Considering I've already voted in today's election, this post probably comes a bit late. But I've been thinking - in politics these days, there seems to be less and less difference between the two parties. By using populist tactics, I feel that we aren't really given much of a choice. Does it really matter who you vote for? Either way, the country is pretty much run the same.
Then I realised there was one key issue that I would base my vote entirely on. If either major party had come out during the campaign and said they would legalise same-sex marriage - they would have got my vote.
No, I'm not gay. But I do believe that the banning of same-sex marriage is one of the last official forms of discrimination in our country. If you love someone, you should be able to demonstrate that to the world however you want to - and for a lot of people, that means marriage. Why should any government be able to stop that? If any other group in our society suddenly faced such bans, people would be horrified.
Of course, there are a lot of people, whatever their orientation, don't want to get married. And that's fine. But this is about choice. That's the problem.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Walk a mile in someone else's shoes
The renewed worry about 'boat people' in Australia is bothering me. Sure, its a key election issue (as it has been for at least the last two elections), but it's so selfish and fails to look at both sides of the story.
I suggest that everyone takes a moment and tries to imagine themselves as a refugee. Think about it, if these people are willing to pay an exorbitant amount of money to get on a dangerous, overcrowded boat and take their chances that it won't sink, they must be pretty desperate right?
I don't profess that I'm an expert in this area, in fact, I probably don't know nearly as much about it as I should, but I still feel for them.
Can we honestly say that if we were in the same situation, we'd choose to stay where we are, even if it puts our lives and families at risk? I doubt it.
We are very lucky to have been born in a country where we don't face this type of persecution. And that means that we should do what we can to help these people, not judge them. At least start by listening to their stories before making assumptions.
Read this article: http://www.smh.com.au/world/what-would-you-do-20100709-1034g.html#poll It makes some pretty strong arguments.
I suggest that everyone takes a moment and tries to imagine themselves as a refugee. Think about it, if these people are willing to pay an exorbitant amount of money to get on a dangerous, overcrowded boat and take their chances that it won't sink, they must be pretty desperate right?
I don't profess that I'm an expert in this area, in fact, I probably don't know nearly as much about it as I should, but I still feel for them.
Can we honestly say that if we were in the same situation, we'd choose to stay where we are, even if it puts our lives and families at risk? I doubt it.
We are very lucky to have been born in a country where we don't face this type of persecution. And that means that we should do what we can to help these people, not judge them. At least start by listening to their stories before making assumptions.
Read this article: http://www.smh.com.au/world/what-would-you-do-20100709-1034g.html#poll It makes some pretty strong arguments.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Sex and another city
So, despite public opinion, I'm going to have to defend Sex and the City 2.
I wasn't actually planning on seeing it, until I got free tickets, so I'm not one of those girls who just loved the series and will think any resulting movie is good. Yes, I did love the series, but I HATED the first movie. It was far too long and would have played okay as an extended episode, but was awful on the big screen. Plus, I found Charlotte a little racist. Overall, it was terrible.
But the second movie was far better. Well, the first three quarters anyway! The critics have ravaged it, but honestly, what were they expecting? It is what is it is, and no one could have been expecting a critical success.
I dragged my poor boyfriend Phil to see it with me (ahh, the benefits of being in a relationship!) and even he didn't hate it as much as he thought he would.
It had what it needed to - the girls, the fashion, the shoes, the boys and a cliched happy ending. Go see it and escape.
As long as they don't try to make a third one, I'm satisfied!
I wasn't actually planning on seeing it, until I got free tickets, so I'm not one of those girls who just loved the series and will think any resulting movie is good. Yes, I did love the series, but I HATED the first movie. It was far too long and would have played okay as an extended episode, but was awful on the big screen. Plus, I found Charlotte a little racist. Overall, it was terrible.
But the second movie was far better. Well, the first three quarters anyway! The critics have ravaged it, but honestly, what were they expecting? It is what is it is, and no one could have been expecting a critical success.
I dragged my poor boyfriend Phil to see it with me (ahh, the benefits of being in a relationship!) and even he didn't hate it as much as he thought he would.
It had what it needed to - the girls, the fashion, the shoes, the boys and a cliched happy ending. Go see it and escape.
As long as they don't try to make a third one, I'm satisfied!
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Australian Story
Every second week, I have the pleasure of doing some pro bono work through my job for the Big Issue. During this time, I get to spend about half an hour talking to one of the Big Issue sellers, whose name is Malcolm. His stories are always fascinating, but this week the conversation was especially memorable and really struck a chord with me.
Malcolm is half Pilipino and grew up in the Australian school system during the 1960’s. I wasn’t around yet to experience it first hand, but hearing him describe the segregation that still existed in Australia, and how he believes this effected his education and eventually his whole life, was heartbreaking. It’s so unfair to think that a situation a child had forced upon them 40 years ago can still have a negative impact.
As Malcolm is now getting a bit older, he also talked about his belief that as you age, the most important thing to do is make sure you stay integrated in society. Regardless of your financial situation, once your spouse and friends pass away, your children grow up and people move, you can find yourself quickly disconnected from the world, which has an enormous impact on your physical and emotional wellbeing.
While I’m too young to understand this fully, I can certainly identify with this statement by the experiences of both of my grandmothers, and found it incredibly sad.
I know that’s not really the best way to end a blog post, but it really made me think. As well as reflecting on my grandparents, and my past and future, it was a little reminder of how you can sometimes come across unexpected people with the most astounding stories to tell. Thank you Malcolm.
Malcolm is half Pilipino and grew up in the Australian school system during the 1960’s. I wasn’t around yet to experience it first hand, but hearing him describe the segregation that still existed in Australia, and how he believes this effected his education and eventually his whole life, was heartbreaking. It’s so unfair to think that a situation a child had forced upon them 40 years ago can still have a negative impact.
As Malcolm is now getting a bit older, he also talked about his belief that as you age, the most important thing to do is make sure you stay integrated in society. Regardless of your financial situation, once your spouse and friends pass away, your children grow up and people move, you can find yourself quickly disconnected from the world, which has an enormous impact on your physical and emotional wellbeing.
While I’m too young to understand this fully, I can certainly identify with this statement by the experiences of both of my grandmothers, and found it incredibly sad.
I know that’s not really the best way to end a blog post, but it really made me think. As well as reflecting on my grandparents, and my past and future, it was a little reminder of how you can sometimes come across unexpected people with the most astounding stories to tell. Thank you Malcolm.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Unsolicited advice
This has to be the stupidest tweet I've ever read:
can CHANEL please help me out by getting me some stickers to put on my scram bracelet so that i can at least wear a chic dress?! maybe!? x
Lindsay Lohan decided to broadcast that to the world yesterday.
Ok, so obviously I have to make several admissions. Yes, I follow Lindsay Lohan on twitter. Most of the time, I don't actually have a problem with her, and think she's quite a good actress. But this is too much, and displays a complete lack of consideration for both her and Chanel's reputations.
For those of you who aren't aware, the scram bracelet she's referring to is one that monitors her level of alcohol consumption; the one the court ordered her to wear.
Think about it Lindsay. Why on earth would Chanel, a brand with an incredibly high reputation, give you stickers to put on your scram bracelet, thereby attaching their brand to your illegal activity? No way would I recommend that as a positive promotion for them, no matter how many photos were taken of you while wearing that. Actually, the more photos taken of that bracelet with Chanel branding, the worse it would be for them.
It's not great for your reputation either. Doesn't really seem like you're taking this brush with the law seriously. Maybe instead of finding ways to 'wear a chic dress' you should stay home, not drink and focus on your career for once and stop throwing it all away. Just a thought.
can CHANEL please help me out by getting me some stickers to put on my scram bracelet so that i can at least wear a chic dress?! maybe!? x
Lindsay Lohan decided to broadcast that to the world yesterday.
Ok, so obviously I have to make several admissions. Yes, I follow Lindsay Lohan on twitter. Most of the time, I don't actually have a problem with her, and think she's quite a good actress. But this is too much, and displays a complete lack of consideration for both her and Chanel's reputations.
For those of you who aren't aware, the scram bracelet she's referring to is one that monitors her level of alcohol consumption; the one the court ordered her to wear.
Think about it Lindsay. Why on earth would Chanel, a brand with an incredibly high reputation, give you stickers to put on your scram bracelet, thereby attaching their brand to your illegal activity? No way would I recommend that as a positive promotion for them, no matter how many photos were taken of you while wearing that. Actually, the more photos taken of that bracelet with Chanel branding, the worse it would be for them.
It's not great for your reputation either. Doesn't really seem like you're taking this brush with the law seriously. Maybe instead of finding ways to 'wear a chic dress' you should stay home, not drink and focus on your career for once and stop throwing it all away. Just a thought.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
A tale of two cities
So I need to apologise. To Melbourne. Turns out I’ve been under appreciating that place for years.
Somewhere along the line, I’d picked up the opinion that you have to choose one city – Melbourne or Sydney. Everyone knows the rivalry between Melbourne and Sydney. Culture versus glamour, Lady vs. Tramp, rain vs. sunshine etc.
No contest – I’d chosen Sydney. I’ve been here over three years now and love it. It might be the small town girl in me talking, but I love the fast pace, the excitement, the opportunities, and the fact that it’s not as cold as Melbourne!
But I visited Melbourne last weekend. Not for the first time, but for some reason, this time I got it. I loved it. For the first time ever, I considered living there.
I don’t know what changed, exactly. But as I wandered the city, I finally noticed how beautiful it was. Then again, it might have just been the fact it was raining in Sydney
But seriously, Melbourne, thanks for a great weekend. I’ll definitely be visiting again soon, just to make sure my new found opinion still stands.
Somewhere along the line, I’d picked up the opinion that you have to choose one city – Melbourne or Sydney. Everyone knows the rivalry between Melbourne and Sydney. Culture versus glamour, Lady vs. Tramp, rain vs. sunshine etc.
No contest – I’d chosen Sydney. I’ve been here over three years now and love it. It might be the small town girl in me talking, but I love the fast pace, the excitement, the opportunities, and the fact that it’s not as cold as Melbourne!
But I visited Melbourne last weekend. Not for the first time, but for some reason, this time I got it. I loved it. For the first time ever, I considered living there.
I don’t know what changed, exactly. But as I wandered the city, I finally noticed how beautiful it was. Then again, it might have just been the fact it was raining in Sydney
But seriously, Melbourne, thanks for a great weekend. I’ll definitely be visiting again soon, just to make sure my new found opinion still stands.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Is all publicity good publicity?
Today I decided to explore the cliché ‘Is all publicity good publicity?’
I have to admit that I already have an opinion on this issue, based on instinct, not experience. Simple answer, no. Of course not.
In my last post, “Social Media – Angel or Devil?” I briefly mentioned the bad publicity Nestle’s been receiving due to accusations around their use of palm oil. I highly doubt that they think it’s been a good week for them, PR wise, simply due to the fact their name was in the news.
Next, Lara Bingle. I’m sure everyone is familiar with her troubles recently, so I won’t go into them here. Media coverage of her naked shower picture got her a lot of money from Woman’s Day, but also cost her a fiancée. Was that good publicity?
Tiger Woods – does anyone want to argue that a broken marriage and millions lost in sponsorship deals was worth a few weeks of headlines? No!
I’m trying to think of a good example, really I am!
But, the best I can come up with is this. Maybe in the past, when PR was simpler, when things couldn’t go ‘viral’ on the internet, the statement might have been true. But in 2010, when there is a far greater range of media channels, consumers have a greater voice, and we’re less able to control either of those things, maybe we need to rethink this statement.
I have to admit that I already have an opinion on this issue, based on instinct, not experience. Simple answer, no. Of course not.
In my last post, “Social Media – Angel or Devil?” I briefly mentioned the bad publicity Nestle’s been receiving due to accusations around their use of palm oil. I highly doubt that they think it’s been a good week for them, PR wise, simply due to the fact their name was in the news.
Next, Lara Bingle. I’m sure everyone is familiar with her troubles recently, so I won’t go into them here. Media coverage of her naked shower picture got her a lot of money from Woman’s Day, but also cost her a fiancée. Was that good publicity?
Tiger Woods – does anyone want to argue that a broken marriage and millions lost in sponsorship deals was worth a few weeks of headlines? No!
I’m trying to think of a good example, really I am!
But, the best I can come up with is this. Maybe in the past, when PR was simpler, when things couldn’t go ‘viral’ on the internet, the statement might have been true. But in 2010, when there is a far greater range of media channels, consumers have a greater voice, and we’re less able to control either of those things, maybe we need to rethink this statement.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)