'Anti-terrorism' ads in Australia

[bombeverything]

Has anyone else had the displeasure of seeing these overtly racist, hate filled ads?

"Australians are friendly, peaceful, democratic"
"We must protect our way of life"
"Look out for anything suspicious"

Pfft. If they want to catch a terrorist they should look no further than George. W. Bush himself. He is the world leader in terrorism.

[Beccie]

I agree comrade!! The ads are disgraceful.

Australia isn't peaceful or democratic. Our way of life sux.

George. W. Bush is a wanker. I don't see how his acts of murder are any more justified then the perpetrators of the September 11 attacks.


(Edited by Commie01 at 8:08 am on Jan. 3, 2003)

[MiNdGaMe]

http://www.alphalink.com.au/~rosscath/1800.jpg

(Edited by MiNdGaMe at 8:28 am on Jan. 3, 2003)

[Ian]

That guy from 'the Today show', Steve something, gives me the shits, try show some objectivity. I mean fuck, he just goes and on about war, try sitting through one morning of that shit.... I prefer watching informercials on Good morning australia frankly ;)

[nz revolution]

"Australians are friendly, peaceful, democratic"
"We must protect our way of life"
"Look out for anything suspicious"

Fuck are you serious? That made me smile...

If shit like that goes on in NZ, people are going to hear about it, trust me...

[Socialist Pig]

Quote: from Ian Rocks on 8:27 am on Jan. 3, 2003
That guy from 'the Today show', Steve something, gives me the shits, try show some objectivity. I mean fuck, he just goes and on about war, try sitting through one morning of that shit.... I prefer watching informercials on Good morning australia frankly ;)

heh. I tried to do that, but when they started talking about "The Steam Dream" it was all too much for me.

Anyway, yes it is BS. Pehaps if Mr. Howard was not such a lackey to Dubya we wouldn't be in this situation.

[Blackberry]

I'm going to be reporting suspicious activities by George W. Bush in a few days. Do the same.

[bombeverything]

Quote: from Commie01 on 8:04 am on Jan. 3, 2003
I don't see how his acts of murder are any more justified then the perpetrators of the September 11 attacks.


You are totally right.


Quote: from MiNdGaMe on 8:25 am on Jan. 3, 2003
http://www.alphalink.com.au/~rosscath/1800.jpg


I think I have seen that man before, should I call the National Security Hotline?

nz revolution> I wish I wasn't.

Socialist Pig> Word on the Howard comment.

[Santa Clara]

Guys, have any of you been to the stupid, 'National Security' website. I went for a laugh but it's just scary. It tells you nothing, of course. But people will go there and think, oh, suspicious packages, abandoned vehicles. Abandoned my arse, how about legitimately parked panel vans, should we inspect all of them if they happen to be on George St. for christ sake.
But my favourite part, 'If it doesn't add up, ring up'. Yeah, and they'll do what, send out a Special Forces team to fucking Woop Woop because Mrs. Forster forgot her new suitcase at the station when she got back from the teaming metropolis of Armidale or some shit. I mean Jesus.
We don't just need to ring up and report suspicions about Howard, we need to start our own fucking ad campaign outlining the terrorist activity of Dubya he is supporting by association, that should open a few eyes.

[Beccie]

Quote: from bombeverything on 7:49 am on Jan. 3, 2003
Has anyone else had the displeasure of seeing these overtly racist, hate filled ads?


Unfortunately I came across such an ad this morning whist I was reading the herald sun (*hangs head in shame*) it said:

Protecting the Australian way of life from a possible terrorist threat. BE ALERT. BUT NOT ALARMED.

Terrorism has changed the world, and Australia is not immune. But the way of life we all value so highly must go on. Australians are friendly, decent, democratic people, an we're going to stay that way.

It then lists all the things that the government is doing to SOLVE terrorism...

That kind of propaganda makes me feel sick.

[bombeverything]

No I haven't. What is the URL? I LOVE your idea about our own ad campaign. If only.

[bombeverything]

Quote: from Commie01 on 12:56 am on Jan. 5, 2003
[quote]Australians are friendly, decent, democratic people, an we're going to stay that way.


Word. The 'decent' comment makes me feel sick. Along with the whole "and we are going to stay that way". Arrrrgghhh!

P.S: Try not to read the Herald Sun :)

[Beccie]

P.S: Try not to read the Herald Sun :)

Thanks for the advice. I don't often read it.

[bombeverything]

Quote: from Commie01 on 1:44 am on Jan. 5, 2003
[quote]Thanks for the advice. I don't often read it.

I know.

Am I the only one that doesn't understand the Herald Sun? Whenever I read it I am left either angry or confused. Things just don't add up. Unfortunately my parents buy it so it is the only paper we have at home. I am interested in the news so it’s practically impossible to avoid. A few weeks ago my sister and I wrote a letter to the Herald Sun and it got in the Your Say section. That was pretty cool.

[Beccie]

Whenever I read it I am left either angry or confused.

Same here!!

[Blackberry]

Quote: from bombeverything on 1:56 am on Jan. 5, 2003

Quote: from Commie01 on 1:44 am on Jan. 5, 2003
[quote]Thanks for the advice. I don't often read it.

I know.

Am I the only one that doesn't understand the Herald Sun? Whenever I read it I am left either angry or confused. Things just don't add up. Unfortunately my parents buy it so it is the only paper we have at home. I am interested in the news so it’s practically impossible to avoid.



I can say exactly the same thing as you have just said Comrade, word for word.



A few weeks ago my sister and I wrote a letter to the Herald Sun and it got in the Your Say section. That was pretty cool.


I might have read it. What was it about? No doubt it would've left me happy.

[IHP]

The Herald Sun is just another laughable tabloid. I have tried to read it several times, but struggled past who was named sexiest man in the universe etc.

The ads are bviously propaganda. How do they promote tolerance towards Moslems (as they are clearly aimed at) at all. It turns it into an 'us-and-them' situation, and I really don't like that.

Ian Rocks. I think its harder to watch Bert Newtons plug-head to be honest. They have been advertising the bloody 'ab-rocker', and 'nair hair removal' for ages. Although you do have a point, that Steve guy pisses me off too.

--IHP

[man in the red suit]

Quote: from bombeverything on 7:49 am on Jan. 3, 2003
Has anyone else had the displeasure of seeing these overtly racist, hate filled ads?

"Australians are friendly, peaceful, democratic"
"We must protect our way of life"
"Look out for anything suspicious"




I guess I don't see what's so bad about this ad. Would you be offended if I told you I was nice, friendly and democratic. How is this racist? :confused: must be an Australian thing.

[Beccie]

Quote: from man in the red suit on 7:31 am on Jan. 5, 2003

Quote: from bombeverything on 7:49 am on Jan. 3, 2003
Has anyone else had the displeasure of seeing these overtly racist, hate filled ads?

"Australians are friendly, peaceful, democratic"
"We must protect our way of life"
"Look out for anything suspicious"




I guess I don't see what's so bad about this ad. Would you be offended if I told you I was nice, friendly and democratic. How is this racist? :confused: must be an Australian thing.

Its not one person, it is the country in general.

The ad claims that Australia is friendly yet people (including children) are locked up indefinitely in detention camps.

Australia claims to be peaceful but the government does not see a problem in backing the US war on terror.

Australia claims to be democratic but there is little difference between the two major political parties. Democracy needs an informed society to be able to operate effectively; the average Australian person is not informed.

Look for anything suspicious could probably translate to look out for any minority group doing anything unusual. The media has demonised minority groups, especially Muslims shaping people to think that Muslims are evil so it is more likely that a Muslim, not a white person, will commit the “suspicious behavior”


(Edited by Commie01 at 9:35 am on Jan. 5, 2003)

[man in the red suit]

Quote: from Commie01 on 9:30 am on Jan. 5, 2003

Quote: from man in the red suit on 7:31 am on Jan. 5, 2003

Quote: from bombeverything on 7:49 am on Jan. 3, 2003
Has anyone else had the displeasure of seeing these overtly racist, hate filled ads?

"Australians are friendly, peaceful, democratic"
"We must protect our way of life"
"Look out for anything suspicious"




I guess I don't see what's so bad about this ad. Would you be offended if I told you I was nice, friendly and democratic. How is this racist? :confused: must be an Australian thing.

Its not one person in, it is the country in general.

The ad claims that Australia is friendly yet people (including children) are locked up indefinitely in detention camps.




wow, I didn't know that. I've never been to Australia so I wouldn't know. I always imagined Austrailia as a miny America. Not a place of opression and detention camps.

and what's wrong with a war on terror. Isn't terror a BAD thing?

in any case, thank you for clearing things up. I didn't quite understand the ad before.

I understand the minority inclination now, I suppose it is a bit racist. You can't blame them though. In these times, people get strange.

(Edited by man in the red suit at 9:38 am on Jan. 5, 2003)

[Beccie]

"what's wrong with a war on terror. Isn't terror a BAD thing"

Terror is a bad thing but so is war. Especially when the war is killing innocent people. George Bush's war has killed more afghan civilians then those people who lost their lives on 9-11

[nz revolution]

and what's wrong with a war on terror. Isn't terror a BAD thing?

so you support the imperialist war on terror?

Jesus

[man in the red suit]

Quote: from Commie01 on 9:44 am on Jan. 5, 2003
"what's wrong with a war on terror. Isn't terror a BAD thing"

Terror is a bad thing but so is war. Especially when the war is killing innocent people. George Bush's war has killed more afghan civilians then those people who lost their lives on 9-11


I suppose your right. that was a "half assed question" btw..I had a feeling I knew the answer however I wanted to hear it from you first to see if you had a different answer from the one you gave me. So far I think the anti-war sentiment is taking the lead around here if I'm not mistaken.

[queen of diamonds]

Quote: from nz revolution on 1:48 am on Feb. 16, 2003

and what's wrong with a war on terror. Isn't terror a BAD thing?

so you support the imperialist war on terror?

Jesus


Hey, c'mon, give these guys a break. They're just doing what every other leader in history has done before them - looking out for what they see as the interests of his country. Granted, it's hardly a very intelligent or honourable thing to do, but I think rather than sitting here and bagging them out, we should be recognising the fault in the public of both the US and Australia. And that done, doing something about it, rather than sitting here.

[Ian]

I think IHP is sad because he didn't win World's Sexiest Man... even Rex Hunt beat you...

Make quick pranks, the lady was trying to keep me on the phone so she could get more info when I rang up and said "I HAVE COMMITTED A THOUGHT CRIME!!"

[queen of diamonds]

I wouldn't do that....if nothing else, it's a waste of your tax money, and gives whatever you support a bad name by the immaturity of its supporters.

[man in the red suit]

Quote: from nz revolution on 9:48 am on Jan. 5, 2003

and what's wrong with a war on terror. Isn't terror a BAD thing?

so you support the imperialist war on terror?

Jesus


never said I did. I agree on the principle of it though. But not the actual war itself, put into practice.

[Socialist Pig]

Every leftist should be against terrorism. It usually breeds more hatred and pain anyway. I would in no way consider the destruction of the twin towers a victory for Osama Bin Laden. He is now hunted. A government friendly to him has been overthrown. He has also given bush an excellent excuse to invade any country he wants as long as he can provide some lame and/or fabricated evidence.

[queen of diamonds]

Quote: from Socialist Pig on 1:50 pm on Feb. 16, 2003
Every leftist should be against terrorism. It usually breeds more hatred and pain anyway. I would in no way consider the destruction of the twin towers a victory for Osama Bin Laden. He is now hunted. A government friendly to him has been overthrown. He has also given bush an excellent excuse to invade any country he wants as long as he can provide some lame and/or fabricated evidence.

Right. Let's move onto the generalisations. While I agree with your final analysis, I really don't think you need to be moving onto the party loyalities yet. Give people evidence, and let them decide for themselves. Leftists? I think anyone who can evaluate the available evidence should be against a war on terror. It's got nothing to do with being leftist.

[bombeverything]

Quote: from Neutral Nation on 5:36 am on Jan. 5, 2003
I might have read it. What was it about? No doubt it would've left me happy.

I can't really remember, though it was about the Australian Flag [that disgusting thing], foreigners, Santa Claus and racist discrimination. It was in response to another letter that claimed Muslims were not adjusting well enough to our "way of life". It made me sick. From what I remember the original letter was called "Sorry state of affairs".

Did you happen to see it?

IHP> Yes, you are totally correct. Has anyone ever got a copy of the Herald Scum? Ha, what an awesome paper that is.


Quote: from man in the red suit on 6:55 pm on Jan. 5, 2003
never said I did. I agree on the principle of it though. But not the actual war itself, put into practice.

You agree with the 'principle' of a War on Iraq? Ahem, could you please define what that is? I see it as a US mission to control the Oil in Iraq [and consequently boost their own economy]. Also, where exactly is the link between Al Qaeda and Saddam Hussein? Have I missed something? What about the Gulf War? What did that achieve but murder? Is Hussein still there? YES! What a senseless war that was. War IS senseless. And what about these claims that Hussein is developing weapons of mass destruction? Where is the proof? Sorry, an aerial view of a building is not going to convince me. These claims are nothing but propaganda for war.

And another thing, why have North Korea been given such different treatment? Surely the fact they have already developed a nuclear weapons program would be enough for the US government to intervene. Isn't this a threat just like Iraq? North Korea have admitted to having such weapons, while Washington have still failed to prove the existence of nuclear weapons in Iraq. Brainless? I think so. Why? For oil. Otherwise things do not add up. Besides why can the US [the world leaders in terrorism] have nuclear weapons, whilst Hussein cannot? All the US wants to do is oust Hussein so they can replace him with a US controlled dictator [and hence control the oil].

What is this absurd idea that war will somehow equal peace? Pfft, what a contradiction in terms. Someone said something about our leaders 'simply protecting their own country'. In what way is that justified? What about the countless people in Iraq that will die as a result of this 'war on terror'? Nationalism is racism.

Yeah terror IS a bad thing, whether it is carried out by Washington or Al Qaeda. State Terrorism has killed more people than all murderers and terrorists put together. Along with that, state terror fuels such groups as Al Qaeda. This is another form of organised violence. AND ... what is with this whole America [or Australia in this case] = good, Iraq = bad rhetoric? Arrrghhh! Last of all I want to address the word democracy. In what way do we live in a democracy? Democracy is meant to be freedom. Freedom cannot be achieved alongside government control.

That’s all.

[Blackberry]

Quote: from bombeverything on 2:08 am on Jan. 6, 2003

Quote: from Neutral Nation on 5:36 am on Jan. 5, 2003
I might have read it. What was it about? No doubt it would've left me happy.

I can't really remember, though it was about the Australian Flag [that disgusting thing], foreigners, Santa Claus and racist discrimination. It was in response to another letter that claimed Muslims were not adjusting well enough to our "way of life". It made me sick. From what I remember the original letter was called "Sorry state of affairs".

Did you happen to see it?

IHP> Yes, you are totally correct. Has anyone ever got a copy of the Herald Scum? Ha, what an awesome paper that is.



I remember that title specifically. I can't really remember the content, but the fact that i can remember it must mean that I put down the paper with a feeling that there is still hope out there. :)

Good to see their are leftists in our community who disguise themselves as 'respectable' Australians in the newspapers. :)

[Socialist Pig]

Quote: from queen of diamonds on 12:08 am on Jan. 6, 2003

Quote: from Socialist Pig on 1:50 pm on Feb. 16, 2003
Every leftist should be against terrorism. It usually breeds more hatred and pain anyway. I would in no way consider the destruction of the twin towers a victory for Osama Bin Laden. He is now hunted. A government friendly to him has been overthrown. He has also given bush an excellent excuse to invade any country he wants as long as he can provide some lame and/or fabricated evidence.

Right. Let's move onto the generalisations. While I agree with your final analysis, I really don't think you need to be moving onto the party loyalities yet. Give people evidence, and let them decide for themselves. Leftists? I think anyone who can evaluate the available evidence should be against a war on terror. It's got nothing to do with being leftist.


I never said I supported America's war on terror. However, I do believe that leftist should be against mindless acts of violence that hurt the people they are trying to save.

[queen of diamonds]

Quote: from Socialist Pig on 6:32 pm on Feb. 16, 2003

Quote: from queen of diamonds on 12:08 am on Jan. 6, 2003

Quote: from Socialist Pig on 1:50 pm on Feb. 16, 2003
Every leftist should be against terrorism. It usually breeds more hatred and pain anyway. I would in no way consider the destruction of the twin towers a victory for Osama Bin Laden. He is now hunted. A government friendly to him has been overthrown. He has also given bush an excellent excuse to invade any country he wants as long as he can provide some lame and/or fabricated evidence.

Right. Let's move onto the generalisations. While I agree with your final analysis, I really don't think you need to be moving onto the party loyalities yet. Give people evidence, and let them decide for themselves. Leftists? I think anyone who can evaluate the available evidence should be against a war on terror. It's got nothing to do with being leftist.


I never said I supported America's war on terror. However, I do believe that leftist should be against mindless acts of violence that hurt the people they are trying to save.

Fair enough. But I didn't take issue with your criticism of terrorism. What I'm saying is that your appeal to "leftists" should be more an appeal for them to look at your evidence, not one to believe something.

[Socialist Pig]

*shrugs*
No one should ever blindly follow some one. You should always look for yourself. I was just voicing my opinion.

[IHP]

The funniest thing about the campaign is that it cost $15 Million. You know where they pulled $12 Million from to fund it? OUR NATIONAL SECURITY!! Oh, the irony.

Ian Rocks, yes I am a bit bitter about getting ousted by Rex Hunt and Big Kev for sexiest man, I thought I had it in the bag.

--IHP


(Edited by i hate pinochet at 7:12 am on Jan. 9, 2003)

[nz revolution]

a typical disgusting display.

the govt. will win in the long run, think of all the nationalism it will stir up amongst the braindead red necks.

DEATH TO THE RULING CLASS

well maybe not death, thats a bit harsh. But there overthrow at least!!!!!!!!!

[bombeverything]

Quote: from Neutral Nation on 2:19 am on Jan. 6, 2003
I remember that title specifically. I can't really remember the content, but the fact that i can remember it must mean that I put down the paper with a feeling that there is still hope out there. :)

Good to see their are leftists in our community who disguise themselves as 'respectable' Australians in the newspapers. :)



Ha, I know. We are out there. I tried my best to sound 'respectable' [though it was still rather extreme]. I am glad you saw it. I can't believe they printed it ;).

I saw yet another disgusting article in the Herald Sun today about Australia day and nationalistic pride. I couldn't read it.

[Angie]

I have an aunt who said, upon her last visit to my house, that she thinks all refugees should be put back on boats and returned to where they came from - with one condition: That the boats should be blown up before they reach their homes.

She was actually serious. Needless to say, I have no intention of associating with her now. The thought that such a comment could have come out of her mouth makes me positively ill.

Re the 'Anti-terrorism' ads, I change the channel each time one comes on (unless someone else's in charge of what's being watched, then I either tune out or find something better to do with my time, more often the latter.)

They're seriously insulting.

Someone needs to remind Mr Liebman (or however you spell his surname) that our Australian decency extends to the harrassment of the Aborigines, Chinese (I'm thinking primarily of the miners during the Gold Rush here, but it does extend further than that), Italians, Greeks, Yugoslavians, Vietnamese, now the Muslims. You name it - there has NEVER been a point in our history where we weren't knocking someone around, within this nation's borders.

Our way of life may be oh-so-wonderful to us, but - as we've seen with other similar cases involving the UK and the US - it's damaging to many other nations in one way or another. For each of us to have everything we want, millions of others are in chains. Either Mr Liebman is a very short-sighted man or they're seriously paying him well. I would think both, actually.

I was always rather indifferent to the man at any particular point in time, but he's forfeited any respect I could possibly rustle up for him.

And a cheery thought upon leaving this thread: IHP? "I'm EXCITED!!!"

[Blackberry]

Quote: from Angie on 12:53 pm on Jan. 8, 2003

Someone needs to remind Mr Liebman (or however you spell his surname) that our Australian decency extends to the harrassment of the Aborigines, Chinese (I'm thinking primarily of the miners during the Gold Rush here, but it does extend further than that), Italians, Greeks, Yugoslavians, Vietnamese, now the Muslims. You name it - there has NEVER been a point in our history where we weren't knocking someone around, within this nation's borders.


Yes, I remember all too well when I was young that i was told by primary school children to "go back to your own country"(by the way, I was born here if you were wondering), and I was constantly picked on until I moved to Brunswick (working class suburb with a high level of 'ethnic' citizens).

These days, in high school, I have moved back to the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, but this time the Asians are now being bullied, and talked about behind their backs. It's very sickening.


(Edited by Neutral Nation at 5:21 am on Jan. 9, 2003)

[Santa Clara]

Hey, queen of diamonds, when he talks about "leftist's" not being supporters of terrorism,I don't if he means this but don't you reckon this is a leftist web site and so he is, you know, tailoring his post to his audience or whatever, because unless they are looking for it it's not like people who are not left inclined would be on this website reading our posts.

[queen of diamonds]

Quote: from Santa Clara on 5:56 pm on Feb. 19, 2003
Hey, queen of diamonds, when he talks about "leftist's" not being supporters of terrorism,I don't if he means this but don't you reckon this is a leftist web site and so he is, you know, tailoring his post to his audience or whatever, because unless they are looking for it it's not like people who are not left inclined would be on this website reading our posts.


An interesting idea, but makes his post seem even less credible, as he hasn't posted the idea somewhere where it could be debated by non-leftists. However, I don't think this was his intention.

[Santa Clara]

I'm sure he defend's his ideas with non-leftists in his daily life and this is like an sanctum of peace where you don't have to be so bothered by people that really tire you out. I just finished going to school with people that have absolutely no idea what they are talking about half the time and I guess coming here it is just nice to kind of relax, but that is just me and know I"m going to stop being weird and talking about him without him saying anything, So here I exit....