"She may have somewhat controversial political views but at least she has the defence of being Australian," he said.
There you have it; Australia is now seen as the new South Africa, that rough redneck cowboy state somewhere in the godforsaken Southern Hemisphere, where bigotry and narrow-mindedness are par for the course. If you're an Australian, people pretty much expect you to be racist, reactionary and xenophobic (and probably to scratch your arse in public and spit on the floor as well). Remember that next time you're in Europe, and give thanks to Pauline and Johnny.
I knew it would happen... Being regarded as the new Serth Efrika, that is. :-((
We may never make it fully back; people may forever talk of Australia the way they talk about Texas (and have done so since the 19th century). We're Texas with crocodiles and redback spiders.
I wonder how long until all the progressive Australians emigrate and start lobbying for sanctions against their country, writing scathing letters from Thailand or Auckland or Earl's Court or wherever they base themselves.
how sad. hey, your blog has been great lately! lots of crazy stories..
When I was in the US last year even Americans, who do tend to be a little sheltered "foreigner" wise (great band!) had heard "aussies piss on girls in pubs" sorts of rumours..
Its my big campaign, its hard, its so easy to criticize America from afar, but really, we are down that track... Apathy and a Conspiratorial Media means the rest of the world sees Howard, Dannii, and Steve Irwin, just like Australians rant abou the US when we see Bush, J-Lo, and Charlton Heston on tv... Perhaps a benefit is before this we have been complacent nobodies... I found Americans, who really had something to fight against, quite inspiring and motivated people.
Yeah, walton, I have to admit, I'm a great US basher, but every American I've met in real life and spent time with has been a friendly, intelligent, generally great person. Where is this dichotomoy occuring?
Walton: those rumours could well be taken from evenings at the Walkabout chain of pubs in London... fuck's sake. I proudly avoided them. But then, I would, as I was watering my 'roo and watching for drop-bears all the time, even when I wasn't in the outback...
Gah. It'll be a long haul back to civilisation, assuming we ever even actually get started...