Bigthink - Idea Comments Feed

Comment on: What is Australian Culture?

Bigthink — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 05:36:24 +0100

It%u2019s impossible to address all aspects of Australian culture, but I will try one.

In contrast to America, Australia is a deeply secular society. If a public figure were to opening thank Jesus or God for their success in a particular field, they risk public ridicule.

People who openly profess there religion in Australia are regarded as cranks!

Oddly enough, one of the most respected men in the country is the Reverend Tim Costello, who is a Baptist Minister in Melbourne. Tim Costello is a champion on issues such as social justice, anti-gambling, and remediation of poverty. In all his public appearances, I have never once heard his mention God. I am probably one of millions of Australians who admires him for what he does rather than what he believes.

Religion is a private foible in Australia. (I wish someone would tell George Pell.)

Comment on: What is Australian Culture?

Bigthink — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 18:58:29 +0100

I think being aussie is best summed up by the expression "she'll be right mate". It's our layed back, possitive attitude to life. It's also an expression that says we will get it done. "She'll be right" means that if we need to work hard, "bust a gut" so to speak, invent a new way, work as a team, whatever, we will do it because "she'll be right mate, no worries."
We live in a beautiful (yet hard) country, peopled by hard working yet relaxed people who believe that enjoying life is what it is all about.
People from everywhere come here, some saddly bring baggage from their old homeland. But in the long run "she'll be right, mate" and this country, and the lifestyle, will win.

Comment on: What is Australian Culture?

Bigthink — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 10:17:30 +0100

i'm the offspring of those immigrants from the 50's and 60's. although it is generally accepted as being australian, i dont see "mateship" as being a dominant trait.

rather, when i think of australian culture, and what it means to be a part of it, the predominant characteristic we all share is a more layed back approach to life.

sure we're all stressed and fine we also have a lot to deal with, but the way in which we approach our issues (i.e layed back. with a general belief that things will work out for the best.) seems to define our culture.

i can't imagine my american uncle, or turkish aunt for that matter, calling a sickie like my parents will do when we want to have a family day.

Comment on: What is Australian Culture?

Bigthink — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 09:25:04 +0100

I reckon if you asked(in approporiate language/cultural breakdown) any person anywhere in the world if they thought their country showed "mateship" I think they would say "yes", give a hand to a neighbour or a mate - "yes, of course we would".
So, mateship cannot be the description of an Australian. I grew up in the western suburbs of Sydney in the 60's and 70's and everybody was your friend - migrated from Italy, China, Lebanon, Vietnam, Malta, England and Ireland. They brought 'mateship' with them, and amazing food!! What makes us Aussie is, hopefully, acceptance and having a laugh (mostly at ourselves). No-one laughs as much, so I reckon it might be that. Our lives are so good we can afford to laugh, most of the time. I think "Sorry Day" was another example of being 'Aussie' - imagine that happening in the US? not likely.

Comment on: What is Australian Culture?

Bigthink — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 10:50:56 +0100

What is being Australian? besides - Meat pies, cricket, the beach and cold beer.

I think Aussie is about mateship - Generally giving a bloke a fair go and a helping hand if in need - I don't think that this has as much meaning as it once did, but I do think it still exists and I think it does still identify us. I believe this came from our relative isolation from the the rest of the world and for that matter from the rest of Australia because of the distance between populations - you relied on your mates for survival. It doesn't seem to matter what your background is, once your a mate, your a mate. "New Australians" who arrived in the 50's and 60's seem to embrace this concept - but I'm not so sure about more recent arrivals but perhaps this also is just a matter of time.