… of hypocracy?
Ever said one thing, then turned around and done another?
At a recent family wedding in Oz (after a couple of Mojitos) I found myself linking arms in a large circle of extended family and strangers, while singing You’re the Voice by John Farnham.
My brother J-Rad watched on in amusement.
Afterwards he said to me: “Wow. You must experience a lot of cognitive dissonance* in your life.”
He’s not wrong.
I experience as much cognitive dissonance as Julian McMahon and Dannii Minogue would have after making this delightful video:
(They divorced shortly after its release.)
It is true. A few years ago I would have glassed myself before pretending to enjoy Johnny Farnham’s music for the kabillionth time in my life. (Sorry to all you loyal fans out there.)
Why? Because he represents everything I loaaaath about the Australian Culture:
(John Farnham. 'Farnzy')
- His 80’s mullet that he refuses to part with,
- His constant reoccurring airplay in every Aussie bar,
- His rather moronic nick-name “Farnzy” which rhymes with “Barnzy,” who I actually like.
But there’s more to it than that! To me - he epitomizes the Aussie Cultural Cringe!!! I get the same expression listening to him, that one gets when listening to our politicians speak. Or that one used to get watching the crocodile hunter, before he died and we all realized how much we actually loved him.
(Steve Irwin. RIP Steve)
And that’s the thing about cultural cringing. It’s rather hypocritical. Like faults that bug you about a friend or family member; at the end of the day - you can’t help having some kind of good sentiment for them, because they make up a part of a whole.
The fact that Farnzy is rather cringe worthy, makes our Australian culture very unique, and there’s something to be said about having a little pride in that.
Alcohol also helps.
If reaching a point in my life where I can openly sing Farnzy without wanting to hurt myself, makes me a hypocrite, then so be it. Just like my father and Kirsty Alley; opinionated people can and do change their minds.
After all, we’re only human.
(Kirsty Alley Makes a vow to shed extra pounds on Oprah)
Mark my words, J-Rad. One day you’ll be far away from the place you are today. Perhaps you’ve had a mojito too many, and Johnny Farnham will start playing. Then Somewhere, deep within the recesses of your pickled little brain, a sense of joy will find a crack and seep into your sole.
After all, we are only Australian.
*Cognitive dissonance is an uncomfortable feeling caused by holding two contradictory ideas simultaneously.
J-RAD GET ON BOARD! Clasp your hand into a power-fist and punch it to the air. Now slowly pull it down to your chest. Repeat at every build and sing along.
ReplyDeleteHOW LONNNNNNNGGG CAN WE LOOK AT EACH OTHER...
DOWN-THE-BARREL-OF-A-GUNNNNNNNN??
T-Bird.
X
Never. I was drunk and very happy but it was still not going to happen. Despite wanting the camaraderie of my fellow brethren, too much of me would have died inside to pretend to like John Farnham.
ReplyDeletenice post. J-Rad
Respect! Brother. (as I extend my fist for a pound... and then change my mind and punch it to the air for Farnzy. lol)
ReplyDeleteAs for you T-Bird.... Writing the lyrics down - you biatch! I'm sober!
Hahaha! My housemate's a DJ and she'll drop 'you're the voice' into every set. The funniest thing is to watch the reactions. They usually can be categorized into 3 types of people. There's the early adopters who are committed from the first verse 'we have the chance..'. The ones who come in at the chorus surprised and embarrassed that they know the lyrics but passionately participating all the same. And the ones that will shake their heads and walk away in unfathomable disgust. J-Rad it's clear you fall into the latter, but never say never. I've seen many a tough, stoic, butch and bearded punter cave in to the peer pressure of Farnsy at the last chorus. But then again maybe it's just a girl thing?! Ha!
ReplyDeleteT-Bird.
X
Ah ha ha ha!!! F*king hilarious T-Bird! Sooooo True!
ReplyDelete