Australia Day Conspiracy Theories and Laughter
What would happen if a flat-earther who doesn't believe Australia exists meets an Australian?
Alright, let's dive into this ridiculous setup. Picture this: a classic, somewhat dingy London pub in early January. It's chilly outside, but inside, there's a warm, buzzing atmosphere. There's an Australian bloke, let's call him Bruce, sitting at the bar. He's chatting with a British guy, we'll name him Nigel. Bruce is all fired up about Australia Day, and Nigel, well, he's clueless as fuck.
Bruce: "Mate, Australia Day's coming up soon, and I'm bloody excited! It's a big deal back home, you know?"
Nigel: "Australia Day? What's that then? Some kind of big barbie and beer fest?"
Bruce: "Well, yeah, there's plenty of that, but it's more than just a piss-up. It's about celebrating our nation, our history. It's on January 26th, the day the First Fleet landed in 1788."
Right then, another guy walks in. This is Kevin, Nigel's mate, and he's a hardcore conspiracy theorist. He's convinced, like a total nutjob, that Australia is a made-up land.
Kevin: "Oi, Nigel, who's your new mate? Wait, did I just hear you lot talking about Australia? You know that place isn't real, right?"
Nigel: "Not this again, Kev... Bruce here is from Australia."
Kevin: "Australia, schmaustralia. It's a bloody hoax, a cover-up for something bigger. The Earth is flat, and Australia is just a story they tell to keep us in line."
Bruce: "What the hell are you on about, mate? I'm from there! I grew up in Sydney!"
Kevin: "Sydney, my arse. It's all CGI and actors. You're probably just a paid actor yourself."
Nigel: "Come on, Kev, you can't be serious. Bruce is talking about Australia Day..."
Kevin: "More like 'Make-Believe Day'. It's all a ruse, Nigel. Wake up, mate!"
Bruce looks like he's about to lose his shit, while Nigel is trying not to laugh at the absurdity of the situation.
Bruce: "You're fucking delusional, mate! I've lived in Australia my whole life. How do you explain that?"
Kevin: "Easy. You've been brainwashed, or you're part of the conspiracy. Ever heard of the Truman Show? That's your life, mate."
Nigel: "Kev, Bruce is talking about Australia Day, not some conspiracy theory. Let's just hear him out, yeah?"
Bruce: "Thanks, Nigel. Anyway, as I was saying, Australia Day is about celebrating our culture, our achievements, and reflecting on our history..."
Kevin: "Reflecting on a fictional history, you mean. It's all made up! Australia is a myth, like Atlantis or Narnia."
Nigel: "Kev, Atlantis and Narnia are literally from stories. Australia is a real place with real people."
Kevin: "That's what they want you to think. It's all part of the New World Order's plan. Control the narrative, control the people."
Bruce, now thoroughly fed up, pulls out his phone.
Bruce: "Look at these photos, you mad cunt. That's me at Bondi Beach. And here's the Sydney Opera House. Explain that!"
Kevin: "Photoshop and deepfakes, mate. Technology these days can make anything look real."
Nigel can't hold his laughter anymore and starts chuckling, causing Bruce to shake his head in disbelief.
Nigel: "Kev, I think you've had one conspiracy theory too many. Bruce, tell us more about Australia Day. It sounds interesting."
Bruce: "Well, it's a day for Aussies to come together, acknowledge our past, and celebrate our diverse culture. We have fireworks, concerts, and yes, lots of beer and barbies."
Kevin: "And I suppose next you'll be telling us about drop bears and kangaroos that box people, right?"
Bruce rolls his eyes, while Nigel tries to steer the conversation back to something resembling normality.
Nigel: "So, Bruce, is Australia Day controversial at all? I mean, every country has its issues, right?"
Bruce: "Yeah, mate, it's not all shrimps on the barbie. There's a lot of debate about it, especially regarding the indigenous peoples and the history of colonization."
Kevin: "Indigenous peoples of a fictional land? That's a new one. They probably think they're from Middle-earth or something."
Bruce: "Are you fucking kidding me? The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a history that dates back tens of thousands of years!"
Nigel: "Kev, maybe keep the conspiracy stuff for another time, eh? Bruce, go on."
Bruce: "Thanks, Nigel. So, some people see Australia Day as Invasion Day because it marks the beginning of the dispossession of indigenous Australians. There are protests and calls to change the date to be more inclusive."
Kevin: "Change the date of a fictional holiday? Why not just cancel it altogether?"
Nigel: "Ignore him, Bruce. That's actually quite interesting. It's similar to some of the discussions we have here about our own history and colonial past."
Bruce: "Exactly, mate. It's about recognizing all aspects of our history, the good and the bad. It's a complex issue."
Kevin: "You know what's not complex? Understanding that Australia is a fairy tale. Next, you'll be saying that kangaroos are real and can box."
Nigel: "Kangaroos are real, Kev. And they can sort of box... but that's beside the point."
Bruce: "This is fucking unreal. I can't believe I'm having to defend my country's existence."
Nigel: "Let's just have another round and maybe change the topic. Kevin, you're impossible when you get started on these theories."
Bruce and Nigel order another round of drinks, trying to move past Kevin's absurd claims, while Kevin sits back, smugly convinced he's the only sane one in the room.
Nigel: "Bruce, aside from the controversy, what else happens on Australia Day? Any special traditions?"
Bruce: "Yeah, heaps of stuff. We have citizenship ceremonies, awards, and sports matches. It's a day for community events, you know?"
Kevin: "Citizenship ceremonies for a non-existent place? How does that work? Do they give you a Hogwarts letter too?"
Bruce: "Fuck me, you're impossible. It's a real place, you dickhead. We've got over 25 million people!"
Nigel: "Kev, give it a rest, mate. Bruce, tell me more about the sports. Cricket, I assume?"
Bruce: "Yeah, cricket's huge. And we have the Australia Day Regatta in Sydney Harbour, oldest continuously-conducted annual sailing regatta in the world."
Kevin: "A sailing regatta in a CGI harbor, impressive. What's next? A boxing match with a kangaroo referee?"
Nigel: "Kev, seriously. Bruce, what about the food? Any special dishes for the day?"
Bruce: "Well, we love our barbies – grilling up some snags, steaks, and prawns. And then there's Lamingtons and Pavlova for dessert."
Kevin: "Lamingtons and Pavlova? Sounds like something out of a Dr. Seuss book. Are you sure you're not from Whoville?"
Bruce looks like he's about to throw his beer at Kevin, but Nigel quickly changes the subject.
Nigel: "Sounds delicious, Bruce. We should have an Australia Day celebration right here, show Kev what he's missing out on."
Bruce: "I'm down for that. Let's plan it. It'd be great to share a bit of Aussie culture, even with a stubborn cunt like Kevin."
Kevin: "You can plan your imaginary party all you want. I'll stick to the real world, thank you very much."
Nigel and Bruce share a look, both amused and exasperated by Kevin's unshakeable belief in his conspiracy theory.
Nigel: "So, Bruce, you mentioned Lamingtons. What are they exactly?"
Bruce: "They're these little sponge cakes, coated in chocolate sauce and rolled in desiccated coconut. Fucking delicious."
Kevin: "Sounds like something you'd find in a fantasy cookbook. Right next to the recipe for unicorn steaks."
Bruce: "Mate, you're one stubborn fucker. Lamingtons are real, I swear. I'll make some for our Australia Day thing."
Nigel: "I'm looking forward to it. Sounds tasty. And what about Pavlova?"
Bruce: "Oh, Pavlova's this meringue dessert, crispy on the outside, soft inside. Topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit. It's a bit of a debate whether it's Aussie or Kiwi, but who gives a shit, it's delicious."
Kevin: "A dessert as fictional as the country it comes from. Next, you'll be telling us about fairy bread and meat pies flying to the moon."
Nigel: "Kevin, have you ever considered that maybe, just maybe, you're wrong about this?"
Kevin: "Nope. It's the rest of the world that's wrong. Australia is a lie, and I'm one of the few who can see it."
Bruce chuckles, shaking his head in disbelief.
Bruce: "You're a real piece of work, Kev. One day, I'll take you down under and show you how wrong you are."
Kevin: "Down under to your imaginary land? Sure, book us tickets to Neverland while you're at it."
Nigel: "Alright, enough about this. Let's just enjoy our drinks and celebrate... whatever we want to celebrate. Cheers, mates!"
They clink their glasses, with Bruce and Nigel sharing a knowing smile, while Kevin remains resolutely unconvinced, nursing his pint with a look of self-satisfaction.
Nigel: "Bruce, you said there's a bit of debate about Australia Day. How do people feel about it?"
Bruce: "It's mixed, mate. Some see it as a day of national pride, others as a day of mourning. It's important to understand both perspectives."
Kevin: "Debating a fictional holiday – that's a new level of delusion. I suppose some people debate whether Gandalf or Dumbledore is the better wizard."
Bruce: "Fuck's sake, Kevin. It's real. The issues are real. It's not just about barbies and cricket; it's about our identity as a nation."
Nigel: "It's a bit like our discussions around certain British historical figures and events. It's complicated."
Kevin: "Except Britain actually exists. Australia's just a cover for something bigger, a distraction from the real truths."
Bruce: "And what would those 'real truths' be, Kevin? Aliens? The Illuminati?"
Kevin: "Don't get me started, mate. The rabbit hole goes deep."
Nigel: "Let's not, Kev. Bruce, back to Australia Day. Is there anything special you do to celebrate it, apart from food and drinks?"
Bruce: "Well, we often have community awards, recognizing locals who've made significant contributions. And then there are fireworks in the evening."
Kevin: "Fireworks to celebrate a fake landing on a fake continent. How quaint."
Nigel: "I think it's great to have a day to celebrate community and history, regardless of the debates."
Bruce: "Exactly, Nigel. It's about acknowledging where we've come from and where we're going."
Kevin: "Where you're going is down a government-manufactured fantasy. But sure, enjoy your 'celebrations'."
Nigel and Bruce exchange an exasperated look, raising their glasses in a toast to Australia Day, real or not in Kevin's mind.
Nigel: "Bruce, with all the debates around Australia Day, do you think the date will ever change?"
Bruce: "It's possible, mate. There's a growing movement for it. But it's a complex issue with a lot of passionate opinions on both sides."
Kevin: "Can't change the date of a holiday for a fictional place. That's like rescheduling the apocalypse in a sci-fi novel."
Bruce: "Christ, Kevin. It's a real fucking place with real issues. The debate is about respect and recognition for the First Nations people."
Nigel: "It's a conversation we're having in the UK too, about our colonial past and how we address it today."
Kevin: "The difference is, the UK actually exists. Australia is just a smokescreen for the New World Order."
Bruce: "You're a special kind of idiot, aren't you, Kevin? I've got family, friends, a whole life back in Australia."
Nigel: "Kev, let's just drop it. Bruce, what would be a good alternative date for Australia Day, in your opinion?"
Bruce: "Some suggest May 27th, the anniversary of the 1967 referendum that included Indigenous Australians in the census. It's about unity and progress."
Kevin: "Unity in a fantasy world. How touching. Why not just pick a date from Lord of the Rings while you're at it?"
Nigel: "Ignoring Kevin... Bruce, it sounds like Australia Day, like any national day, is a mix of celebration and reflection."
Bruce: "Exactly, Nigel. It's about celebrating the good and learning from the past. It's part of being a mature nation."
Kevin: "A 'mature' nation that doesn't exist. This is gold. You can't make this stuff up."
Nigel and Bruce, trying to ignore Kevin's remarks, continue their discussion about the complexities of national holidays, while Kevin smirks into his pint, amused by his own perceived cleverness.
Nigel: "So, Bruce, apart from the politics, what's your favorite part of Australia Day?"
Bruce: "Just the feeling of community, mate. Everyone coming together, celebrating what makes us Australian. And, of course, the fireworks are bloody brilliant."
Kevin: "Community celebrations for a fake country. Must be like those Star Trek conventions where everyone pretends to be from different planets."
Bruce: "For fuck's sake, Kevin. It's real. The community, the celebrations, the country – all real."
Nigel: "Kev, enough with the conspiracy stuff. Bruce, do you have any special memories from Australia Day back home?"
Bruce: "Yeah, heaps. As a kid, we'd have a big family barbie, then go watch the fireworks. One year, we even had a cricket match against the neighboring street. Great fun."
Kevin: "A cricket match in a fabricated country. How quaint. Did you use holographic bats?"
Nigel: "Ignore him, Bruce. Sounds like a good time. We have similar local events here for various holidays."
Bruce: "It's the community spirit that counts, whether you're in Australia, the UK, or wherever."
Kevin: "Or in a make-believe land like Oz or Wonderland. The point is, it's all about believing in something, no matter how fake it is."
Nigel: "Kev, seriously, can you give it a rest? Bruce, any plans for celebrating Australia Day here in London?"
Bruce: "I might hit up an Aussie pub, get together with some expats. Make the best of it, you know?"
Kevin: "An Aussie pub in London. Now that's a conspiracy I can get behind. A front for gathering intelligence, perhaps?"
Bruce and Nigel share a laugh, shaking their heads at Kevin's relentless conspiracy theories, while they plan a mini Australia Day celebration, real or not in Kevin's eyes.
Nigel: "Bruce, you mentioned earlier about Indigenous Australians and Australia Day. How is their culture celebrated or recognized in Australia?"
Bruce: "Well, there's increasing recognition and celebration of Indigenous culture. We have music, art, dance, storytelling – all sorts of events showcasing their rich heritage."
Kevin: "Indigenous culture of a non-existent place. That's a double conspiracy. It's like saying there are elves in Iceland."
Bruce: "Jesus, Kevin. Indigenous Australians are some of the oldest continuous cultures in the world. This isn't a bloody conspiracy, it's history."
Nigel: "It's important to recognize and respect that, just like we're trying to do more of here in the UK with our own history."
Kevin: "The difference is, UK history is real. Australia's a fairy tale. Next, you'll be telling me about the Australian Bigfoot or something."
Bruce: "Mate, I don't know what to say to you anymore. You're living in a fantasy world."
Nigel: "Bruce, back to the celebrations. Do many Aussies feel a strong connection to their Indigenous heritage?"
Bruce: "Definitely. There's a growing respect and interest in Indigenous culture and history. It's becoming a more integral part of our national identity."
Kevin: "National identity for a fictional nation. How quaint. Do you also have a flag for Narnia?"
Nigel: "Alright, Kev, that's enough. Bruce, do you participate in any Indigenous Australian traditions yourself?"
Bruce: "I try to learn and participate where I can. It's about respect and understanding, mate."
Kevin: "Respect for a make-believe culture. Right. I'm off to a meeting about the moon landing being fake. Enjoy your 'Australia Day.'"
Kevin leaves, still thoroughly unconvinced, while Bruce and Nigel decide to plan their own little Australia Day celebration, complete with Lamingtons and maybe even a cricket match.
Nigel: "So, Bruce, with Kevin gone, we can finally talk properly. What do you miss most about Australia on a day like Australia Day when you're here in London?"
Bruce: "Honestly, mate, it's the weather. Nothing beats a sunny Australia Day. And of course, the whole vibe – everyone's in a good mood, celebrating together."
Nigel: "I can imagine. British weather doesn't really compare, does it? What about the food? Any special Aussie dishes you miss?"
Bruce: "Oh, definitely. I miss a good Aussie barbie – the snags, the steaks, and especially my mum's potato salad. And Tim Tams! Can't get proper Tim Tams here."
Nigel: "Tim Tams? Never heard of them. What are they?"
Bruce: "They're these amazing chocolate biscuits. Best thing you'll ever taste. I'll bring some next time I go back."
Nigel: "Sounds great. You know, despite Kevin's nonsense, I've learned quite a bit about Australia Day from you."
Bruce: "Glad to hear it, mate. It's more than just a holiday; it's about what it means to be Australian – the good, the bad, the whole lot."
Nigel: "It's good to see you take pride in it, despite the controversies. We could use a bit of that spirit here sometimes."
Bruce: "Exactly. Every country's got its issues, but it's important to celebrate the positives too."
They continue chatting, sharing stories and laughs, with Bruce feeling a little less homesick and Nigel gaining a new appreciation for a holiday he knew little about.
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