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G4EBT > RUGGER 25.11.03 18:14l 164 Lines 6610 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : C01904G4EBT
Read: GUEST
Subj: Re: "Oz Tabloid Press Grovels"
Path: DB0FHN<DB0RGB<OK0PPL<DB0RES<ON0AR<GB7FCR
Sent: 031125/1143Z @:GB7FCR.#16.GBR.EU #:26886 [Blackpool] FBB-7.03a $:C01904G4
From: G4EBT@GB7FCR.#16.GBR.EU
To : RUGGER@WW
G'day Possums!! :-)
Bob, VK6BE wrote:-
> As a matter of fact, David, the Aussie press predicted an English win,
> and they did it in a much more restrained manner than the English
> tabloids!!!!
Thanks once more for reading my bull, and putting me right Bob -
I appreciate that you're there, and I'm here, so my analysis might
be flawed. It happens.
My perceptions are based on the scribblings of the Sydney Morning Herald,
Sydney Telegraph, and Sydney Sun-Herald. I like to keep abreast of the
Aussie Press on the net - it was through the Sydney Morning Herald
(http://www.smh.com.au) that I learned of the Sydney Peace Prize
being awarded to Dr Hanan Ashrawi, the Palestinian Peace campaigner.
They all ran campaigns deriding the England Rugby team, but as most
English people are born with, (or at least credited with), a
"condescension gene" which others find sooo bothersome, (I think I may
have more than one:-),
we don't get rattled by it. We try not to smirk though - it tends to annoy
people, which is bad manners.
The tabloid press appeals to the lowest common denominator to maximise
circulation to an immature readership base. I'm only perturbed by the
critical opinions of those I value and respect - the rest I view with
indifference and disdain. It's a trait I have.
The Aussie tabloids (English ones too), pander to nationalistic
tendencies. "Pommie bashing" is a national sport in which certain elements
in Oz excel. It isn't a sport we engage in, so we're happy to let them
win. (It's a sport in which winning is actually being a loser).
I don't take it seriously - does anyone? Just as I don't see amateurs on
packet in either VK or the UK as a statistically robust cross-section of
society (or even amatuer radio), nor do I see the tabloid press as "the
voice of the nation".
One in 20 Aussies hold British passports, millions are descended from
British stock. It's a young nation full of optimism; its people have
triumphed over adversity and worked wonders. Despite cultural differences
both countries have strong ties; have fought and died alongside each
other, and each country is a popular destination for people of the other.
(I'm not being condescending, I'm being sincere. These are indisputable
facts anyway).
With flights now so cheap, even the arduous journey makes it "do-able" not
just for thousands, but millions each way, every year. (I like
Australians, I like Australia, and I'm interested in it, so I might make
the trip myself one day - it's the only long-haul flight I'd endure).
Back to the tabloids: The Aussie Tabloid press has had the good grace
to make grovelling apologies. It wasn't necessary as no-one took them
seriously, but it was a nice gesture anyway. Here are a few comments:
The Sydney Morning Herald has admitted it was wrong to knock England's
World Cup winning aside, and said that "Pom bashing" should end.
Congratulating Clive Woodward's men on a "magnificent triumph" it said:
"You weren't too old (although we hoped you would be when the game went
into extra time), and you weren't too slow. You scored as many tries as
we did, and you did it with one of your own as a coach".
"You played with class, toughness and grace....you were bloody superior,
and you are, for the first time in 37 years, winners of a football World
Cup".
"we concede that the time has come to forgive you for using Australia as a
dumping ground for your poor, weak, and defenceless - even if the practice
continues unabated every fourth summer".
"We will no longer characterise your fans as beer-swilling pot-bellied
louts, or knife-wielding hooligans, and try to remember the sporting and
enthusiastic supporters who did so much to make the final memorable".
The apology concluded:
"We will officially remove the 215-year old chip(s) from our weary
shoulders, and encourage all Australians to be nice to any persons
of English persuasion they come into contact for the rest of the
week.....well, at least till close of business today".
The Sydney Daily Telegraph - which had lead a campaign against England
hero Jonny Wilkinson, published an apology in a similar vein. It said its
"Stop Jonny" tee shirts had "embarrassed Aussies and amused the Poms". It
went on to say" Officially, we give up. Jonny is unstoppable - his left
foot made the World Cup unwinnable. To ignore his greatness would be
unconscionable".
The headline of the Sydney Herald-Sun in reporting the final itself,
summed it's contrition in one line: "Read it and Weep".
(All I can say to that is "Yes - you beauty!)
End quotes.
So - no need to pittle on the Aussie tabloid press, they've done it
themselves, and with good grace.
World-Cup Results:
Week 1, Oct 12, Perth: England 84, Georgia 6
Week 2, Oct 18, Perth: England 25, South Africa 6
Week 3, Oct 26, Melbourne: England 35, Samoa 22
Week 4, Nov 2, Brisbane: England 111, Uruguay 13
Week 5, Nov 9, Brisbane: England 28, Wales 17
Week 6, Nov 16, Sydney: England 28, France 7
Final: England 20, Aus 14
Total points: 308 85
Previous winners:
1987: New Zealand. (Beat France 29-9 at Eden Park, Auckland).
1991: Australia. (Beat England 12-6 at Twickenham).
1995: South Africa. (Beat New Zealand 15-12 at Ellis Park, Jo'burg).
1999: Australia. (Beat France 35-12 Millennium Stadium, Cardiff).
The laugh of the week came from French President Jacques Chirac, who
claimed: "It isn't just a victory for France, but for Europe".
Huh, France was knocked out by England, and it's said that most of its
fans supported the Aussies, (which is fine).
Frere Jacques (who must be on "sincere pills") had the Gallic nerve
to say to "His Royal Tonyness" (Blair):
"This deserved victory is also a victory for Europe. Thanks to the
extraordinary talent of English players, the world cup is coming to
the Northern Hemisphere for the first time".
Oh purleeeeese Jacques - tres, tres, mechant! C'est sentiment
il n'est pas vrai - il n'est pas sincere. Vous et un gredin!
("Very, very, naughty! This sentiment is not true - it is not sincere.
You are a rogue!")
(Or words to that effect).
On that chirpy Francophobic note, best regards to all.
Dribbled and waffled G4EBT, interminably.
73 - David, G4EBT @ GB7FCR
Eddystone User Group Member
G-QRP Club Member No: 1339
QTH: Cottingham, East Yorkshire.
david@crofters89.freeserve.co.uk
Message timed: 10:49 on 2003-Nov-25
Message sent using WinPack-Telnet V6.70
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