What are the differences between the australian culture and other countries?
The whole Australian lifestyle is centred around the outdoors as we’re lucky enough to have a climate that allows us to be able to get outside throughout the year, even in the more southern states. Aussies are generally more relaxed and laid back than in other countries. We see work as a means to an end rather than as an end in itself – we work hard and we play hard too and most of us like a drink or three. We’re friendly and welcoming and treat complete strangers as if we’ve known them for years. We take people as we find them and don’t stand for any bulls**t. We hate people who whinge or who think they’re better than everyone else. We don’t care who your parents are, what school you went to or how much money you have – if we like you, that’s all that’s necessary. Of course there are exceptions to all of the above, but the majority of Aussies are as I’ve described.
While our climate and natural environment is famously unique and diverse, our civilisation is pretty much a copy of what you would find in London or New York (but on a smaller scale of course). The only real culture difference is that we have a very high percentage of Northern European or ‘white’ people compared to other nations (mostly Anglo-Saxon and Celtic). About 90% white, 5% Asian, and 5% other. (not including tourists and exchange/foreign students) This of course entails some other things you may not find in the US or UK, such as less political correctness (we still say ‘Merry Christmas’ ohh scary). Also white people in Australia aren’t afraid to openly show pride in their race. This doesn’t extend to a professional level, legislation prohibits discrimination in the workplace, but most Australians are what Americans refer to as ‘conservatives’ or ‘republicans’. It’s a very safe place as well, comparatively.
We like to ‘take the Mickey’ (make fun of each other and everyone else – especially foreigners). The only culture I know that asks perfect strangers ‘How are you’? and expects a reply. Yes, it’s a genuine question in regard to your wellbeing. Australia is a large continent with varying cultures depending on location. Big city busy people and country people with time for small talk – like anywhere, but we share a reputation for friendliness all over. We have the oldest original peoples of anywhere in the world and we are learning slowly but surely to be proud of that. We have a reputation for being beer drinkers but that is only half true, we also appreciate wine and practically all forms of alcohol and a variety of non-prescription medications. We generally don’t like people to be ‘up themselves’ and therefore not ‘one of us’ – and can tolerate fools much better than these types. Actually I could write a book…
