Happily, there was time to sneak about 15 minutes of crap afternoon TV. On the TLC channel (that's Travel & Living Channel to those under the age of 35) one can watch Australian advertisements. Fascinating stuff. We think we are pretty similar to Aussies, but their ads debunk this. The best example is a Kiwi ad for funeral insurance versus an Aussie one.
The New Zealand ad features Keith Quin, a much loved elderly rugby broadcaster who might might well be in his eighties. His dulcet tones assure us that funeral insurance will save us financial stress if a loved one dies. He is your kindly, but ultimately past it, Grandad. Then the Kiwi ad shows a selection of old folks saying what they want at their funeral. These are ordinary elderly Kiwis who probably have names like Doris and Bruce and who enjoy a cup of tea, a game of bowls and then a lively chat about how nice that Paul Henry really is.
The Aussie ad for funeral insurance is fronted by an attractive blond female. Now she might be in her thirties which I suppose is a token attempt at getting an older presenter. The older people in the ad are reasonably easy on the eye and might be pushing 50 at best. Australians must age beautifully, or be severely deluded, perhaps it is a bit of both. It is that Aussie optimism that you just can escape from. Aussies prove that delusion is a critical element in confidence, and therefore, success.
I suppose it all comes back to the age old question, is it better to be deluded and happy or realistic and grumpy? We would probably win more rugby world cups if we were a deluded and happy country. But then we would be like Aussies, and that is worse.
The New Zealand ad features Keith Quin, a much loved elderly rugby broadcaster who might might well be in his eighties. His dulcet tones assure us that funeral insurance will save us financial stress if a loved one dies. He is your kindly, but ultimately past it, Grandad. Then the Kiwi ad shows a selection of old folks saying what they want at their funeral. These are ordinary elderly Kiwis who probably have names like Doris and Bruce and who enjoy a cup of tea, a game of bowls and then a lively chat about how nice that Paul Henry really is.
The Aussie ad for funeral insurance is fronted by an attractive blond female. Now she might be in her thirties which I suppose is a token attempt at getting an older presenter. The older people in the ad are reasonably easy on the eye and might be pushing 50 at best. Australians must age beautifully, or be severely deluded, perhaps it is a bit of both. It is that Aussie optimism that you just can escape from. Aussies prove that delusion is a critical element in confidence, and therefore, success.
I suppose it all comes back to the age old question, is it better to be deluded and happy or realistic and grumpy? We would probably win more rugby world cups if we were a deluded and happy country. But then we would be like Aussies, and that is worse.
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