blackjeanus mulleticus maximus
First identified as a sub-species during the mid-70s, the Melbourne Bogan is thought to be a close relation of the Booner (found in Canberra's outer suburbs) the Westie (spread throughout Western Sydney), and the Bevan (Bribane).
It is believed the initial Melbourne population was introduced to purpose-built habitats such as Frankston and Dandenong. However, by the mid-80s, the species had multiplied to plague proportions, spreading through much of Footscray and further Western regions. While authorities considered a culling program, they need not have bothered, as the regional population began a rapid decline from the early '90s onwards. The situation has now reached a critical point, with Bogans rarely sighted in Melbourne, and those remaining clinging to the region's outskirts. In the year 2000, the species is now officially endangered.
Identifying a Bogan is not difficult. Males sport a distinctive hair growth called a "mullet" (short front and sides, long at back). Some scientists believe the growth is genetic, while others argue it is a product of nurture, as even extremely young males seem coerced by parents to adopt the growth. Other distinguishing male characteristics include a tight black denim covering on the hindlimbs and bright flannelette markings on the forepaws and belly. Males adopt a dominant status within the community, with a vague sense of rank defined by the ownership of aging Ford and Holden motor vehicles.
Female Bogans are entrusted with the raising of multiple offspring, a role they perform from a young age and often without the presence of the male. They may be similarly identified through distinctive denim markings, though the color is usually "stonewash". In warmer weather, females have been known to shed the lower layer of demin to just below the genital area, resulting in a "cut-off" effect. Both males and females have been known to cover their lower hind-limbs with furry pouches called "ug-boots." While the wild population of Bogans is dwindling, it is still possible to view them in their natural environment. The species has been known to congregate around regional "shopping malls", where family units often come to settle domestic issues using high-pitched wailing sounds.
After sunset, younger males and females meet in small dark enclaves known "Taverns" where they consume large amounts of a liquid called "Bourbon." There are numerous factors attributed to the decline of the local Bogan population. Scientists have identified the unpopularity of stadium rock as a contributing cause, while the development of adequate social infrastructure (ie. schools, medium density housing) may have fragmented the species. More controversial theories suggest many bogans may have removed their mullets, purchased "cargo pants" and attempted to integrate themselves in Melbourne's mainstream population, but these claims are yet to be substantiated.
At present there seems little hope of restoring the Bogan population to its previous levels. Recent attempts by the Federal Government have included the development of a new artificial habitat in outer Melbourne named "Sunbury", but it seems this area may be too close to civilised air travel to attract large numbers of the species. More successful has been an enclosed breeding program in Canberra called "Summernats", which takes place annually at the National Exhibition complex in Watson. The program has proven highly effective, combining motor vehicles and bourbon with rampant displays of female sexuality. Authorities recently introduced a V8 Supercar race with similar results, and have attracted Bogan elders AC/DC for a brief national visit early next year.
hahaha thats funny as, love the close relation to canberra's outer suburb booners, a place called 'Queanbeyan' hahaha
Having spent a bit of time with some ones wife in Jerra (NSW)and her taking me for a spin through "Struggle Town" (ACT) i can honestly say that the bogan is still evolving and they are in great numbers and not close to extinction as first thought to have been believed. The "Bogan" is in great numbers in the Hunter Valley areas, namely Raymond Terrace where herds can be seen leaving the "Spinning Wheel Tavern and converging on the banks of the Hunter River to neck a few quiet ones and trying to drill the local "Bogonettes".
South Australia had a sub species called "Rockers",these roamed the streets in black desert boots (Ripples,Rips and crinkle cut minder boots)Tight black jeans,flanny shirt and a beanie in search of their foe the "skinhead"
WA back in the mid to late 70`s had the "Rocks" These are now a extinct species and evolved into the "Bog or Bogan" As you have read,the WA Bogan is a lazy creature,everthing related is abbreviated.They are in geat numbers and can be found anywhere a car show or illegal strret racing is taking place
Having been a bogan in all these states at some stage of my life i feel that the younger generation of "Bogan" will lose his/her roots and forger where thier love for Flanny,tight jeans DB`S,beanie ugg boots actually come from.
The History of the Bogan
The word "bogan" is believed to have originated in the late 1980’s in Melbourne. The term has always had close ties to the working class, and the original intent and purpose of the word remains up until this day. It is believed by some (but not actually verified) that the word may have ties to the Bogan River district of Western NSW. For more information on the Bogan Shire, please visit the local council website at Welcome to the Bogan Shire Council.
Whilst the actual word “bogan” has only been in mainstream circulation for around 20 years, historic evidence points to the existence of bogans for many centuries past. It is widely believed that the majority of the members in the first fleet to land in Australia were actually bogan prisoners from the United Kingdom. Therefore, it appears that Australia was actually established by criminally insane bogans who enjoyed drinking, fighting and shooting.
The evolution of the bogan to that of what we know in the present day is largely believed to have commenced in the late 1970’s. The children of ‘generation x’ form much of the current populous, whilst their offspring continue in the same mould as post-modernistic bogans. The adoption of key elements such as the ‘mullet’, the flannelette shirt and the ‘trackie-daks’ are also indicators that the contemporary bogan gains inspiration from fashions of the 1980’s in the era of the ‘bogan renaissance’.
No doubt the bogan will continue to flourish wherever AC/DC is played, or where a VK Commodore is doing a burnout.
Long live the Bogan
Glenn
Last edited by BLU_FZ1; 21-10-2007 at 02:55 PM.