It is a common misconception, which is luckily growingly being disregarded, that all Australian men live for beer and the barbie. Present-day Aussie lads have gone a long way before they get where they are today.
We are here to contemplate on the myth of the Good Ol’ Aussie Bloke, a legend whose time has passed.
Yesterday Is History
The man who is the most responsible for the widespread of this phenomenon is Paul Hogan. The New South Wales-born movie star in 1986 became what everyone since remembered as a typical larrikin. The man was self-reliant and boisterous; he was a good laugh and cared for his mates. He is a casual lad, because hey, devil may care.
Crocodile Dundee is who we’re talking about. The crocodile poacher represented all that which would make a modern man would shiver with disgust. The white Australian bloke was indeed the casual type, but he could go overboard with it sometimes. His unconcerned remarks would offend just about any woman in the 21st century. Every self-respecting, open-minded 2019 bloke would disregard this white misogynist right away.
Nevertheless, we can never know who we are without looking back now and again. Paul Hogan’s Aussie bloke is a rough man, the one that has little to do with females. This “ocker”, as Aussies call him, is a man’s man. His interests concern him and his friends only. He is into all stereotypically masculine things such as hunting, wrestling and road-tripping.
Australian writer Richard Neville described the ocker’s sense of humour as one with “a touch of good-hearted sexism”. His good heart made him popular in his day, but today he wouldn’t be spared criticism and avoidance.
From the Bush to the Beach
In the fast-paced 21st century, the meaning of “modern” has been adjusted quite a few times. A modern man in 2019 takes care of his appearance, he grooms and follows trends. This lad knows what’s hot and what’s not. The contemporary male practices his hobbies, enjoys online gaming and frequents pubs. He knows how to spend his money and he likes to play. He’s selective in what he plays though; it is only the best quality video slots that are up his alley. And guess where a bloke – Aussie or not – can play the best video slots? At a website suitably called Casino Bloke.
Some would call Hogan’s Aussie bloke the sign of his time. Others will claim that his character is timeless. He’s just the prototype, the first of his kind. This type of man has evolved throughout history by shape-shifting. He’s like an all-time zeitgeist.
The Aussie bloke makes an appearance now and then by transforming into another version of him. Standards and societal ideals change over time, and so does he, to fit that new mould.
But one all these blokes have in common is that – they remain irresistible.
From the psychological stance, the idea of the sturdy, strong-willed and borderline chauvinistic Aussie man hits back like a boomerang. The oppressive form of forced masculinity has shown to have an extremely negative impact on men.
The Aussie bloke had better adapt to society’s needs or be gone for good. The Australian culture has moved on from these conventional, patriarchal figures. In modern Australia, companionship and loyalty are still promoted. However, Aussies will not vote for a communion over retaining one’s individualism.
Self-expression and forward thinking are key characteristics every Aussie bloke in 2019 has. Toxic masculinity is a matter of the past. But the Aussie bloke myth remains a crucial milestone in Australian sociological history.