Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

Don't use the 'f' (for fail) word

By Peter West - posted Wednesday, 18 May 2005


“Hmmm. I suppose you’ve heard the complaints that students made to their government?”

“Yes. Unfortunately, our government has a Free Trade Agreement with Outer Mongolia pending as we speak. Anything like this might tip the balance against it. The Minister for Higher Learning has asked me particularly to avoid any negative publicity this week. So it’s all a bit tricky. Look, just leave it with me, will you? I know these things are difficult, and I do feel for you. It’s a dilemma we all face these days, doing our duty while attending to delicate matters like this. Don’t let it damage your career!”

“Well, I do have an application for promotion in the wind … And that application for conference money.”

Advertisement

“Of course you do. And you don’t want to make waves at this stage of your career, do you? The university really needs those foreign students’ fees. And we don’t want the tabloids getting their grubby hands on it, or God help us, those shocking TV reporters. Next thing you know they’ll have their shoe in my door! Look, just do me this one favour and it will all be sorted out. Help yourself to some of those yak shawls as you go. We seem to have received rather a lot ...

“Thanks, Miss Li. I’m glad that’s over. Open some more of that nice German Moselle, will you? And call our agent in Ulaan Batar and tell him to go ahead with the ads on TV and radio. I think our theme was ‘Come to us for Academic Excellence’.”

  1. Pages:
  2. 1
  3. Page 2
  4. All


Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

10 posts so far.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

Dr Peter West is a well-known social commentator and an expert on men's and boys' issues. He is the author of Fathers, Sons and Lovers: Men Talk about Their Lives from the 1930s to Today (Finch,1996). He works part-time in the Faculty of Education, Australian Catholic University, Sydney.

Other articles by this Author

All articles by Peter West

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Photo of Peter West
Article Tools
Comment 10 comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy