Cate Blanchett was pilloried for saying she’s ‘middle class’. Here’s why she’s right on the money – in Australia at least

‘Cate Blanchett’s admission of middle classness is consistent with an Australian cultural understanding of it,’ writes Van Badham. Photograph: Pascal Le Segretain/EPA

Australian actor Cate Blanchett has drawn the internet’s attention this week. Because she’s pretty and glamorous and successful and promoting a new movie at Cannes? Yes. But also because she dared to raise a public topic people are so very uncomfortable discussing.

Am I referring to her black/white/green dress ensemble that appeared to be a nod to the Palestinian flag? No. This publication has already revealed the white hue in the gown was actually pink. Besides, for some months now Blanchett has been upfront in joining global calls for peace and a ceasefire in Gaza.