Merely mentioning Australia conjures all manner of images. Exotic animals prowling the bush – kangaroos, wombats and chattering multi-colored birds. Bronzed surfers harnessing the waves crashing on the Gold Coast. The enticing scent of seafood and burgers char coaling on barbecues. Unreconstructed males in plaid shirts guzzling lager while bantering about cricket, rugby and ‘sheilas.’Seven cultural aspects of Australians,you might want to know them before you travel there.Check this out to know Australians.
While some of these images may be grounded in fact there is much more to the world’s largest inhabited island than a smattering of stereotypes. Whether you plan on visiting this diverse country or simply wish to get to know a local Australian better, it’s important to appreciate where fiction ends and the truth begins. So here are seven characteristics to be aware of.
Politics
This nation may be a part of the British Commonwealth, with Queen Elizabeth as head of state and the union jack occupying a corner of its national flag, but Australians enjoy a fierce sense of independence. To all intents and purposes, most locals act as if they are living in a republic. One reason for this is that Australia has wriggled free of the class system that remains straight-jacketing much of its former colonial master. You are far less likely to encounter snobbery or airs and graces here.
Australians are certainly passionate about their beliefs and they relish a good debate, whether it is about politics or any other subject for that matter. But they will be open to being argued with if you can give forceful counter opinions. They believe in giving others a fair go. This aspect is particularly important: anyone with a minority opinion is more likely to get a fair hearing, with underdogs being encouraged rather than castigated.
Friendship
The concept of having a circle of close friends is crucial to Australians and this has historical roots. When the first white immigrants arrived they were mostly convicts who had spent long months crossing the seas from Britain. As part of the dehumanizing process, the use of actual names was forbidden on the transport ships, so these raw settlers became used to referring to one another simply as mates. This epithet stuck, and as time wore on the expression grew to mean something so much more than just another pal. It signified a strong bond, born out of adversity and shared struggles.
During the First World War Australian troops fought in inhospitable terrain thousands of miles from home, against enemies they knew little about. Fighting for their mates made far more sense than doing so in the name of a country on the far side of the world. Their sacrifice is commemorated every year on Anzac Day, a time for reflection that is hugely important to Australians (and New Zealanders.) In Australia, mateship means something far more intrinsic than it does to the average Londoner or New Yorker.
Passion
Australians love to wear their hearts on their sleeves. There is no sense of ever having to repress feelings or to deny what they are thinking for fear of causing offense. Their attitude is that plain talking and honesty should always outrank tact and diplomacy. This calling a spade a spade may be disconcerting to those who encounter it for the first time. But as long as you appreciate gruff honesty and aren’t too thin-skinned, then popping dating website into your search engine when you’re online dating will provide you with many entertaining connections.
It’s not all about the outdoors
Although many take full advantage of the opportunities to get out and make the most of the sun-soaked terrain, not all Australians are fanatical about outdoor activities. There are certainly numerous palm-tree lined beaches to enjoy, not to mention azure seas offering water sports and fishing.
But you have to appreciate the novelty of having the Pacific or Indian Oceans on your doorstep wears off when they’re part of your everyday landscape. Once the sun sets Australians are just as likely to stash their surfboards away and chill beneath the stars while the temperature drops. The air may well become thick with barbecue smoke and the chink of glasses, but that’s not simply the signal for several hours of partying before all the frenetic leisure pursuits can reconvene. It means people can enjoy socializing, listening to diverse music while engaging in stimulating conversation.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
Because their nation has been forged out of adversity, against rugged landscapes, Australians are pragmatic and resourceful. They embrace a spirit of optimism, with a ‘glass half-full’ spirit. This dogged perseverance, the courage to have a go and a DIY attitude all combine to drive ambition ‘down under.’
Australians relish a challenge, which is why there are so many small businesses in operation here. Although statistics reveal just under half of these slip fail after less than four years, this doesn’t dissuade anyone from continuing to try to succeed.
No worries
That image of life’s issues being confronted with a shrug of the shoulders is hard to shake off, which is why Australians are used to being labeled as ‘laid back.’ One reason for this is they enjoy a generous holiday entitlement, with 11 or 12 public days over and above the average four weeks of annual leave. On the other hand, Australians work much longer hours than their Western European or North American counterparts, so there is a definite sense of reaping the rewards. In other words, Australians work hard and play hard.
Intelligence
Academic achievement might not be the most obvious trait when considering Antipodeans, but the image of stubble-faced, beer drinking louts is most definitely a totally inaccurate stereotype. Australia is home to industries such as mining, manufacturing and engineering, all requiring particular skills. Over the decades there has been a wholesale shift to white-collar professions; chiefly IT, financial enterprises, the utilities and design industries. This means Australians tend to be much better educated than previous generations, with
