7 ) Waves of Fosters, Crocodiles and Ockers : Representation of Australia and Australians in American Popular Culture Nathanael O'Reilly,Ģ 2012 (p. Thorn Birds Set A-Twitter 2009 single work column - Appears in: 247) Thorn Birds Set A-Twitter 2009 single work column - Appears in: The representations of Australia and Australians in American popular culture usually consist of exaggerated stereotypes that are constructed in order to serve commercial interests, and this the representations serve to perpetuate stereotypes, such as the Ocker image that is so dominant in American popular culture, rather than to increase knowledge of Australia and Australians within the United States.' (Author's abstract p. I argue that Australia and Australians are depicted in American popular culture in an exaggerated, exoticized manner. 247-254 ) Abstract 'This article presents a broad overview of the Australian presence in American popular culture since 1995, focusing on a variety of cultural productions, including television, film, restaurants, beer advertisements, clothing and music. 19 ) Waves of Fosters, Crocodiles and Ockers : Representation of Australia and Australians in American Popular Culture Nathanael O'Reilly,Īustralasian Journal of Popular Culture, vol.Ģ 2012 (p. The final episode, part four, covers a timespan of nearly thirty years (1935-1962) and focuses on the lives of Meggie's children, the flamboyant aspiring actress Justine and would-be priest Dane, neither of whom are initially aware of the past relationship between their mother and Father Ralph (aka Cardinal de Bricassart). She eventually ends up working as a housemaid on a Queensland sugar-cane plantation, but later finds out that she is pregnant. Part three finds Meggie disillusioned after entering into an unhappy marriage. The politically ambitious Ralph also forms a strong and beneficial alliance with Archbishop Contini-Verchese, one of Rome's most influential religious leaders. Later, having previously succumbed to their mutual passion, Father Ralph and Meggie experience an uncomfortable reunion. In part two, a bush fire destroys the Carson home and much of the station and stock. Here, too, he begins a close friendship with Carson's niece, Meggie Cleary, then a child. In part one, a young Father Ralph is sent to administer a parish in outback Australia and finds himself drawn into a relationship with Mary Carson, owner of a massive sheep station. This four-part mini-series, set in Australia, covers forty-two years in the life of Ralph de Bricassart, a Roman Catholic priest who engages in a constant struggle between his calling and his carnal desires.

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