can be seen as an articulation of this hybrid identity, where cultural fluidity replaces the once more rigid, Anglo-centric view of what it meant to be Australian.
The speaker’s experience reflects the broader cultural tensions in Australia, particularly with regard to the integration of immigrants and the recognition of their contribution to the nation. The idea of coming to a fuller understanding of oneself and one’s place within Australia’s multicultural framework can be seen as an invitation to reconsider how Australian identity can be expanded to include a plurality of voices and cultural experiences. The poem challenges the reader to question the boundaries of Australian identity and to embrace a more inclusive definition that accounts for Indigenous Australians, immigrants, and those whose identities do not conform to traditional, narrow definitions.
5. Reflection of Australian Society
The poem’s themes also reflect the evolution of Australian society itself. As the country moves away from its colonial roots and confronts its history of Indigenous displacement and immigration, there is a growing need to redefine what it means to be Australian. Tiang Hong’s poem encapsulates this process, offering a voice to those who feel like outsiders or who struggle to find a sense of belonging within the traditional narrative of Australian identity. It asks the reader to reflect on the shifting nature of national identity in the modern, post-colonial world.
The speaker’s journey towards understanding is not just personal but reflective of a collective process of change in Australia. Just as the speaker “comes to” terms with their identity, so too does Australian society, slowly moving toward a more inclusive understanding of what it means to be Australian in the 21st century.
6. Conclusion
In conclusion, Edwin Tiang Hong’s poem “Coming To” can be interpreted as a powerful commentary on the re-definition of Australian identity. Through the speaker’s journey of self-awareness and reconciliation with their heritage, the poem addresses themes of multiculturalism, post-colonialism, and hybridity. It challenges traditional views of Australian identity and advocates for a more inclusive, pluralistic understanding of what it means to belong to this country. The poem serves as a reflection of the complexities of modern Australian society and the ongoing process of defining and embracing the diversity that makes up the nation’s cultural fabric.