Linguistics Talk Linguistics Talk    FAQ   Search   Memberlist   Usergroups   Register   Profile   Log in to check your private messages   Log in  "Do you know who I am?" Goto page 1, 2  Next          Linguistics Talk Forum Index -> Linguistics Talk View previous topic :: View next topic   Author Message Guest Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2008 1:37 am    Post subject: "Do you know who I am?" There is a current row in Australia over the use of the phrase: "Do you know who I am?" The context is a tinpot federal member of parliament who was asked, in a restaurant, to change tables. The restaurant wanted to turn the area in which her party was sitting into a dance floor. A row followed between the member of parliament and the restaurant manager. At this point the politician is alleged to have said: "Do you know who I am?" There has been an outraged response in the media to her using this phrase, especially by those queueing to have their say on talkback radio. I can see the narcissism, and perhaps latent threat, in the politician's question, but the extent of the outrage surprised me. One radio host described the phrase as totally un-Australian. I originate from England, but thought I understood most Australian norms. Yet the intense response to this episode took me by surprise I am curious to know what kind of response the phrase "Do you know who I am?" would bring in other English speaking countries. Back to top   Ads Advertising Sponsor Raymond O'Hara Guest Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2008 1:43 am    Post subject: Re: "Do you know who I am?" <polyanth3@polyanth.com> wrote in message news:b72t64ddsiskckqvtrigevbvsdvanqtb9b@4ax.com... Quote: There is a current row in Australia over the use of the phrase: "Do you know who I am?" The context is a tinpot federal member of parliament who was asked, in a restaurant, to change tables. The restaurant wanted to turn the area in which her party was sitting into a dance floor. A row followed between the member of parliament and the restaurant manager. At this point the politician is alleged to have said: "Do you know who I am?" There has been an outraged response in the media to her using this phrase, especially by those queueing to have their say on talkback radio. I can see the narcissism, and perhaps latent threat, in the politician's question, but the extent of the outrage surprised me. One radio host described the phrase as totally un-Australian. I originate from England, but thought I understood most Australian norms. Yet the intense response to this episode took me by surprise I am curious to know what kind of response the phrase "Do you know who I am?" would bring in other English speaking countries. It's a common usage by those who feel entitled. Back to top   Ads Advertising Sponsor Skitt Guest Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2008 1:48 am    Post subject: Re: "Do you know who I am?" polyanth3@polyanth.com wrote: Quote: There is a current row in Australia over the use of the phrase: "Do you know who I am?" The context is a tinpot federal member of parliament who was asked, in a restaurant, to change tables. The restaurant wanted to turn the area in which her party was sitting into a dance floor. A row followed between the member of parliament and the restaurant manager. At this point the politician is alleged to have said: "Do you know who I am?" There has been an outraged response in the media to her using this phrase, especially by those queueing to have their say on talkback radio. I can see the narcissism, and perhaps latent threat, in the politician's question, but the extent of the outrage surprised me. One radio host described the phrase as totally un-Australian. I originate from England, but thought I understood most Australian norms. Yet the intense response to this episode took me by surprise I am curious to know what kind of response the phrase "Do you know who I am?" would bring in other English speaking countries. I would loudly ask anybody nearby: "This person doesn't know who he is. Can you help him?" -- Skitt (AmE) Back to top   Ads Advertising Sponsor John O'Flaherty Guest Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2008 2:47 am    Post subject: Re: "Do you know who I am?" On Sat, 05 Jul 2008 06:37:38 +1000, polyanth3@polyanth.com wrote: Quote: There is a current row in Australia over the use of the phrase: "Do you know who I am?" The context is a tinpot federal member of parliament who was asked, in a restaurant, to change tables. The restaurant wanted to turn the area in which her party was sitting into a dance floor. A row followed between the member of parliament and the restaurant manager. At this point the politician is alleged to have said: "Do you know who I am?" There has been an outraged response in the media to her using this phrase, especially by those queueing to have their say on talkback radio. I can see the narcissism, and perhaps latent threat, in the politician's question, but the extent of the outrage surprised me. One radio host described the phrase as totally un-Australian. I originate from England, but thought I understood most Australian norms. Yet the intense response to this episode took me by surprise Maybe the Australians are more aggressively egalitarian than the English. Quote: I am curious to know what kind of response the phrase "Do you know who I am?" would bring in other English speaking countries. I'd be inclined to feign innocence and say, "Why, no, who are you?" They might feel ridiculous explaining just why they are more important than everyone else. -- John Back to top   Ads Advertising Sponsor tony cooper Guest Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2008 3:23 am    Post subject: Re: "Do you know who I am?" On Sat, 05 Jul 2008 06:37:38 +1000, polyanth3@polyanth.com wrote: Quote: There is a current row in Australia over the use of the phrase: "Do you know who I am?" The context is a tinpot federal member of parliament who was asked, in a restaurant, to change tables. The restaurant wanted to turn the area in which her party was sitting into a dance floor. A row followed between the member of parliament and the restaurant manager. At this point the politician is alleged to have said: "Do you know who I am?" There has been an outraged response in the media to her using this phrase, especially by those queueing to have their say on talkback radio. I can see the narcissism, and perhaps latent threat, in the politician's question, but the extent of the outrage surprised me. One radio host described the phrase as totally un-Australian. I originate from England, but thought I understood most Australian norms. Yet the intense response to this episode took me by surprise I am curious to know what kind of response the phrase "Do you know who I am?" would bring in other English speaking countries. It seems to be a standard comment that is blurted out by celebrities and other people who think that who they are should make some difference in how their bad conduct is handled. Sen Larry Craig, when arrested for his conduct in a public restroom stall, used a variation: "After the arresting officer read Craig his Miranda rights, the officer interviewed Craig about the restroom incident. At one point, Craig handed his business card to the arresting officer, which identified him as a U.S. Senator, and said to him, "What do you think about that?"." His Senate colleagues seemed to be more upset by Craig's attempt to influence the officer by using his Senate credentials than they were about his conduct in the restroom. The American public seems to treat such comments as laughable. Not laughing *with* the celebrity, but laughing *at* him. I wouldn't use "outrage" to describe the reaction. It's hard to be outraged at what see so often. -- Tony Cooper - Orlando, Florida Back to top   Ads Advertising Sponsor Stefan Ram Guest Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2008 3:26 am    Post subject: Re: "Do you know who I am?" polyanth3@polyanth.com writes: Quote: I am curious to know what kind of response the phrase "Do you know who I am?" would bring in other English speaking countries. »And if by chance I wake at night, And ask you who I am, Then take me to the slaughter house, I will wait there with the lamb.« Leonard Cohen, Stories of the Street Back to top   Ads Advertising Sponsor Robin Bignall Guest Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2008 3:54 am    Post subject: Re: "Do you know who I am?" On Fri, 04 Jul 2008 16:47:16 -0500, John O'Flaherty <quiasmox@yeeha.com> wrote: Quote: On Sat, 05 Jul 2008 06:37:38 +1000, polyanth3@polyanth.com wrote: There is a current row in Australia over the use of the phrase: "Do you know who I am?" The context is a tinpot federal member of parliament who was asked, in a restaurant, to change tables. The restaurant wanted to turn the area in which her party was sitting into a dance floor. A row followed between the member of parliament and the restaurant manager. At this point the politician is alleged to have said: "Do you know who I am?" There has been an outraged response in the media to her using this phrase, especially by those queueing to have their say on talkback radio. I can see the narcissism, and perhaps latent threat, in the politician's question, but the extent of the outrage surprised me. One radio host described the phrase as totally un-Australian. I originate from England, but thought I understood most Australian norms. Yet the intense response to this episode took me by surprise Maybe the Australians are more aggressively egalitarian than the English. I am curious to know what kind of response the phrase "Do you know who I am?" would bring in other English speaking countries. I'd be inclined to feign innocence and say, "Why, no, who are you?" They might feel ridiculous explaining just why they are more important than everyone else. No politicians ever feel ridiculous when asked to explain why they're more important than everyone else. Just steel yourself for a long and tedious answer. -- Robin (BrE) Herts, England Back to top   Ads Advertising Sponsor Robert Bannister Guest Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2008 5:39 am    Post subject: Re: "Do you know who I am?" polyanth3@polyanth.com wrote: Quote: There is a current row in Australia over the use of the phrase: "Do you know who I am?" The context is a tinpot federal member of parliament who was asked, in a restaurant, to change tables. The restaurant wanted to turn the area in which her party was sitting into a dance floor. A row followed between the member of parliament and the restaurant manager. At this point the politician is alleged to have said: "Do you know who I am?" There has been an outraged response in the media to her using this phrase, especially by those queueing to have their say on talkback radio. I can see the narcissism, and perhaps latent threat, in the politician's question, but the extent of the outrage surprised me. One radio host described the phrase as totally un-Australian. I originate from England, but thought I understood most Australian norms. Yet the intense response to this episode took me by surprise I am curious to know what kind of response the phrase "Do you know who I am?" would bring in other English speaking countries. I see in today's paper that the notorious Wilson Tuckey used the "Don't you know I'm a member of Parliament?" in a dispute over a speeding ticket. "Do you know who I am?" is just another variation on "I am above the law". -- Rob Bannister Back to top   Ads Advertising Sponsor R H Draney Guest Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2008 7:28 am    Post subject: Re: "Do you know who I am?" polyanth3@polyanth.com filted: Quote: I am curious to know what kind of response the phrase "Do you know who I am?" would bring in other English speaking countries. "I'm not entirely sure...but I know *what* you are"....r -- What good is being an executive if you never get to execute anyone? Back to top   Ads Advertising Sponsor Steve Hayes Guest Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2008 8:41 am    Post subject: Re: "Do you know who I am?" On Sat, 05 Jul 2008 06:37:38 +1000, polyanth3@polyanth.com wrote: Quote: I am curious to know what kind of response the phrase "Do you know who I am?" would bring in other English speaking countries. The response in thought, if not expressed aloud, would be "I may not know *who* you are, but I know *what* you are -- a pompous arrogant twit." -- Steve Hayes from Tshwane, South Africa Web: http://hayesfam.bravehost.com/stevesig.htm Blog: http://methodius.blogspot.com E-mail - see web page, or parse: shayes at dunelm full stop org full stop uk Back to top   Ads Advertising Sponsor Oleg Lego Guest Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2008 11:01 am    Post subject: Re: "Do you know who I am?" On Sat, 05 Jul 2008 06:37:38 +1000, polyanth3@polyanth.com posted: Quote: There is a current row in Australia over the use of the phrase: "Do you know who I am?" The context is a tinpot federal member of parliament who was asked, in a restaurant, to change tables. The restaurant wanted to turn the area in which her party was sitting into a dance floor. A row followed between the member of parliament and the restaurant manager. At this point the politician is alleged to have said: "Do you know who I am?" There has been an outraged response in the media to her using this phrase, especially by those queueing to have their say on talkback radio. I can see the narcissism, and perhaps latent threat, in the politician's question, but the extent of the outrage surprised me. One radio host described the phrase as totally un-Australian. I originate from England, but thought I understood most Australian norms. Yet the intense response to this episode took me by surprise I am curious to know what kind of response the phrase "Do you know who I am?" would bring in other English speaking countries. Do you mean something other than a response of "What a fucking jerk!" -- roses are #FF0000 violets are #0000FF all my base are belong to you Back to top   Ads Advertising Sponsor Fred Springer Guest Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2008 4:24 pm    Post subject: Re: "Do you know who I am?" polyanth3@polyanth.com wrote: Quote: There is a current row in Australia over the use of the phrase: "Do you know who I am?" The context is a tinpot federal member of parliament who was asked, in a restaurant, to change tables. The restaurant wanted to turn the area in which her party was sitting into a dance floor. A row followed between the member of parliament and the restaurant manager. At this point the politician is alleged to have said: "Do you know who I am?" There has been an outraged response in the media to her using this phrase, especially by those queueing to have their say on talkback radio. I can see the narcissism, and perhaps latent threat, in the politician's question, but the extent of the outrage surprised me. One radio host described the phrase as totally un-Australian. I originate from England, but thought I understood most Australian norms. Yet the intense response to this episode took me by surprise I am curious to know what kind of response the phrase "Do you know who I am?" would bring in other English speaking countries. I'm reminded of the Glaswegian bus conductor faced with the same question from a lady refused entry to a full bus: "Ah don't care if yer Jesus Christ, yer no getting on mah bus!" Back to top   Ads Advertising Sponsor Donna Richoux Guest Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2008 8:18 pm    Post subject: Re: "Do you know who I am?" <polyanth3@polyanth.com> wrote: Quote: I am curious to know what kind of response the phrase "Do you know who I am?" would bring in other English speaking countries. It makes me think of an old joke. I found this version of it on the Web: An attorney, new to town, sat down at the testimonial dinner honoring the local judge. "Holy cow," he said aloud to the lady seated next to him, "You mean to tell me that bald, pudgy, bucktoothed, ugly little man is Judge Widgens!?" The lady fired him a withering look. "Young man," she said, "Do you know who I am?" "No," replied the newcomer. "I am Mrs. Widgens!" "I see," said the lawyer. "And do you, Mrs. Widgens, know who I am?" "I most certainly do not!" said the Judge's wife. "Thank God!" said the lawyer, and he hurriedly left the room. -- Best -- Donna Richoux Back to top   Ads Advertising Sponsor CDB Guest Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2008 9:25 pm    Post subject: Re: "Do you know who I am?" Donna Richoux wrote: Quote: polyanth3@polyanth.com> wrote: I am curious to know what kind of response the phrase "Do you know who I am?" would bring in other English speaking countries. It makes me think of an old joke. I found this version of it on the Web: An attorney, new to town, sat down at the testimonial dinner honoring the local judge. "Holy cow," he said aloud to the lady seated next to him, "You mean to tell me that bald, pudgy, bucktoothed, ugly little man is Judge Widgens!?" The lady fired him a withering look. "Young man," she said, "Do you know who I am?" "No," replied the newcomer. "I am Mrs. Widgens!" "I see," said the lawyer. "And do you, Mrs. Widgens, know who I am?" "I most certainly do not!" said the Judge's wife. "Thank God!" said the lawyer, and he hurriedly left the room. If we're going to start telling stories about Widgenses and Woodjumses, there is a relevant one about Gert and Friend. I was hoping I could find it on the Web too, and copy it here, but no; so this is my own abbreviated recollection. Ernest Hemingway was telling Stein, and Toklas, who didn't like him, about a recent humiliation at a posh restaurant (Maxime's?), where he had been kept standing behind the velvet rope: "They didn't know who I was," cries the wounded novelist. "And who were you, Mr. Hemingway?" inquires Alice sweetly. Back to top   Ads Advertising Sponsor Raymot Guest Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2008 6:37 am    Post subject: Re: "Do you know who I am?" In article <v36t64p9o8ket89qprrs798ln0fg0lf6ph@4ax.com>, quiasmox@yeeha.com says... Quote: Maybe the Australians are more aggressively egalitarian than the English. I think this hits the nail on the head. And being a politician doesn't help either. However, there is also the background of this female MP being accused of being an abusive bully towards her staff, and generally not a nice person. -- Raymot ------- Brisbane, Aus. 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