Chris Lilley Stereotypes

Film and television critic Tallen Hall dives into Chris lilleys new creation and draws upon other issues Australian comedy might be surfacing.

Australian comedy is unique in its presentation of stereotypes and its mocking techniques that leaves all Australians in stitches. Despite other cultures not finding the humour and sometimes feeling offended, Australians ability to laugh at our own flaws makes the outrageous and idiosyncratic characters in ‘Angry Boys’ not only a amped up reflection of the truth but a hilarious comedic sentiment to Australian television. ‘Angry Boys’ like Chris lilleys previous creations uses its intensified language and behavioural traits of certain stereotypes us Australian consult to be the truth. The comedy is very real world as the characters utter

When I mean risky, I mean that the stereotype the character is based off does threaten and affect some cultures moral views. Chris Lilleys may only be mocking African American rappers by painting his body black but because his character mocks the history of African American rap, this character can be perceived as an offensive joke. The last time face painting and mocking was used together about American culture was in ‘Hey Hey it’s Saturday’ when the ‘Jackson Jive’ performed. This not only created a storm of controversy but also resurfaced issues certain cultures had learnt to deal with. I can understand why other cultures may be offended by S.Mouse and his ability to fool viewers into thinking he grew up in the ‘hood’ when in reality he grew up as a rich boy. This misconception of where rapping stems from is risky in American culture but to us Australians we perceive it as just a man performing a mimic very far from reality. There is humour in the character of S.Mouse its just very hard to find it when there is international moral issues standing as a barrier between laughter and