We couldn’t help but notice a fucking terrifying alarming outdoor billboard on the corner of Flinders and South Dowling Street in Surry Hills today but it had nothing to do with bestiality. It did involve beasts, though.
The billboard (pictured) was for something called the Year of the Hunter campaign by the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia and depicted a true blue Aussie tradesman, John, posing with his rifle. The tagline? “Electrician by day – Hunter by choice”.
Now while the alleged intention of the campaign is to position hunting as a socially acceptable recreational activity, it cannot be denied that it also normalises – dare we say glorifies – gun use. Something which becomes all the more problematic when considering how it will be perceived by children. Nowhere does it say what these people are shooting at. Or why. In another image the gun user is shown to be a school teacher.
It’s confounding. We bristle at the image of sexually active gay couples or suggestive fashion shoots but gun use is okay? Less damaging to society? Has less of an impact on children? We’re not so sure.
SSAA Special Project Officer in Hunting Matthew Godson says the campaign was created to change perceptions the general public had of hunters. “We’re aiming to educate the general public that hunters serve a very real purpose and play a very important role in wildlife management and protecting the environment,” he said.
The billboards are currently running nationally. If you find this offensive you can lodge a complaint at the Advertising Standards Bureau.
