She's the minister for men

April 18, 2015 3:25 AM

The Minister for Men: a web series by Gretel Killeen. As background, it probably helps to know that Tony Abbott, Australian Prime Minister, appointed himself the Minister for Women. But the series is entertaining even without a background knowledge of Australian politics.

"What qualifies you to represent the men of Australia?"
"My father is a man. My plumber is a man. I have a staff member who is a man. (What's your name, sweetheart?)"

posted by lollusc (12 comments total)

I didn't know Gretel could act! I thought she just vanished somewhere after doing Big Brother all those years ago. This is fantastic tho, I particularly like Carmen in the first episode.
posted by Quilford at 4:28 AM on April 18, 2015

Tony Abbott, Australian Prime Minister, appointed himself the Minister for Women.

Technically, he is the Prime Minister for Women.
Because Michaela "Rivers Of Blood" Cash is the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women.
posted by Mezentian at 4:53 AM on April 18, 2015

Love this little series. As lollusc made plain, having a background context of Australian politics helps, but it's a witty illustration of modern sexism either way.

"In an ideal world, we'd have you die at the peak of your career from a tragic death, like James Dean or Kurt Cobain."

"What?.....Kurt Cobain is dead?!"
posted by The Zeroth Law at 5:22 AM on April 18, 2015

Media Advisor (woman): "Minister. What is it that you think men want?"

Minister: "I'm not gonna answer that! Ahaha!"

Media Advisor: "When you're asked that question, you'll need to... answer the question..."

Minister: "I'm not gonna SAY it. I think men want [obscene gesture for sex] LOL"

Campaign advisor (also a woman): "LOL"

Staff Member (male): "Kay... maybe I can weigh in on what men want."

Minister: "Sweetheart. Not your area of expertise."

Their giddiness in acting these roles is not only hilarious, it also totally reflects a sad reality you notice as a woman when faced with the mirror scenario: they do actually get off on the power trip.
posted by fraula at 5:49 AM on April 18, 2015 [4 favorites]

Minister: "I'm not gonna answer that! Ahaha!"

Basically verbatim Abbott, except with less awkward, endless staring.
posted by Mezentian at 5:55 AM on April 18, 2015

And, hell, may as well chuck in the misogyny speech, in case the chaff bags thing comes up.
posted by Mezentian at 5:59 AM on April 18, 2015 [2 favorites]

And Abbott's inability to remember the names of women.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 6:29 AM on April 18, 2015 [1 favorite]

The facial expressions also really make this.
posted by Quilford at 6:55 AM on April 18, 2015

I did not know Abbott appointed himself minister for women. Wow.

Though, why am i surprised? In the late 80s Canada did have Minister Responsible for the Status of Women... Hon. Gerry Weiner. (Poor guy).

Under his watch the Status of Women office funded the anti feminist group REAL Women and cut women's centres, research groups on women's equality, and LEAF (feminist legal group, who, thank goodness have survived to today). Boo.


In any case, these videos are brilliant. Thanks!
posted by chapps at 8:04 AM on April 18, 2015

Site appears to be down. :(
posted by iamkimiam at 4:09 PM on April 18, 2015

It seems to be up just now.

But if it's down, blame our Communications Minister, and his Internet plan.
posted by Mezentian at 12:32 AM on April 19, 2015 [2 favorites]

You can also find them directly on YouTube if the site I linked was down. Just search for "the minister for men".
posted by lollusc at 1:07 AM on April 19, 2015