Australian actor Paul Hogan called One Nation Senator Pauline Hanson a "pelican" following her advocacy for a monocultural Australia [1, 2].
The clash highlights a growing divide between Australia's cultural icons and the nationalist political rhetoric of the One Nation party. As the country continues to navigate its identity as a multicultural society, the public rejection of Hanson's views by a high-profile figure like Hogan signals a broader cultural tension.
Senator Hanson recently called for a "monocultural" Australia [1, 2]. This stance prompted the 86-year-old Hogan [3] to criticize her perspective on the nation's social fabric. The actor said that the senator's views are out of step with the current reality of the country.
"She's a pelican," Hogan said [1].
Hogan further critiqued the senator's ideological position, suggesting that her desired version of Australia no longer exists or is inapplicable to the modern era. He said that she is "living in the past" [1, 2].
The comments surfaced over the weekend in June 2024 [1]. While Hogan is widely known for his role in *Crocodile Dundee*, his foray into political critique targets the specific rhetoric regarding race and culture promoted by Hanson's party.
Hanson has long been a polarizing figure in Australian politics, frequently advocating for policies that restrict immigration and emphasize a specific cultural identity. Hogan's use of the term "pelican" serves as a public rebuke of those nationalist aspirations [1, 2].
“"She's a pelican."”
This interaction reflects the ongoing struggle within Australia to define its national identity. By labeling Hanson a 'pelican' and claiming she lives in the past, Hogan is positioning multiculturalism as the definitive modern Australian identity, contrasting it against the 'monocultural' vision promoted by One Nation.
