When Melbourne-based comedian Catherine Deveny shared her controversial opinions about ANZAC Day, she probably expected to start a debate. The result, however, has been far more disturbing.
On Monday and Tuesday, she published a series of tweets about the day she calls “Bogan Halloween”.
Why do people in the armed forces use the word ‘serve’ to describe their work despite it being no more dangerous or prone to upheaval than many other jobs? It’s just a job and work. Throw the term ‘serve’ in the bin. It’s part of the fetishisation of war and violence.
— Catherine Deveny (@CatherineDeveny) April 23, 2018
One of the thing that ANZAC day brings up is the hilarious notion that Australians have fought for our right to free speech. Australians do not have the right to free speech. Australians who have worked in the violence industry have fought wars to suck up to the US and British.
— Catherine Deveny (@CatherineDeveny) April 24, 2018
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Her 'arguement' is offensive and disrespectful. I suggest next year she attends an Anzac service to get an understanding of the solemn nature of this day (maybe Yassmin could tag along with her). It is not a day of glorification of war, but a time remember those who never came back, and those who came back physically and or mentally changed from the effects of war.
My daughter and I went to look at the
wreaths laid by various churches, community groups and schools at our local monument. There was a small group of elderly residents from a community home gathered there having morning tea and silently looking at the wreaths. I did not see jubilation or celebration of 'Bogan Halloween' but quiet reflection and contemplation.
"I may disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it" Apparently this quote was mis-attributed to Voltaire. But in Australia if we disagree with someone (and I don't agree with what she said) we make threats against them from the anonymity of our computers. Whatever happened to free speech in this country?
If you disagree with the argument, criticise the argument, not the person making it. This is a logical cop-out called argumentum ad hominem (to give it it's fancy title). In everyday speak it means playing the man, not the ball.
But then, what's new. We see this in parliament every day when the government and opposition sledge each other instead of criticising the proposition.
But I make one observation: On possibly the most important secular holiday on the calendar, Anzac Day, what do we do? Watch football of course. On the most important date of the Christian calendar, Easter, what do we do? Watch football of course.
So to some, Anzac Day is a solemn occasion. To many others it's just another holiday.
Even as a bit of a footy tragic, it's still pretty off putting watching the way they've co-opted Anzac day.
And describing a game of footy as "going to war" and players as "soldiers" is at best, super lame and at worst, egregious jingoism turning remembrance into advertising.