Ranty McRanterpantsson

[lonecow]

So. I wrote the complaint. It's longer than I was expecting, and it's a first draft so I'm going to work on it more before I send it to Channel 9.

If you want to use it (or any part of it) in your own letter to Channel 9, please feel free to do so. I want them to know that there are people who care out there, that nostalgia for some old dinosaur

Comments

[ahsavka]

Can USAians write in, too? Would it matter/would they throw ours out?

[miss_sassy]

I was wondering this too.

[nosyparker]

I'm wondering the same -- though I actually live here (across the street from Channel 9 studios, no less!), pay taxes in this country, etc. But I still wonder if they'd just say, "Of course, another offended American!" and toss it out. I might have to neglect mentioning it completely.

Beautifully written, lonecow -- you have inspired me to write in as well, as after reading such an eloquent breakdown of the issue, it feels more and more like a betrayal of my conscience NOT to write a complaint.

[goblinpaladin]

My own suspicion is that they would be inclined to throw it out. Yet if there are several letters from Americans, Channel 9 may become aware of potential problems with American companies. They could lose ad revenue (this company bought ad time with racists!) or be unable to acquire american television (this company allows their program to be viewed on a racist Australian network!).

So I think you should write in anyway, but angle your words in that direction. They may listen to that.

[teh_oatse]

Definitely well written. It expresses your feelings and thoughts without restating yourself and makes clear your intent in the first paragraph. The ending isn't abrupt, it says as much as it needs to say and ends without waffle.

I can't really add anything to this discussion but to say it's ironic that blackface, an act that's intended to make black people appear buffoons is making Australia look like a country of idiots instead. Hell I may even write my own letter to say just that.

[lonecow]

I really feel embarrassed when I hear or read about people from other countries discussing the skit! We're not all like that, really!

And I'd love it if you did write in. ;) You can fax a letter too, if that's easier for you.

[blonde_lili]

My only editorial advice would be that Indigenous is a capital I when referring to Indigenous Australians, as it is meant to be read as the proper name for a culture/nation of people. I got this from the Macquarie Dictionary and our ABC style guide. I could probably explain this using grammatical terms, but I forgot all of those long before I even graduated high school.

That's my piddling input. Good on you for expressing your feelings on the matter! It's the only way things change.

[lonecow]

Input is appreciated! Thank you. :D