What the bloody hell's the problem?
June 7th 2010 12:40
Things like koalas, kangaroos, crocs, and the Sydney Oprah House were among the most posted. I did get a few on the love of the Aussie accent as well.
One critic posted a comment on the media website Mumbrella stating the ad was, “Bogan pride at its best.” Now, the term “bogan” is defined as a slang term “which describes a person of a lower class background, and whose character is often crude.”
Maybe I was looking at the ad wrong, but I don’t think a plane pilot, surfers enjoying the sunrise or a family enjoying a barbecue, for example, render up thoughts of low-class, crude people. From an American’s eye (e.g. tourist’s eye) the ad hit a home run.
I can see, however, how the ad with its over-abundance of cliché Australian symbols can be looked at as a bit over the top, but honestly, it’s what we love about Australia; the rainbow of people, the wildlife, the beaches.
The previous Australian tourism ad “Where the Bloody Hell Are You?” with Lara Bingle received the same slack. Even Kevin Rudd called it a “rolled gold disaster”. I have a feeling old Ruddy’s opinion was being guided by the masses because not one of my American guy mates had any problem at all with Ms. Bingle and her invitation.
I think part of the problem here is Australia needs to cash in on its popularity. I can only speak for Americans but we love you guys. The accent sends most women (and men for that matter) into silly fits of giggles when they hear it.
For example, in the States my husband never even had to fill out a bank deposit slip once! He just handed the red-faced, giggling bank teller his check and I.D. card, threw her a “G’day” and she did the rest for him. We also learned to stick him in the driver’s seat when going through take-away joints because of the free stuff we would get from him ordering.
So just know Australia that although the ad may seem a bit gammin to you, the ad only deepens the love affair the rest of the world has with your country. I’m just lucky enough to already be here.
| 123 |
| Vote |
subscribe to this blog
Comment by Anonymous
Cooking with Feeling
Comment by Yank in Oz
Comment by angelbird72
Cooking with Feeling
I had heard that all it was was Aboriginal people dressed up traditionally and dancing in front of Uluru, and that's it. What about our large Asian population? What about the Greek and Italians who did so much for our food (like my partner's family)? What about our Middle Eastern population? Our fairly new but slowly growing African population? All that fantastic and varied food! (I like my food : P)
What about my mate Jake? He's Aboriginal but he doesn't spend his time dancing for tourists in the bush, he's here at Uni doing Law like me.
Comment by Yank in Oz