“It’s just a t-shirt.”
With those words the bulk of Geelong’s social media commentary dismissed the controversy surrounding Mayor, Darryn Lyons and his “naked woman” T-shirt.
Cr Lyons faced calls to resign for wearing a T-shirt with an image of a naked Madonna hitchhiking, from her 1992 coffee table book Sex.
He has apologised and said he hadn’t read the risque slogan added to the Madonna image before he wore the shirt to his Oktoberfest event in Geelong on the weekend.
A rally on the steps of City Hall reiterated calls for Cr Lyons to resign, citing it as sexist.
When asked for their opinion, every response on the Independent Facebook page dismissed the resignation calls.
Love Cr Lyons or hate him, all responders said the issue was overblown and confected.
Women responders said they were not “outraged” by the T-shirt and did not find it “demeaning”.
Cazza Frost-Maynard said: “I think (people) in the media need to get a life. Really, it’s a bloody T-shirt for god’s sake. Look at all the great things he’s done for Geelong. It’s a sad world if we are going to pick on him for a T-shirt.”
Aran Johnston said the situation was funny. “How pathetic. There are more things going on that are far more important than this, like helping the less fortunate. I even heard some people are gonna protest over this. So sad…”
Lisa Andretti said she could not stand Cr Lyons and called him an embarrassment for spending money of flowers and an “overpriced” Christmas tree, but added: “By the way, I don’t give a rat’s about his tee-shirt.”
Kylie Watts said Cr Lyons had nothing to apologise for. “The world has gone completely mad.”
Emma Rivett said: “I think people need to lighten up. Who cares what he wears. There (are) more important things going on. He isn’t the first guy to wear a naked woman on a T-shirt and won’t be the last.”
Mona Chahine said the T-shirt had only attracted attention because Cr Lyons was the Mayor. “If he was just some random person, would he be dealing with this crap? I think not.”
Rob Baard said Cr Jan Farrell, who was first to complain about the issue, was “fuelling her own agenda.”
“A few points to remember: It’s an art photo from years ago. We know the mayor is well versed in art. The slogan really states – everyone pays their way. If a man was on the photo would we be reacting differently?
“Some people fuel fires rather than put them out. Let’s hope the focus is on a better Geelong and not get caught up in someone’s (artistic) opinion.”
Susan Charteris said if Cr Lyons was not in charge of our city it would not even rated a comment. “Art is art, some people like it, some do not. Keep up the great work, after all we are in the 21st century.
Sherryn Fitzsimmons said: “Who cares? He does the job and didn’t run off crying like the last bloke.”
