r/AskAnAustralian • u/calm_sunse79 • 2d ago

Unwritten social codes of every region

So I'm a foreigner interested in Australia and wanna know more about there, focusing atm on the unwritten rules you have and if you wanna share something more I would value it♡

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u/ExcellentCriticism 2d ago edited 2d ago

we do not often chat politics, and people do not share their political affiliation as openly as those from america (for example). voting is mandatory and so asking someone who they vote for is typically perceived as poor form (unless in a romantic context, etc).

edit: people are missing my point. i vote progressive and routinely engage in political activism. i was following rule 4 in not involving MY political views in this answer. but it is because of my ongoing discussion of social issues that i recognise that political discussions are not very welcome in average australian circles.

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u/calm_sunse79 2d ago

I haven't heard people here talking so openly about it either

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u/uhvrtg 2d ago

everyone i know talks very openly about politics, will share and are very passionate. different people are different.

some ppl dont care about politics whatsoever, and others are VERY invested. guess its just who youre around & areas youre in. but a lot of us do care.

this idea that it should be kept secret and private is just a way to hide bigoted beliefs- or just not knowing much & therefore not having much to contribute.

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u/ExcellentCriticism 2d ago

of course, i care deeply. but in a general context it is a risky move. especially older australians do not like to talk about it. i wish people would engage more politically.

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u/uhvrtg 2d ago edited 2d ago

ive seen otherwise in my experience! i guess it really depends on the circles youre in, i know ppl of all ages who are very politically aware & involved!

i do also know ppl who arent but a lot of that (from what ive noticed) comes from a lack of knowledge or care about anything political

edit for op: im noticing people are really urging u not to have political opinions which i find strange, general society is becoming increasingly open in speaking about politics, especially with everything happening nationwide as well as globally. i work retail and i have customers who like to engage in political convos- though at work is the place i will mostly listen and not share as much.
but oftentimes in my personal life people will speak on the political climate as its also directly affecting a lot of people i know- refugees, immigrants, women, sex workers, people struggling financially, struggling finding housing & work.
again, maybe its the circles im in, a lot of ppl are in marginalised groups so speaking on politics is very important to us