Tonight's photo: Another repost until I get a new camera.I love Australia - but does every damn Australian have to be described as an "Aussie Icon"?
First of all we had the death of Steve Irwin, who as well now know, was an "Aussie Icon". That same week, racing driver Peter Brock was killed in a racing accident. Again, we were told non-stop by every Tom, Dick and Harry, that he was an "Aussie Icon."
Today in Sydney we had the funeral of Abe Saffron. Saffron has been mentioned in Royal Commissions into crime since 1951. He has been described variously in the media as "the boss of the Cross" (Sydney's famous red light area) and "Mr Sin." He was once described in Parliament as "one of the principal characters in organised crime in Australia", something he always denied.
Guess what? Today at his funeral he was lauded as "a great Australian icon"
Don't get me wrong, he was an integral part of Sydney's social, cultural and even political history. But does everyone and everything have to be an Aussie Icon?
While I am at it - why is that state funerals are being handed out like confetti?
First Steve Irwin's family was offered a state funeral, then Peter Brock's family accepted the offer of such a funeral. Back in 2003, Slim Dusty, a country singer, was given a state funeral. And that's just a few examples.
It used to be that state funerals were dignified occasions for Premiers, Prime Ministers and respected politicians. Now, every dime a dozen celebrity gets one.
If Frank Sinatra had been Australian, he would have been given a state funeral; so would John Lennon, John Wayne, Marilyn Monroe and bloody Rin Tin Tin.
Let's hope no more Aussie icons kick the bucket - there is only so much saturation coverage of artificially generated, post-death instant adulation, I can take.
I shouldn't really write all this. I will be branded as "Un-Australian," - another word that gets bandied about at every available opportunity.
Wherever you may be - be safe!
Especially if you are Australian and famous.
