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This is a little dated, but the comparison of average hours worked per year in Aus and elsewhere is pretty interesting. Seems like we are more than willing to put in the hours needed to pay for a large home, boats and OS holidays.
Although the West Coast US is more relaxed than the East Coast, it still has a competitive spirit, lots of cut-throat-types and Keeping-up-with-the-Joneses suburbanites- part of the American overall mentality. Plus longer work hours, less assistance for the vulnerable, etc etc.
Australians seems so much more simple and easygoing, also influenced by being part of a much smaller (population-wise), isolated country/ market...a country that has a lot less social problems. The intensity of social issues (crime/ economic disparity/ stress levels, etc)...the chance of crazy things happening....still far more likely to be the case in the West Coast US (lesser degree in Pacific NW) than anywhere in Australia.
I do think Australians are less open to things as mentioned above like gay rights, racial acceptance than West Coast, but that's more re: value system.
Good summary of the get-ahead, workaholic mentality even the West coast of the US has. Very formal interpersonal relations usually, too. Australians work way harder than Americans while we're at work, but Americans spend longer there (they're big into face time, being seen to be there). Compare holidays, for example, and the pressure not to even take all of your allowance in the US.
The problem with gay marriage in Australia is that it's not a state issue, it's a federal one. If Massachusetts had to convince Louisiana and Texas to agree they'd still be in the dark ages too. In most of the US states it's only the federal unconstitutionality of the ban which has made it legal. Apparently Australia's constitution allows discrimination?
I do think Australians are less open to things as mentioned above like gay rights, racial acceptance than West Coast, but that's more re: value system.
Not sure I agree with you on the racial acceptance issue: just walk around down town Sydney or Melbourne, or any city in Australia with a university.
Aussies are certainly a lot less PC than Americans on any issue that's race related or could be construed as race related. But that's a very different issue. Perhaps it's simply due to race relations having historically been more of a powder keg issues in the US.
Not sure I agree with you on the racial acceptance issue: just walk around down town Sydney or Melbourne, or any city in Australia with a university.
Aussies are certainly a lot less PC than Americans on any issue that's race related or could be construed as race related. But that's a very different issue. Perhaps it's simply due to race relations having historically been more of a powder keg issues in the US.
The only thing political correctness achieves is diminishing freedom of speech anyway. Its one thing I like about Australia.
The only thing political correctness achieves is diminishing freedom of speech anyway. Its one thing I like about Australia.
Oh we aren't that different, it's not like you can say what you like. Plus having a gasbag with your points is different to what you say in public. PCness has definitely gained ground here over the years.
Australia, by a long shot. California, especially the big cities are not laid back at all.
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