How... coy

The new Australian Tourism ad continues to attract criticism from around the world.

First it was the Brits who objected to the word "Bloody" even though the Royal Family uses it as does a number of television programs. Through diplomatic efforts, the ad can now be played. Next were the Canadians, who, at first, objected to the word "Hell". They then changed their mind and objected to the unlabelled beer in the ad. If it had been branded, no problem.

Now the Americans, or, more specifically, the American Family Association - an organisation with reputedly two million members, is set to protest the ad.

According to a news report via AAP, the group are upset at 'bloody' and 'hell', and will boycott holidays to Australia.

"I just feel pretty sure the typical American family who is watching TV with their children and they're exposed to this ad are going to be upset," AFA director of special projects, Randy Sharp, told AAP.

"I don't want my children to hear that phrase.

"It's a shocking phrase because we're not familiar with it.

"I guess they use it all the time in Australia, but it's a foreign language here so I think it'll have a negative impact rather than positive."

I'm sorry, what? "... but it's a foreign language...?"

Bloody Hell! And here I thought Americans, Canadians, English, New Zealands, Australians, etc. all spoke the same language but with different accents!

In all fairness to the AFA, I went over to their site to check, but there was no mention of the ad. It could, of course, change. I'd dearly love to put the boot into this organisation, but... I can't; not on this issue, because there is nothing supporting the story.

The fundamental point remains: it's an ad. You can turn it off, mute it even, not watch at all. But this prissiness about a couple of words people have been using as a common part of the English language for decades pisses me off: the hypocrasy of the Brits, the confusion of the Canadians - as if they know they should object, but don't know about what - and the AFA, who's only wish is to return to the oppression of women, gays and minors in a country that's the world leader in pornography and violence. Yeah, yeah, this group is trying to stop the x-rated industry and violence on tv, but until the Americans get rid of their "God Given Right To Bear Arms", go argue with someone who cares.

Remember, it's an ad and while the pictures accurately portray what Australia looks like, not everyone goes around saying 'Bloody Hell'. "Howthefukareya", sure, but 'bloody hell'? Only occasionally, and only when necessary: we have other language idiosyncrasies. Come on down and learn a few.