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Tourism Australia comes under fire from random retired American soldier
Tourism Australia nailed it. The struggle between work and life is reaching fever pitch. Those with jobs are working harder than ever, thanks to layoffs and a desperate play to look like top performers in case the axe comes down again. It's a battle, sometimes, to take control of your life. This is the theme of Tourism Australia's new campaign, "No Leave, No Life," which drives home the fact that Australians are pissing away their vacation time and aren't giving themselves the time away that they need.
So, the organization modeled a photo on the U.S. Marines (hey, Sydney Morning Herald, marines and soldiers aren't the same thing) raising the American flag on Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima. You know the original picture. Everyone remembers it. Because everyone is familiar with this iconic photo, it's easy for one to relate to it. That's what makes Tourism Australia's picture of a family "raising" an umbrella particularly brilliant.
Well, there are a few people who would disagree, as you'll see after the jump.
U.S. Army veteran (unless he's really a marine – SMH can't tell the different) Russell Wade wrote to Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to complain. He's pissed because it trivializes "an iconic picture of high significance to the American people." Yet, he isn't driven to anger by U.S. Marine commercials that equate fighting in a war to fantasy games in which fictional creatures are the enemy and are vanquished by knights with swords in a manner that implies death with what looks like a simple "zapping."
Before we take Tourism Australia to task for its advertising decisions, let's not forget that the Marines have had a few problems as well ... occasionally seeming culturally tone-deaf.
Okay, back to the contested photos. Both photos were staged, so it really is a posed piece derived from a posed piece. And, it's not like this is the worst instance of borrowing from military history and tradition to entertain, amuse or sell. Hell, where was Wade when Homer Simpson "trivialized" the U.S. Navy?
For that matter, where was he when the Village People did so? It looks like this guy has a shitload of letters to write.
The Village People can model entertainment on the U.S. military. The creators of The Simpsons can take it a step further (as they've done several times with the navy and the army, at this point). And, let's face it. These go a lot deeper than modeling a photograph on a classic ... mind you, a practice common in the arts.
I was a soldier for a while, and I have nothing but respect for those who served honorably. I just wish there could be a better sense of reality and an antidote for self-importance.
Filed under: North America, Oceania, United States, Australia, Video, News
Reader Comments (Page 2 of 2)
George Zay May 12th 2009 10:28AM
Being in a war is no joke...There is no punch line to get. After the battle, you are essentially in a cemetery.
WWII Vet May 12th 2009 4:41PM
I landed on Iwo Jima on 19 Feb 1945. At the time it happened, the raising of the flag on that island meant something far more than a photo op or a recruiting tool. Those two things were not even a blip in anyone's mind. That flag raising was costly, not in dollars, but in lives, both given and saved. I do take exception at that symbol's being used for an ad campaign. The beach I was on was not sandy and it did not have beach umbrellas being raised by families seeking fun. As for the original flag raising being staged, I will not dishonor the memory of those who fought and died on Iwo Jima by entering a debate that was started by a foolish and uninformed journalist who took loose talk as fact, and did not investigate or research his "findings." Unfortunately, that type of "journalism" still occurs. all too frequently.
George Zay May 12th 2009 10:30AM
My hat is off to you sir...
Shannon May 12th 2009 10:35AM
" It looks like this guy has a shitload of letters to write."
I am so sick of AOL news linking over to these unprofessional, crass blogs! Lately every time I click on what appears to be a valid news link, I'm left to read this immature drivel... I'm pretty sure some people actually think this story and the symbolism of that moment is important enough and deserves more maturity than the writer appears capable of presenting!
The other day I was linked over to an "article" where the writer actually used "WTF"... really??? REALLY??? Is the economy this poor that we've tossed all of the professionals out of the field and now have to rely on receiving "news" from Tommy Trailer park and Ronda Redneck? Nice work AOL!
Dtephen May 12th 2009 10:48AM
Basically, it's as the Ad implies that you must fight to win your rights to be able spend more time with your family on holiday (preferably on accrued holiday pay), than just working away the rest of your life because your employer gives you no choice but to follow his orders!
The picture depicts a family that has finally reached their holiday destination by overcoming hardship of the parent(s) having to work almost year round.
In regards to others thinking it's offensive then shame on you, because to me it honors them rather than trivialising that moment in time when they overcome great hardship to win in the end!
Roch Courreges May 12th 2009 10:51AM
As a Marine (1987-1995) I can take it for what it is, just a Ad from a county that is our friend. Many Australians died in WW2. I don't think they were looking to piss off any Marines or the USA.
Jack May 12th 2009 11:00AM
I spent two years in Vietnam and got to know the Aussies very well. They are wonderful friendly people and have always been our staunch allies.I spent a lot of my off time in their club drinking the big cold Foster beer. They were great guys and good friends.
Joe S May 12th 2009 11:03AM
People get a grip, the Umbrella raising was a good visual for you remembered it. As far as the flag raising I thought the first one was a smaller flag and teh larger one was a set shot. I will quote Sec of the Navy Forestall "I want a picture that will insure the Marine Corps for 500 Yrs" Now I will set off a fire storm if Obama wants to save some money, dissolve the four Branches and make it one DEPT OF DEFENSE same uniform same everything
tami May 12th 2009 11:46AM
I'd say it was a tacky ad, but I don't expect much more from a world that has an increasing disrespect for history and a love of belittling the accomplishments of others of which they themselves played no part.
MYRA May 12th 2009 11:49AM
There is nothing that can be done or said to take away from this iconic photo. Recently it was used (with people raising a tree (?)) by the eco-nuts in Time magazine. These ad uses only remind us of the original & I defy anyone not to have that proud American love of country emotion well up. Whether it's a tree or an umbrella we immediately think of the original. Semper Fi.
Dad J May 12th 2009 10:21PM
Tom Johansmeyer's an Army veteran himself, and is still answerable always to two brothers who are Marines and another who's an Army Ranger Captain, as well as to his father (me) who served in Viet Nam in the brown water Navy. To those of you who take aim at Tom for this article, learn to smile while you ask yourselves what sacrifices you have made so that blog like this can even exist.
As for me, I'm eternally conflicted over which team to root for in the Army/Navy game.
Stephen May 13th 2009 9:30AM
The first flag raising picture,of a smaller flag, was staged. The second flag raising picture, and film, of a much larger flag (The Rosenthal Picture), was not staged. I am a history teacher and the World War 2 period is my area of expertise. I stand by my statement and challenge you to read about the event. You may want to read "Flag of Our Father's" , or view this website http://www.ap.org/pages/rosenthal.html.
Stephen May 13th 2009 11:44AM
Again, I suggest you research this, as the second picture, the one which inspired the nation and a monument, was not staged.
I have not problem with the Australian commercial. I think it is really cool, but I cannot stand ingonorance. Do your research and then come back and make your statement. If you do the research behind the story you will discover where the idea the second picture was staged originated. For the sake of historical accuracy, do this please.