Exhibitions
Chequered Knights
True Blue and White Lies -
Australia's anti-police myth and the moments that made it
Antagonism towards police was fostered by the riots, rebellion and resistance of convicts, settlers and Indigenous peoples. An anti-police myth emerged as a founding legend of the colonial nation, shaping the Australian identity, characterized by the love of the underdog seeking 'a fair go'. Our appreciation for avengers and an opposition to authority is symbolized by a succession of criminal heroes. This exhibition deconstructs the anti-police myth to reveal the possible historical moments and social values which build and sustain the perception of police in the twenty-first century.
This exhibition deconstructs the anti-police myth to reveal the possible historical moments and social values which sustain and shape the perception of police in our community in the twenty-first century.
With a focus on mainland eastern Australia, the concept of police is challenged and explored through significant moments of resistance, criminal heroes ensconced in national ideology and popular culture and evolution of Indigenous-police relations.
A founding legend of the colonial nation and an unshakable facet of the Australian identity, Chequered Knights investigates Australia's construct of the police, raising just as many questions about 'them' as it does about 'us'.
When?
Ongoing
Contact Us
Tracy Sullivan
Education Officer/Manager
Phone: 9850 8870
Fax: 9850 6594
Email: ahmuseum@hmn.mq.edu.au