The Crazy Rants of Samantha BurnsNot A G'day Mate
Would you be offended if you were addressed as "mate" by an Australian security guard?
At least, this seems to be the reasoning for why some members of the Australian parliament desired to ban the word "mate" from being used by security guards. The Australian Prime Minister John Howard considers the ban "absurd", which is good since he himself used the term when talking about president Bush.
I don't know about you, but if I were visiting in Australia, I would leave pretty disappointed if I wasn't referred to as "mate" at some point in the trip.
Comments
hi there! Thanx for dropping by my blog :-) So the ban on 'mate' struck you too, eh? Glad they dropped that idea!! Will be checking out your other articles... do drop by often @ my site too, k? take care!
Posted by: lynne | August 19, 2005 01:46 PM
I would certainly want my money back. I mean, there have been too many shattered illusions to endure already to not be greeted by Crocadile Dundee at every security post.
Posted by: Mr. Bingley![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.samanthaburns.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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August 19, 2005 02:56 PM
I had the pleasure of working with a very nice Australian lady and every day I heard "G'Day". I think those things that make a locale unique should not be looked upon as making your country look backwards or archaic. As long as it is not derogatory or oppressive, why the hell not?
And I agree with Mr. Bingley; I'd want a refund if when I am fortunate enough to visit down under, that I was not called mate, did not drink some Foster's beer and did not eat soem shrimp on the barbie.
I've had the veggemite and they can quite frankly keep that seriosuly nasty stuff.
Posted by: Dtrini | August 19, 2005 03:02 PM
Sure, it's cute when you're visiting. But you try and live here..
Posted by: drogidy | October 4, 2005 12:39 AM