After nearly 10 years being based in the U.S
I still get asked daily where I’m from
And it totally doesn’t bother me
Really, it doesn’t
I like telling people I’m from Australia
And I’ve never had anything but nice things said back to me
I’ve always wanted to go there
Is that a long flight?
I hear it’s beautiful there
The people are supposed to be the happiest in the world there
I have an (insert family member) that lives there
You get the idea
People are interested
I feel lucky to come from a country that has such a positive reputation, wherever I go
.
I was 18 the first time I ever visited the States, and I remember people’s questions were different back then
Do you know Crocodile Dundee?
Is Crocodile Dundee a real person?
Where does Crocodile Dundee live?
You get the idea
The Crocodile Dundee movie was some people’s only idea of Australia and Australians years ago
That’s changed a lot over the years
Travel has changed, and a lot more people have been to Australia
Australia is more known to the rest of the world now
You can always Aussie content on TV here now
Aussie sport
And there’s a bazilloin Aussie actors working over here now
In movies & TV
Nicole Kidman, Russell Crow, Naomi Watts, Rachel Griffiths, Simon Baker and so many more that I can’t think of
There’s Aussies kicking goals in the music industry too
Keith Urban, Jet, The Veronicas
One day, when I pull my finger out the touring slows down, I’d like to do more shows over here
Let them know what a REAL Aussie sheila is like
The only Australian comedian I can think of that’s done well here is Dame Edna
She’s pretty popular
So it’s good knowing that in America at least, Australians are doing well, and our country is known for more than Crocodile Dundee these days
I will continue my (self appointed) role of cultural ambassador
It’s fun
Today’s example – a conversation with Miss 6’s school Principal when I dropped her off this morning
Principal: I just love your accent
Is it Australian?
Now days people nearly always guess my accent correctly. They used to always think I was English or Irish
Me: Yep, I’m Australian
Principal: How exciting!
Do you know the Crocodile Hunter?
Oh fuck, here we go again
Me: Do you mean Crocodile Dundee?
Principal: No, I mean the Crocodile Hunter
Steve Irwin
Me: Know him?
He’s my brother!
She cocks her head to the side and gives me this are you fucking nuts sad look
Principal: I’m so sorry for your loss
Me: Umm….yeah, well…..thanks
I walked off thinking she was a nutjob wondering what she was on about
Then I remembered
And felt like a total arsehole
.
.
I thought I was being funny
And I’d totally forgotten that the dude was dead
.
Ahh fuck
Maybe it’s time to get a new ambassador
