Political correctness gone mad? There was a news item on TV3 last night about a tennis player at the Melbourne-based Australian Open. She ended up apologising and retracting a story she told about being accosted by a koala. Apparently she made up the story to add some excitement to her press release, which she earlier stated were a rather boring affair.
It makes you think that some person from Tourism Australia, or maybe Tennis Australia has asked her to retract the statement because it paints koalas in a bad light. This is all my speculation of course because these things are not talked about. But, it would surprise no one.
Is there anything wrong with this. Not really. But as a side issue it is not an issue of factual correctness....its about money. The money of tourist operators. Not that they are likely to be consulted. Its would be the executive decision of a government agency.
There is - no question - great value in creating the perception that koalas are cute animals; and that they would never hurt anyone. The reality however is that they can be dangerous. But the reality is more dangerous. My issue however is with the lack of respect for facts. We would have people believe certain things about Australia so they come here as tourism. Why are we so invested in the opinions of a tennis champ? Does anyone care about her 'koala experience'?
I just think, watching the Oprah special on Australia, that they will fly in & out thinking Australia is a beautiful place. Well, it is. But how real will the experience be for anyone else because anyone taking their advice might struggle absorbing the cost of a fantasy adventure which only Oprah and a few others can afford and get the same access to. i.e. Don't expect anyone to be offering a 'barbie' on the beach when you arrive in Sydney. Oh, but you know that right! Just wanted to make sure because there is no tennis player to tell you. :)
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Andrew Sheldon www.sheldonthinks.com
