We've just survived another Halloween!

Did anyone notice or care? Just another silly Americanism. Yet indications of social sentiment often come from the silliest places.

I was surprised to hear what costume was the most popular seller for Halloween in the US this year. Guess what was the biggest hit? The Steve Irwin costume, fitted with the stinger and blood. The shops could not sell it fast enough.

What do I make of this? In previous posts, I was one who protested against Germain Greer's statement a day after Steve Irwin's misfortune. Nasty, inappropriate: too soon. Do I feel, however, the same way about Halloween in the US? You know, in our ironic sense of humour, we are good at criticising the Americans. When it comes to one of our heroes, are we good at taking it. Would we do the same thing to an American hero?

Here are some examples on U Tube of Steve Irwin’s in Halloween. They are not just sending up Steve Irwin, note the laugh at the Australian accent.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wzqyD8KMfA

Now in the Halloween hall of fame

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OT9SRQccwm8

The dancing Steve Irwin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvN4C7mYWCQ

The stingray gets to dance

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWOwUlv_bbA

Americans even showing necrophilia as a 'joke'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8HHsy_Y7PU

Watching this behaviour makes me wonder. Are they making a joke out of the whole awful situation? Is this a laugh on Steve Irwin's expense. Or is his a joke about Australian stereotypes in general?