Shock and Awe: See the Gutsy Stunt by Tony Armstrong That's Causing Outrage!
- Replies 11
In a world where television often pushes the boundaries of conventional thinking, ABC star Tony Armstrong's latest stunt has certainly caused a stir. Known for his charismatic presence on ABC News Breakfast, Armstrong has now ventured into a new realm with his TV series, Eat The Invaders. However, his suggestion that Australians consider dining on cane toads has sparked a wave of controversy before the show has even hit the airwaves.
Eat The Invaders, which recently premiered on ABC iview, aims to tackle the issue of invasive species in Australia by turning them into meals. In the series' trailer, Armstrong is seen wielding a large knife over a cane toad, a creature infamous for its toxicity and the ecological havoc it has wreaked since its introduction to Australia in 1938. The show promises to feature six meals, each highlighting a different invasive species as the main ingredient.
The stunt, intended to intrigue and perhaps shock, has certainly achieved its goal, but not without backlash. Dr Carol Booth, the Principal Policy Analyst at the Invasive Species Council, has been vocal in her criticism. Writing for The Sydney Morning Herald, Dr Booth argues that while the intentions behind Eat The Invaders might be positive, the approach could inadvertently worsen the problem. By glamourising the consumption of invasive species, the show risks making their presence more desirable, potentially leading to their intentional spread.
Dr Booth's concerns are not unfounded. The cane toad's population explosion from an initial 102 to an estimated 200 million is a stark reminder of the delicate balance within ecosystems. WWF Australia has documented the cane toad's detrimental impact on native wildlife, and the idea of eating such creatures to control their numbers is not as straightforward as it might seem. The Invasive Species Council had previously communicated their concerns to the show's producers, but it seems their biological insights were not incorporated into the show's concept.
Tony Armstrong's bold move comes after his surprising announcement in September that he would be leaving ABC News Breakfast. His departure, coupled with his recent nomination for the prestigious Gold Logie, has kept him in the public eye. Armstrong's willingness to tackle controversial topics and his departure from morning television have both been met with a mix of admiration and concern from his audience.
Watch the full trailer of Eat The Invaders here:
Source: ABC iview/YouTube
As Eat The Invaders goes on air, it's clear that the conversation around invasive species and their management is complex. While innovative solutions are necessary, they must be grounded in ecological science to avoid unintended consequences. Armstrong's series could open up a dialogue about sustainable practices and the importance of biodiversity, but it must tread carefully to ensure it does not exacerbate the very problem it seeks to address.
Members of the Seniors Discount Club, we're curious to hear your thoughts on this contentious issue. Have you encountered invasive species in your own gardens or local areas? What do you think about the idea of turning pests into plates? And how do you feel about television shows that take on environmental issues in such a bold manner? Share your insights and experiences in the comments below—let's discuss the balance between entertainment, education, and ecological responsibility.
Eat The Invaders, which recently premiered on ABC iview, aims to tackle the issue of invasive species in Australia by turning them into meals. In the series' trailer, Armstrong is seen wielding a large knife over a cane toad, a creature infamous for its toxicity and the ecological havoc it has wreaked since its introduction to Australia in 1938. The show promises to feature six meals, each highlighting a different invasive species as the main ingredient.
Tony Armstrong holding one of the creatures featured in Eat The Invaders. Image Credit: YouTube/ABC iview
The stunt, intended to intrigue and perhaps shock, has certainly achieved its goal, but not without backlash. Dr Carol Booth, the Principal Policy Analyst at the Invasive Species Council, has been vocal in her criticism. Writing for The Sydney Morning Herald, Dr Booth argues that while the intentions behind Eat The Invaders might be positive, the approach could inadvertently worsen the problem. By glamourising the consumption of invasive species, the show risks making their presence more desirable, potentially leading to their intentional spread.
Dr Booth's concerns are not unfounded. The cane toad's population explosion from an initial 102 to an estimated 200 million is a stark reminder of the delicate balance within ecosystems. WWF Australia has documented the cane toad's detrimental impact on native wildlife, and the idea of eating such creatures to control their numbers is not as straightforward as it might seem. The Invasive Species Council had previously communicated their concerns to the show's producers, but it seems their biological insights were not incorporated into the show's concept.
Tony Armstrong's bold move comes after his surprising announcement in September that he would be leaving ABC News Breakfast. His departure, coupled with his recent nomination for the prestigious Gold Logie, has kept him in the public eye. Armstrong's willingness to tackle controversial topics and his departure from morning television have both been met with a mix of admiration and concern from his audience.
Watch the full trailer of Eat The Invaders here:
Source: ABC iview/YouTube
As Eat The Invaders goes on air, it's clear that the conversation around invasive species and their management is complex. While innovative solutions are necessary, they must be grounded in ecological science to avoid unintended consequences. Armstrong's series could open up a dialogue about sustainable practices and the importance of biodiversity, but it must tread carefully to ensure it does not exacerbate the very problem it seeks to address.
.png){kind=icon}
