The Centre for Optimism

by Jim Plamondon

In the 1962 book King Rat, the author James Clavell described the three social systems established by the English-speaking Prisoners of War in Japan's Changi Prison:

1. The Americans' market economy, led by its richest entrepreneur; 
2. The Brits' class hierarchy, led by the highest-status aristocrat; 
3. The Australians' egalitarian culture, in which everyone expected to give each other "a fair go." 

I migrated there in March of 2000, becoming an Australian citizen a few years after.

Historically, you could count on the Aussies to work together more selflessly than just about anyone.

I am optimistic that Australians will continue to give each other a fair go during the emerging COVID-19 pandemic.

I am optimistic that Australians will look back on this relatively brief and benign "imprisonment" as one of their proudest hours, with its passing to be celebrated forever as a great victory of the Australian spirit.

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie! Oi, Oi, Oi!