polynesian baby! (i'm a FOB, i'm a FOB)

those who've been talking to me lately know that the australian comedy 'summer heights high' is my new favorite television show. most likely because i don't watch that much television.

though there are scenes i find too disturbing to actually watch thoroughly, the series overall is a triumph and a subtle social commentary. it's meant to expose the pervasive ignorance bubbling beneath society's facade.

which brings us to jonah takalua, a 13-year-old character played by an actor in his mid-30s.

jonah is basically every dumbass male class clown you had to endure growing up. at times he's hilarious, but he's always obnoxious. and of course, there are underlying factors to his erratic behavior.

as i OD'd on SHH for the past two weeks, i'm trying to determine why i find jonah much more stirring than the series' other two leads. for one thing, i'm not even totally sure that i'm not offended by aussie chris lilley portraying a polynesian teen (blackface, anyone?)

jonah, a tongan immigrant, is a self-described FOB (which means 'fresh off the boat'). he loves hip hop and breakdancing is his passion. we find out that he can't read very well (though he manages to make marvelous use of the word 'dictation') and can easily make the connection between that particular insecurity and his propensity to act out in english class.

jonah also experiences subtle racism and prejudice which may also contribute to some of his problems. not that the kid doesn't know right from wrong, but for some odd reason you end up feeling for him.

sound familiar? i've been to public and private school and definitely encountered some jonahs in my life of all backgrounds. interesting how from the other side of the world, educational and social issues translate so well.

and i don't think it's just me. my pal MM, along with almost every TV critic i've read, also mentioned empathy for jonah, who initially comes across as possibly the most loathsome character in the show.

whatever you do, don't sleep on 'summer heights high'.