So you want to know more about Australia?
I knew you did. Of course, there are about five things I know about that great big island from Down Under. In order: they have kangaroos, Vegemite is something I learned in a Men At Work song, Mel Gibson is kind of from there, a Dingo ate a baby once and Steve Irwin died too young.
With all of that said, all of those stereotypes I listed above must immediately be tossed out the
window. Run to the window now and start tossing. (Except for Vegemite which apparently is a delicacy much like how we, as Americans, love peanut butter.)
So, in an effort to inform, we bring you today to the top 20 things that define culture in Australia. First of all, people do not ride Kangaroos (my bad) and they don’t throw shrimp on the barbie (called prawns down under) although Paul Hogan of Crocodile Dundee fame is beloved for things other than his movies which were American blockbusters.
So, let’s take a look at a couple of things that we, as Americans, don’t get about Australia. In the interest of defining the role of the kangaroo, we are informed that they do, indeed, box and will kick your hind-end. Apparently they are beloved but not the same way that Americans believe.
Second of all, American football is scoffed at by Australian fans. I can attest to this. No uniforms, no pads and few rules. Australian football is like a bar brawl that charges money. And it’s fabulous.
Another misconception that author Greg Davis brings to our attention is that the band “Midnight Oil” is more indicative to Australian culture and the struggle of the Australian Aborigines. And did you know Peter Garrett, the bald lead singer from the band, is now a politician and serves as Minister for Environment, Heritage and Arts.
How we perceive another country and what it really is are usually two different things. Popular culture teaches us about Australia, but apparently much of it isn’t true.
Except for the kangaroos of course.
