Bill Shorten is unpopular with Australian voters not because he is perceived as a weak and compliant opposition leader, but because he has a "lower authority" face, a self-styled "people reading expert" has claimed.
Described by the Newcastle Herald as "The Mentalist meets Dr Phil meets Dr Cal Lightman from Lie to Me", "Face Profiler" Alan Stevens contends that the electorate's aversion to Mr Shorten stems from the fact his face is the shape of a "reverse triangle".
"The shape of a person’s face has a lot to do with what we think of them," Mr Stevens told news.com.au.
"Shorten’s face is a reverse triangle, which means it is narrow at the bottom and gives the impression of a lower authority."
Precisely what a reverse triangle is, aside from a mathematical formula, Mr Stevens apparently did not clarify; he did note, however, that the shape of the prime minister's face is inherently comforting psychologically, especially when held up against Mr Shorten's beta-male looks.
"Malcolm’s face is more square and gives the feeling of authority," Mr Stevens said, adding that body language also plays a part in how the public perceives pollies.
"Malcolm seldom points with his fingers, he holds his glasses in his dominant hand and points with the glasses. He doesn’t do that abrupt, finger jabbing that people do," he said.
"That jabbing is almost like someone is pushing you in the chest … Malcolm does it with his glasses and this softens it, but also makes him come across as educated and intelligent."
Polls yesterday showed Labor's primary vote has plummeted to 30 per cent against the Coalition's 45 per cent; just two months ago, the government led the opposition by a slender 38-36.
I'd call "lower authority" and "beta-male looks" weak and compliant, wouldn't you?
ALAN STEVENS BILL SHORTEN
Remarkably, Alan Stevens appears to have a "reverse triangle" face. And I do indeed perceive it to be "weak" looking.
Remarkably too, an article in the Newcastle Herald had a similar story in April. And remarkably once more, all this information is on Alan Stevens' web page.
http://www.alanstevens.com.au/
Again, it looks as if a Press Release has been adopted as news and is advertising or promoting a product or service.
And on the face of things, Mr Shorten will need more than chin implants.
DEB
