Steve Irwin

Steve Irwin's untimely death has raised a remarkable reaction around the world. Here in Australia, a politically incorrect but common reaction to his death has been one of "that's what you get for pissing off animals for a living". Even more callously, the irony of his death has been laughed at, killed by such an unlikely thing as a stingray barb, when he wrestled crocodiles for a living.
His profile has never been that large in Australia compared to overseas. His television programs have never been prime-time, in fact I don't think I've ever seen one. But overseas his programs are much more popular. Travelling throughout Europe, upon hearing my nationality, often the first thing people mention is Steve Irwin. This was always somewhat of an embarrassment to me and many of my fellow Australians, to think that he serves as a cultural ambassador. Germaine Greer implies as much in an article in The Guardian, which has been widely criticised.
But Australians have always loved to unfairly cut down our tall poppies. Any Australian who makes a name for themselves is treated with various degrees of derision at home (unless of course you are Jennifer Hawkins or Megan Gale). Kylie Minogue is one example, we love her now, but for years she struggled against her definately not cool "singing budgie" reputation at home.
Although not remotely representative of Australians in general, he has certainly carved out a niche for himself and enjoyed enormous international success with his wifelife based antics. And there's no doubting his passion and commitment to his work. However, the suggestion made by British media that "Steve's death is our Diana" is so extraordinarily off the mark it's laughable. While the importance of his death may be debated, there is no denying the basic tragedy of the situation, a man killed in his prime leaving behind his wife and two young children.