Strange opinions of NZ

[Glenda]

Hmm, I've looked at that pic and have tried to deduce what is wrong with it.

It makes a point that it is senseless arguing on the internet because 'winning' cannot be considered 'success' in real life, in the real world. It is only a success in the little private world of cyberspace, just as the boy's success in winning the race is within the confines of the Special Olympics. OK.

What is politically incorrect? I would say that using the word 'retard' along with the picture of a Downs Syndrome boy. As Moggy pointed out 'retard' is now an abusive word. What is also policitally incorrect is the indication in that pic that that boy's life and achievements is of less significance than the lives of the majority of us. Maybe that really is the truth and many 'normals' may see it that way. However it may be that the boy, his family, friends and others do not see it that way and believe that he and others like him have their place in society. The politically-correct brigade are on their side.

I think the pic shows an uncomfortable truth for most of us, and hiding it from view and banning it would be ignoring reality. Yet again, having said that, if I was the mother, relative or friend of that boy I would probably find it offensive and want it moved.

Just my ramblings. It certainly is difficult! :icon_confused:

:icon_lol:

I think what it all boils down to is what people think is acceptable humour. I thought it was a bit cruel, but accepted it as a joke. Like you say, Glenda, people who are or are related to someone with Downs or similar would not be happy about it at all, and justifiably so.

Again you have to ask, what is the boundary of what you can say? Retarded might well be abusive, but what about calling someone skinny, fat, ugly, big nose, etc etc. All abusive in their own way, but perfectly acceptable in society.

I left the image as it's matter of fact. What if it was this:

Arguing on the internet is like being grossly overweight and entering a pie eating contest...

Even if you win, you're still fat.

Obviously not in context, but that would have been funny, right?

[jamesthecarman]

Some people (like I know back home) just can't and don't want to understand certain things.....

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Kiwis don't have to have lots of material posessions to be happy.

Perceived - they must be poor

Truth - Kiwis don't have to have lots of material posessions to be happy.
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Kiwis like to travel. 20% of them live overseas right now (4 million in NZ, 1 million overseas).

Perceived - there must be something wrong with New Zealand

Truth - There's nothing wrong with NZ, or travelling outside of your home country. They just want to see something else, and then come back. It's called an Overseas Experience.
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Kiwis are all about enjoying life and getting the most out of it

Perceived - they must be poor

Truth - Kiwis are all about enjoying life and getting the most out of it
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The defence policy of New Zealand is the same as the national anthem - "God Defend New Zealand"

Perceived - We should invade and take their sheep!!

Truth - Al Sheepa will not let you. Don't even think about it.....Oh, and what this really means is that NZ doesn't have any stinkin enemies (other than French/Israli Spies and the Wallabies/Springboks).
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Some people have such a warped view of the world that to them a place like New Zealand can't exist, and that it's all just a made up fairy tale (like the Truman Show or something......hmm, or maybe something "closer" to home - the Shire?).

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OK, I'm done ranting now.

GO THE ALL BLACKS!!!!

[SteveyC]

Hail the Carman!!!

I'm not upset as such just taking what I perceive to be the moral high ground. Nothing offends me I'm practically a freaking xenophobe (spelt?) myself but it might others but I'm the only one of the thread so far who expressed that opinion so democracy denotes that the picture stays.

Hold on????? I'm a minority right?

*picture deleted* :D ;D :D ;D

[Coulliette]

So.....what did you delete there, Stevey :icon_question: :icon_twisted:

[SteveyC]

hehe I was speaking hypothetically as if I was going to cos I'd reasoned it through in my head in the same way the governments that the thread is winging about do.
Sorry tad cryptic :icon_biggrin:

[MotherBear]

Funny how golliwogs are on open sale here in NZ - remembering all the fuss about them being non pc a few years ago in the uk. My daughter desperately wanted one but we just couldn't get her one.

You can read about golliwogs here
I'd forgotten about Robertson's jams and their golly emblem. Possibly another casualty of PCness, although they claim differently. This throws some light onto the matter.

[rhionnonmc]

I guess this answers the original question on this post and one from another post (why would anyone emigrate to NZ from the US).

We are trying to escape the capitalism and rampant corruption that is caused by consumption. Everything here revolves around money! For me, I would love the opportunity to find peace loving people and a quiet getaway here and there. I think you are all correct in stating that the reason so many probably go back to the UK is that they came in with many preconceived notions. Why do people want to move if not to try something new?

Anyway, I just vacationed in Ireland this year. The thing I loved the most was the quaintness of the Republic. Northern Ireland seemed quite more british, with larger houses, fancier stores, more franchises, etc.

I am maybe one of the few Americans with no interest in "keeping up with the Jones'."

[MotherBear]

I am maybe one of the few Americans with no interest in "keeping up with the Jones'."

What a relief not to have to worry about 'keeping up with the Jones''. Life's too short. Much better to be out 'doing' instead of being out 'collecting'. The buzz from 'doing' will last longer than the buzz from 'collecting'.

I am also not interested in having the latest and biggest. That is one attraction for me regarding NZ. Although I may become frustrated at not being able to find a few favorite items in NZ, I'll adapt.

About the picture and 'clever' slogan: I too was rather surprised at it's blunt cruelness and that it remained long enough for me to see it. I wish the point could have been made without ridiculing an innocent sector of the population. However, the polite and rational discussion about it reinforced my faith in the people of this forum.