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Treborlang
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Getting On Top Of The Underdog

Australians are notorious for their sympathy with the Underdog. Far from being a mere figure of speech, the Underdog is as vital to modern day legends as the hero Siegfried was to Norse mythology. In fact should anyone even so much as hints in passing at the word "Underdog," you must immediately chip in with: "Oh, I don't know, but I have this gut reaction to be on the side of the Underdog."

  It's important to say this, because right away it identifies you as a person who is not likely to rock the boat (only taking the side of a Tall Poppy would do that), who's likely to lend money should the other person ask for it, and who has no idea what they're talking about.

  It also takes quite some time to realise that while you must always claim to take the side of the Underdog, you should never admit to being one. Do not be tempted to tell your audience, in the middle of a story as I did when I met a girl I liked and tried to gain her sympathy:

  "It was terrible - there we were at each other's throats outside the pub, with a big crowd around us, and I was the Underdog."

  Underdogginess, like being mauled by sharks, clearly only happens to other people.


 Copyright © 1991-2002 - Robert Treborlang

[RT pic] Robert
Treborlang
Australia		 Roddy The Rooster
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