Launching into election frenzy this week, the obligatory political debating, baiting and ingratiating has commenced, with candidates across the nation being subjected to a good-humoured public flagellation as a result.
Certainly, the sudden additional media attention in the lead up to an election is bound to yield comedic fruitage. In fact, it’s the comedy gold of seeing a politician trip on their own tongue (or trip over in front of an important diplomat) that keeps election campaigns fresh and exciting, isn’t it?
Political gaffes are the lifeblood of the online community
We know, when watching Tony Abbott on screen, that we’re really desperately waiting for him to make an appallingly sexist comment, so we can add a new, “Hey Girl x Tony Abbott”, meme to the litany already available on the web.
Memes that feature Tony Abbott in the “Hey Girl” conversational style (originally made popular with images of movie star Ryan Gosling) have taken off this year.
The “train-wreck factor” is the reason for the attention attracted by Greenway Liberal candidate Jaymes Diaz’s run-in (interview) with Channel 10 reporter John Hill this week. Diaz’s failure to outline the Liberal party’s six-point plan to “stop the boats”, and his failed evasion of Hill’s repeated question was only fuel to the voracious appetite of those hungry for a humorous-yet-humiliating internet takedown.
Described in Heath Aston’s op-ed for The Age as “Bambi dropped into a scene of Sharknado”, Diaz was the subject and unofficial kickstarter of this year’s round of election memes.
Within hours of his gaffe, Diaz was being pictorially compared to The Castle character Dennis Denuto, in his memorable defence speech which refers feebly to “the vibe” of the constitution, when questioned on specifics regarding his at-first boldly stated case.
What do you meme it’s not funny?
The online reaction to the lighthearted mockery of Diaz was divided. Some expressed empathy for his plight, while others revelled in his seeming incompetence. Yet there’s no denying the humour of the comparison to the much-loved Australian television hero, Mr Denuto. From being politically divisive and unnecessarily derisive, the “Diaz/Vibe” meme could be said to unite members of the Australian community – bonding over shared appreciation for a well-executed, culture-specific attempt at ribaldry.
Liberal candidate Jaymes Diaz has been compared to dud lawyer Dennis Denuto in cult Australian film The Castle
The appetite for political meme fuel – “meme-voracity”, if you will – will surely only increase as we progress into the final weeks before the September 7 election. Some may posit that this kind of banter detracts from key campaign messages and vigorous political debate, yet, again, few can deny that there is a sense of community in the constant stream of memes that flow through our daily social media channels.
Nasty humour aside, the viral nature and widespread acceptance of the #hipstergillard hashtag, and KRudd #YOLO memes could be said to achieve the objective of most politicians in the political sphere – that of communicating on a relatable level with the public.
Clearing the air, one word at a time
Irreverent, certainly. Idiotic, almost definitely, but among the countless adversarial swipes, political counter-clashes and more spills than a Sippee cup, there is something about meme-ing. It’s a chance to have a friendly giggle at an otherwise serious public figure’s expense.
The folk at The Guardian online seem to agree; this week they launched a slogan generator, which could well take over the role of political speechwriter. The generator fuses three words chosen at random into a deliciously succinct and pseudo-inspirational slogan such as “Dinky-Di on Hipsters” and “Prevent the Environment”.
In the political sphere, there is a constant flow of words, a stream of promises, a plethora of similes… Yet if the digital age has taught us nothing else, it is the value in being succinct. Sometimes, very little need be said, as was the case with the four, monosyllabic words employed in this gem of a political meme, generated in the midst of the furore around Gillard and Abbott’s sexism debate in parliament.
Julia Gillard’s impassioned parliamentary speech denouncing misogyny attracted a lot of attention online.
Is this kind of contribution to the election race unnecessary vitriol, or a chance to express the more laidback Australian mindset? Below, City Journal takes a look at some of the better Australian-politics-themed memes to emerge in recent years. Tell us, how does it make you feel?
