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Ex-Australian of the Year Grace Tame refers to the country as ‘so-called Australia’ as she releases ‘difficult woman’ jewellery line
Former Australian of the Year Grace Tame referred to Australia as “so-called Australia” in a post promoting a jewellery collaboration with Melbourne artist Tom Whitty. She linked the phrase to her criticism of inequality and corporate power, saying people who speak out are labelled “difficult”; the post has drawn attention to both her activism and the jewellery release.
The limited-edition earrings come in silver for $130 and gold for $150, with a foil print included with every sale and a temporary tattoo for the first 50 orders. Whitty said the design and title refer to Tame’s public exchanges with former prime minister Scott Morrison and current prime minister Anthony Albanese. Tame has also criticised Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, while an Australian Jewish Association representative previously called her remarks about antisemitism deeply offensive.
In short
- Grace Tame used “so-called Australia” in a jewellery promotion.
- The limited-edition earrings cost $130 or $150.
- The design refers to moments of public scrutiny of Tame.
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The case for
Supporters may see “so-called Australia” as pointed activist language that challenges inequality and corporate influence, and draws attention to how outspoken women are branded “difficult”. They may also view the jewellery collaboration as a legitimate way for Tame and Whitty to turn that public debate into art and support their work.
The case against
Critics may argue that describing the country as “so-called Australia” is needlessly dismissive of a shared national community and risks alienating people who might otherwise engage with her concerns. They may also question whether a commercial jewellery release strengthens the message, particularly when its title invokes political exchanges and Tame’s contentious public remarks.
Explained simply
Grace Tame is an Australian advocate for survivors of sexual abuse. She was named Australian of the Year in 2021, after campaigning for a change to laws that had prevented her from speaking publicly about her own experience.
Tame has continued to speak about social and political issues, including inequality and the influence of large companies. Her public exchanges with politicians Scott Morrison and Anthony Albanese have also drawn attention. The jewellery collaboration with Melbourne artist Tom Whitty uses the phrase “difficult woman”, which Tame says reflects how people who speak out can be labelled.
Tame has also criticised Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Her comments on antisemitism have prompted strong criticism from an Australian Jewish Association representative, making her activism a subject of public debate.
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