Postmodern Trendoid III wrote on Apr 22^nd, 2017 at 10:54am:


Yet not one person has proposed an alternative view of what they consider to be our culture.

I would really like to know what others think.

But no, just silence and personal attacks.

I've tried asking nicely but it's time to put up or shut up.

SadKangaroo wrote on Apr 22^nd, 2017 at 11:07am:


You've said you've spent time abroad, so you should have some idea of the differences between cultures. One of the things I learnt being overseas is that Australia has a very liberal political culture, in that we can say almost anything without repercussion. We are also quite liberal in regards to sexual issues, clothing and religion (although this last one is changing). We are sports mad - whether in participation or as viewers. We value leisure time. 

mothra wrote on Apr 22^nd, 2017 at 11:09am:



No. Just no. Feminists like yourself can only thrive in Western countries. Cultures are not equal.

Postmodern Trendoid III wrote on Apr 22^nd, 2017 at 11:17am:


All of that I agree with, but again, I'm going to say something that will be vastly misrepresented but I'm going to say it anyway.  The things you've mentioned seem a little less like what I would define as "culture" after experiencing the things thought of as "culture" in India, China, Singapore etc.

No doubt things like sports mad, sexual and political freedoms etc are the closest thing we would have to culture, it just seems like our culture in your opinion is something more akin to what people would jokingly, or angrily claim is "unaustralian", like the way Shorten eats a hotdog or things like not liking the outdoors or not eating tomato sauce with everything.

(Clarification: it's the opposite of what is "unaustralian" I meant)

That said, I like that things aren't so entrenched in the way that happens over centuries in other cultures and certain practices that are old wives tales can slowly be shed as we know more, but things like "confinement" after childbirth, the diet and bathing restrictions that don't stack up to scientific scrutiny, but try telling that to an Chinese grandmother controlling her daughter.

Postmodern Trendoid III wrote on Apr 22^nd, 2017 at 11:46am:



Why do women need to be "like" anyone else at all?

Feminists exist all over the place. It is my argument that they should be nurtured, not negated.

Postmodern Trendoid III wrote on Apr 22^nd, 2017 at 11:57am:



No. I have never argued that. For or against. Would you be putting words in my mouth, Mistie?

SadKangaroo wrote on Apr 22^nd, 2017 at 11:07am:



Culture is an indefinable context.
its like describing pleasure, what some see as pleasurable either abhors or excites others.
Culture is like that, what some see as culture, others see as traits or weaknesses, sometimes strengths.

Australian culture is vastly different from any other on the planet.
I have traveled all over the world, seen many places, met and lived with many people.
I do not consider myself a "Cultured" person, I am just an observer.

But to me, Australian culture is definable.
Aussie culture is a "Have a go" attitude.
"Look after the mates."
"Laugh at ourselves."
We, as a race, are a mixture of many other races.
Australians are the brave who traveled from other countries to a distant and foreign land.
People who brought us wonderful food, wonderful things and who themselves became more Australian than Australians who have lived here all their lives.
They came to a land with many excesses and a people who will fight with you one minute and then buy you a beer afterward, no grudges, they contributed and became Australian.

We are an easy going lot, we take and we give generously.
We stick together, the best of Australia is always seen at the worst possible times.
A cyclone, a flood and drought and Australians come from everywhere to help, not seeking reward, just being Australian.
Australia has more volunteer organisations, giving freely, than anywhere else on earth.

When you insult us we laugh, but when provoked we fight, and we fight hard.
We are known throughout the world as amazingly effective in battle and a few Aussies have held off far more than could reasonably be expected.

We are Australians.
We are rascals, we poke authority in the eye and laugh, while at the same time respecting the law of the land.
You want a clear, definitive answer to your question, what is Australian culture?
You will never get one, its impossible.

But times are changing.
Recent arrivals are putting Australia and Australians against each other.
Some see the danger, others, as always want to see the good in everybody.

But our recent arrivals do not like us, they do not like our culture.
They refuse our laws and refuse to contribute.
They bring with them baggage, baggage that is infecting the Australian way of a fair go for all.
This new Culture of hate, political espionage and invasion is starting to take its toll on Australian culture.

I only hope it does not destroy it.

Your semantics don't fool me.