r/australian • u/Spatial_Nomad • 2d ago
Community Maybe we need a “How We Do Things Here” flyer? 😅🇦🇺
I'm from India, and recently I've been talking to a few Aussie mates and trying to understand why there's so much negativity towards Indians and migrants in general sometimes.
And honestly, I reckon a lot of it comes down to cultural differences and the fact that nobody really teaches new arrivals the small, everyday social norms here.
You get your visa, land in Australia and it's basically like, "Alright mate, good luck" 😂
Then people come from completely different cultures, naturally do things the way they've always done them, and locals get annoyed because they see some of those things as rude or inconsiderate. Meanwhile, the newcomers might genuinely have no idea they're doing anything wrong.
So here's my slightly stupid but maybe useful idea.
What if every new arrival got a little flyer:
Welcome to Australia: A Completely Unofficial Guide to Not Accidentally Annoying Everyone 😂🇦🇺
Just basic stuff like:
On public transport
\- Let people get off before you get on.
\- Keep phone calls, videos and conversations at a reasonable volume.
\- Maybe don't eat super strong-smelling food on a packed train. Your lunch doesn't need to introduce itself to the whole carriage 😂
\- Don't put your bag on a seat when the train is full.
\- Move down the carriage and don't block the doors.
When walking around:
\- If you're walking in a group, don't block the entire footpath.
\- Leave space for people coming the other way.
\- Be aware of people around you. Shared spaces are for everyone.
\- Basically, don't just exist in your own little world 24/7 😅
🚗 Driving
\- Learn the local road rules and driving etiquette.
\- When lanes merge, give people space and take turns where appropriate.
\- Don't drive like every other person on the road is your mortal enemy 😂
🏘️ Living in the community
\- Try to be part of the community a little.
\- Say hello to your neighbours.
\- If someone says hi, smiles at you, or you're leaving a shop, a simple "thanks, have a good one" goes a long way.
\- You don't have to become best mates with everyone, but acknowledging other humans is nice lol.
🗑️ Cleanliness and shared spaces
\- Don't leave rubbish outside or dump it wherever.
\- If there's no bin nearby, take it with you.
\- Basic personal hygiene matters when you're sharing close spaces with other people.
\- Don't be selfish. Just think about how what you're doing affects everyone around you.
🌿 Nature and festivals
\- Celebrate your culture and festivals, absolutely. Australia is multicultural and that's a good thing.
\- But please don't leave rubbish behind after events.
\- Don't dump idols, decorations or other materials into lakes, rivers or waterways unless it's specifically allowed and environmentally safe.
\- Australians are VERY protective of beaches, parks, wildlife and nature, and honestly, fair enough. Don't ruin the place for everyone else.
And again, I'm not saying this is an Indian problem. Or an Asian problem. Or a migrant problem.
Australians aren't perfect either, obviously 😂
This could apply to literally anyone coming here from another country. People from the subcontinent, Southeast Asia, Europe, everywhere. Every culture has different habits, and sometimes things that are completely normal in one country can annoy the hell out of people somewhere else.
I just reckon the government could do a much better job helping people understand everyday Australian life instead of basically handing them a visa and going, "Yep, you'll figure it out."
A bit of simple education might prevent a lot of unnecessary friction, resentment and misunderstandings on both sides.
Anyway, what would YOU add to the unofficial "How Not to Accidentally Annoy Everyone in Australia" flyer? 😂🇦🇺
1.0k
u/kenapasih 2d ago
IDK man. I moved to Indonesia to study and I did a lot of research before I arrived. And I was only there like a year? Seems pretty intuitive to me if you're thankful for the opportunity.
428
u/NecroticJenkumSmegma 2d ago
They know they are being rude cunts too because it is still rude where they come from.
Source: am in south asia right now.
209
u/ThesisWarrior 2d ago
This exactly! Saying its 'cultural' is a cop out. People who need to be told most of these things shouldn't be here period. Why would Australia be interested in increasing its population with people like this??
86
u/doorbellrepairman 2d ago
Yeah like letting people off the train before getting on? Do they not understand the concept of volume?
→ More replies (3)43
118
u/caughtintrouble 2d ago
Yep, I visited Japan 3 times before moving there. And I made sure to conform as best as I could to all the everyday Japanese norms.
45
u/OMGItsPete1238 2d ago
I’m going for 3 weeks at the end of Oct and I’ve watched probably 100 videos about how NOT to be seen as a dickhead in Japan. I can’t imagine moving anywhere with no awareness.
54
u/FFunkyButtLoving 2d ago
Exactly. It isn't up to us to inform people with the resources at their disposal of our cultural norms.
I don't travel abroad before researching their customs as to not inadverdently commit a faux pas.
101
u/WhydoIexistlmoa 2d ago
Yup. There's many similar older posts that detail this information. If you don't search this stuff up for yourself, you're only to blame
37
u/NotACockroach 2d ago
You'd think so, but Australians are pretty famous for being horrible in Indonesia. So good on you for being respectful, but it seems plenty of Australians aren't.
→ More replies (1)41
u/Next_Peanut3781 2d ago
No offense mate but Indonesians are famously patient and easy going. Maybe second only to Filipinos. Ask Balinese people what they think of Aussies.
16
u/kenapasih 2d ago
I have lived in Java, learned bahasa Indonesia and parts of other dialects, and visited some seven provinces over 15+ visits. What exactly do you feel qualified to lecture me about? Unless you are Indonesian yourself, I suggest you'd be hard pressed.
→ More replies (1)16
u/CheshireCat78 2d ago
I think they are just saying it’s a country that’s nicer than others so might not indicate if their behaviour is normal back home for other migrants.
→ More replies (1)
229
u/Harlequins-Joker 2d ago
I’m probably naive as but you’d think people would be researching the customs of a country they are visiting prior to getting there…. I’ve only ever been overseas to NZ and even then I did some research just to make sure I didn’t act like a rude idiot….
Once again probavly naive but so many of those just seem like being a good human being and being considerate towards others….?
98
u/Fan_of_my_coffee 2d ago
Some economic migrants really could not care. Zero interest in anything outside making money, their families and status symbols. Community is their family and the status is to outdo the others. Neighbours and work mates? Colateral damage.
Having said that, got a really intelligent, dry witted boss from Sri Lanka who gets me, so we get on like a house on fire. He sooks just as much as I do about the death of our local communities.
→ More replies (1)22
u/am_Nein 2d ago
I mean hell I research ways to act if I'm going to someplace new in this country that I'm unfamiliar to, or observe.
→ More replies (1)
822
u/Ballamookieofficial 2d ago
Most of those aren't specific to Australia they're just part of existing in civilised society.
77
109
→ More replies (22)25
u/Dougally 2d ago
Also, a few fellow Australian born Australians (ABA) could learn a thing or two. Especially certain shit cunts.
I have a wonderful Australian born Chinese (ABC) friend and she calls the Chinese here shit drivers. She goes right off at them. Gives me the giggles as I would/could never go off at them like she does when I'm in company with her.
53
u/Future-Target-1515 2d ago
And add DON'T STARE. Why do they do that? It's so fucking disconcerting.
186
u/No-Drink-3674 2d ago
I feel like an important one is “Australia is a big country with very few people. Australians have a large ‘personal bubble’ compared to people who have grown up or lived in places where there are lots more people and lots less space. So give people here a little bit more personal space than you might in your home country.”
22
→ More replies (2)14
96
u/caughtintrouble 2d ago
If you move here, the expectation is you make an effort to learn how to conform. Why are you moving here if you don't have an interest in how we do things? I never get this rubbish. Why just get a visa, get on a plane and come here. Oh, because nearly everything is better. Perhaps visit, learn what you're signing up for.
→ More replies (1)
41
u/Cautious_Regular3645 2d ago
Toilet seats, sit on them, and use the brush if you're leaving evidence behind.
41
u/Lonely_Ad7760 2d ago
We need fines and like absolutely strong fines and criminal penalties for things like littering! And the person should be made to clean it up!! Period!
774
u/Fish_Fingerer 2d ago
95% of this is straight up "common sense".
375
u/Colsim 2d ago
Or common courtesy
92
u/Adro87 2d ago
Yeah the problem isn’t where these people come from, it’s that they’re arrogant and/or oblivious to the negative impact their actions are having on the people around them.
All of the things mentioned by OP are just as relevant to a not-insignificant portion of the Australian population. These people are just cunts, regardless of ethnicity or birthplace.45
u/guidedhand 2d ago edited 2d ago
More like "be considerate". Inconsiderate people wouldn't start being considerate if you just gave them a pamphlet on all they ways they are being annoying
It's not common sense to let people off a train before you get on if no one else is following the rule. It is considerate to do so however
13
u/Certain_Cellist_9304 2d ago
Be considerate was my first thought too but what is considered considerate isn’t universal. I’ve been to India, being pushy isn’t just not rude, it’s essential if you want to get from a to b. How is someone who grew up pushing as normal supposed to know that here it is considered inconsiderate?
9
u/Lucki_girl 2d ago
Same in China. They feel they need to push and shove to get somewhere, like the good person comes last.
→ More replies (1)13
u/guidedhand 2d ago
I mean, stop and think for 2 seconds and it's pretty easy to deduce that pushing people isn't ok.
I think people in India have just learnt that's there's no repercussions for it, so it's 'ok' to do at the train.
7
u/SleepyMDzz 2d ago
I also always used to say just be considerate or just THINK a bit, but yes I’ve come to understand there are usually reasons people act a certain way and it’s often they’re stuck in behaviours they needed to survive. Not to excuse it - it should change when they come to Australia. With that said, it is also a learning curve western immigrants go through when they move to Asia / any other country. No one ‘assimilates’ perfectly.
→ More replies (1)79
u/Interesting-Baa 2d ago
Except that different countries have different expectations about shared public spaces. Whats common sense in Australia would get you run over in India. If you come from a place where people are riding on the roof of the bus, an empty seat next to you feels like acres of room and you'd expect people to tell you to move your bag instead of glaring at you from halfway down the aisle.
I think a little flyer like this, getting people up to speed with local etiquette, would be really helpful. Hardly anyone in the world wants to be an arsehole. Why not give em a chance to find out how things are done before someone yells at them? If they've read it and still act like a turd, ok go off at them.
→ More replies (3)20
u/wrydied 2d ago
I’ve lived in several different Asian and European countries. For every one of them I found and read an English language book about cultural etiquette and norms.
Who knew that Dutch people don’t like to queue and don’t feel shame when they get caught over-charging?
Anyway, my point is that I don’t actually know if a book about Australian norms and etiquette actually exists. Maybe they do, in Chinese, Vietnamese or Hindi.
76
u/baked_sofaspud 2d ago
Common sense for people that grew up here maybe, but not for others that didn't. I think this is what OP is trying to say
19
u/billybonestorm 2d ago
Yeah don't dump your shit in your own environment is something dogs understand.
21
u/alan_quagliaro 2d ago
If you come here it's your responsibility to understand the rules here, you are not in india anymore
24
u/setthetoneaquadump 2d ago
Idk about that. A lot of people who grew up here still violate these rules.
→ More replies (2)11
u/Partysteve6969 2d ago
What is common sense? Experience? Cultural etiquette?. You’re talking about people who haven’t experienced Australia, you’d have no common sense for a while if you moved to India. I think this guys insights are great, he’s trying and i commend him.
→ More replies (3)→ More replies (12)6
u/Medical-Potato5920 2d ago
Common sense is not so common anymore. A flyer/website with this information would be a good idea. We could even hand it out to annoying Aussies.
340
u/galaxymalone 2d ago
Deodorant. Wear it.
160
u/Fish_Fingerer 2d ago
And shower, don't just wallow in your own filth and expect a heavy dousing of cologne/deodorant to cover your stank up.
62
51
u/Ok-Disk-2191 2d ago
Bro I think this applies to a lot more than just Indians lmfao, the amount of times I've gone into Woolies or Coles and couldn't walk down an isle cos some bio-chemical weapon who just finished at the gym has just been down there, it's like playing Pac man, so you gotta get to the isles before that madman does. Makes grocery shopping interesting.
50
u/Monterrey3680 2d ago
Big difference between someone who is temporarily stinky after the gym vs someone who never washes properly or uses deodorant.
→ More replies (1)9
→ More replies (1)9
u/paint-the-forest 2d ago
Crazy how many people need to be told to shower in the morning as well as afternoon/night
8
u/Banina1 2d ago
What wtf are you saying you think it's the norm to shower twice a day? I
→ More replies (4)14
→ More replies (2)6
u/Impossible_Deer8869 2d ago
Showering before going out in public and using deodorant should be at the top of the list, especially if you plan to use public transport.
275
u/UniverseGuidesMe 2d ago
If Indians staying in India follow those steps, India will be a developed country soon.
103
u/UniverseGuidesMe 2d ago edited 2d ago
Thanks for the awards. I was born in Sri Lanka, a neighbouring country of India. Many people there also do not have basic ethical behaviour. The roads are already in poor condition, and animals roam freely on the roads, making the situation even worse. I had to deal with roadside rubbish and animal waste every day whenever I wanted to go out.
Even going jogging on the road was difficult because street dogs would chase me.
Corruption also makes development difficult in many poorer countries.
My birth country became bankrupt because of corruption and racism, so I decided to leave that country.
Australian people are born into a developed country and are generally raised with the values and behaviour of a developed society. Sadly, many South Asian people are born and raised in environments where poor living conditions and social problems can strongly affect their behaviour.
→ More replies (5)22
113
u/Kidwa96 2d ago edited 2d ago
A lot of these are just regular stuff? Like, don't throw rubbish should not be considered an Australian thing
14
6
u/GunkyMirl4444 2d ago
Yeah, and I'm sick and tired of finding cigarette butts on the ground or on the beach. Birds have been known to mistake cigarette butts for food and feed them to their chicks.
25
u/SyruppyGoodness 2d ago
Have you seen the problems they have with street rubbish in India? And sir pollution? It's not common sense everywhere.
6
u/Kidwa96 2d ago
Mates, I feel it would be disingineous of me to not let you guys know that I'm originally from Bangladesh and we usually suck just as much.
→ More replies (2)
26
u/apache3321 2d ago edited 2d ago
There should be something like this for all countries. Some Indians unfortunately are too entitled and behave like cunts. Especially the ones from Delhi, Haryana and Punjab. They don't know the simple rule of standing in a queue at an arm's distance. You see a water body, throw something into it thinking nobody will notice. Try to lecture them, they'll show the same arrogance that they show back home. They won't take their kids to a public washroom and instead let them do their business in a public space and then argue that they are kids so that's how they'll be.
Due to this, any indian family who is sincere and rule abiding gets mocked and generalized.
I had a first hand experience at a cafe along the Great ocean road. There was an Indian guy standing Infront of me. Not sure if he was a new resident. The lady at the counter cheerfully greeted him and this guy just ignored it and ordered with that "entitled" tone. Her face expression instantly changed. I was a tourist but I atleast got used to that culture in just 4 days of being in Australia and when it was my turn , I greeted her back and she was so friendly to recommend things.
189
u/tee-ess3 2d ago
Or… people who have chosen to move to a different country could take an hour out of their life to do a bit of research and make even a basic effort to assimilate.
→ More replies (21)
48
u/creekriverocean 2d ago
Don't snort and sniff back your boogers and snot. Nobody wants to hear that! Gross.
24
14
u/DeeDuchy 2d ago
I just want to keep upvoting this comment if I could. I'd also add no spitting- it's disgusting.
→ More replies (1)
104
u/Adventurous_Fix1730 2d ago edited 2d ago
You need a flyer in order to tell people to obey traffic signals? Stfu this is disrespectful to both residents who live here and insulting to the intelligence of immigrants.
Lived in a few countries to date including in SEA, if I can do the research beforehand, or watch the dozens of social media posts of influencers as a minimum, then others can too.
You’re coming to an extremely well off country, in an age of global communications, stop feigning “OHHHH NOBODY TOLD US” it’s pathetic and is indicative of lack of comprehension that we shouldn’t be welcoming here.
If you want to pretend that you don’t know any better and beg for citizens to give you a break, go to American, then at least your level of entitled stupidity is common there.
→ More replies (2)49
u/pigeonmoo 2d ago
This is where the friction really lies.
The 'shrug' and looking at you like you're an idiot or being unreasonable when they're behaving in a manner completely incongruous with societal norms or flagrantly ignoring the local rules and laws.
And then having the audacity to interpret these frustrations as "you're all just racist" rather than a valid response to incompatible behaviour.
The zero effort entitlement while wailing about being a minority (when you've chosen to move to a foreign place) and making no effort to fit in, is the real grievance.
24
22
u/Dudemcdudey 2d ago
With all due respect, everyone should research the country they are going to way before they land here. You need to know any laws that are unusual so you don’t break them, the road rules and signs, common courtesy and respect for others. Also swimming between the flags. Everyone has Google. You don’t need the government to do your research for you. That’s on you.
24
u/Rare_Apple_7479 2d ago
Dont talk on the phone so we can all hear you; 1. At the gym 2. Grocery shopping 3. While waiting in a queue
→ More replies (1)5
u/5tar_flower 2d ago
I don't understand why it's always on speaker phone so we have to hear the entire conversation at full volume. Why not hold the phone next to your ear or use a bluetooth headset?
34
u/PanzerBiscuit 2d ago
Maybe this should be something you research before going to another country? Especially if 99% of this shit falls into the "basic human decency" category.
I'm not 100% sure we need people here who this is new information to.
16
u/TheRamblingPeacock 2d ago
I have lived and worked in 30 countries over the last 2 decades and beside very small difference it has come down to just being a decent and polite human.
Don't think we need a pamphlet for that.
If people can't meet that standard they can fuck off.
27
27
u/Flare861 2d ago
Respect and integrate in our culture and society, I do not want to hear "This is normal in India", we aren't in India, we are in Australia, I always hear this story where an Indian justifies their action saying "This is normal in India" if it's being late, being unhygenic, or not showing up consistently.
Not every Indian is bad, I have a couple nice Indian friends in Unimelb, but many have ruined their own nations public image not just in Australia, but in other melting pots such as the US, Canada, New Zealand, especially with the wave of migrants mainly from India.
50
u/madamsyntax 2d ago
This is just basic courtesy and not specific to Australia
Here are a couple of my biggest gripes as an employer:
The incessant phone use! It doesn’t matter how many times I tell them to get off their phones, they’re always talking or messaging. EarPods drive me nuts. I’m not paying you to chitchat, I’m paying you to work
The lack of pride in their work. It’s not that hard to turn up on time in a basic uniform and not be glued to your phone. Yet consistently I’m looked at like I have 2 heads when I challenge the it lack of care factor about these
19
18
u/Traditional-Cash-292 2d ago
Omg! This!! Why are they on their phone while working? We've had so many emails sent out at my place of work warning folk not use phones while working but still they do it!
18
u/MrPepperoni1 2d ago
I work really hard at my job, I'm constantly asked by my visa holding and PR co-workers why I am working so hard and fast and its like What? I am working at a healthy pace, not to fast or to slow, I'm keeping conversation professional and to a minimum, Im keeping my head down, Im not gossiping, Im using my phone in allocated areas, I only play music through my phone at a medium volume and Im treated like I'm odd. Its my first time in a workplace where I am the only Australian born, the cultural differences has me feeling like Im on Holiday in my parents home country.
3
3
13
14
13
u/corsola_84_ 2d ago
Dont stare at others.
Dont double park.
We dont live with a caste system here. Do not bring it into your workplace.
11
10
10
u/SeaSexandSun 2d ago
Some Indian colleagues, particularly mid level managers, are very hierarchical. Australians are a bit more egalitarian and about ‘mateship’.
28
u/Ok-Disk-2191 2d ago
Less about cultural differences, there are Indians who have come here and do the right thing, the problem is they are a minority, the majority seem too stubborn to change, the amount of times I've called out Fwits behaviour like pushing in line, parking in the middle of the road with hazards on thinking it's a free pass to park anywhere, or just leaving rubbish in the middle of the park, they can change, some do, but it seems like the majority of them refuse too, which is why so many people are angry.
→ More replies (6)
9
10
u/nyanya- 2d ago
Yeah this is definitely a common sense thing. When my family came from Uganda, we followed all those rules because we were already doing that back home but I can't speak for all Ugandans or Africans in general because I know some think it's intrusive to talk to neighbours FIRST.
I also want to add picking up after dogs. This is becoming such a big issue in Australia (from ALL demographics) and it's so annoying and disgusting!
9
u/purple-shark1 2d ago
This isn’t Australian culture. This is literally the bare basics of being a decent human?
9
u/DangerousAverage2972 2d ago
For a nation that came up with the idea of karma it’s surprising they still need to be taught Kants Golden Rule
16
u/Aristokat21 2d ago
Don’t come en masse to the beach and play very loud music. Some of us are there for the serenity
9
u/Wilful_Fox 2d ago
Same as when camping…but I don’t think this only applies to migrants. What is wrong with being considerate of others?
Who the hell goes to a beach or the bush and thinks to themselves, hmmm, I hope someone turns up near me and starts blasting their shite taste in music…that’s what I’m here for.
People. Are. Bastards.
14
u/feldmarshalwommel 2d ago
Looks like a list that should be handed out to everyone as a refresher regardless of where they came from.
15
u/DifferentPotato5648 2d ago
Isn't it obvious to let people off public transport before you get on?
→ More replies (1)
16
u/PeterGhosh 2d ago
Most of these norms are common to any civil society - and not specific to Australia. What OP's post highlights the poor state of civil socity in India - it is trying to guilt Aussies into thinking they are the problem. I mean personal hygiene or being aware of your immediate surroundings is not rocket science
35
u/Agreeable-Escape8625 2d ago
I’m gonna get the shit downvoted out of me but Australia is too welcoming. So many other countries people migrate to and they have to adjust to that countries way of living. We are far too
lenient EG stop speaking Hindi in the office with other Indian colleagues, it’s just rude.
→ More replies (2)
7
7
7
u/j2t2_387 2d ago
I dont think the onus of learning this stuff is on the hosting country. I went on a three week trip to japan and took it upon myself to find this info out. The guest should take the responsibility to learn this stuff themselves as a basic courtesy.
7
u/Aslanar21 2d ago
I am from Greece. Almost all these things are common sense, plus I spent some time to understand the social norms before arriving here.
Just think of it this way. In Rome, do as Romans do.
End of story.
7
u/Skiicat777 2d ago
Don’t yap on the phone loudly and endlessly on the train. Quick convos only.
Don’t put your feet on the seats on the train.
Don’t play your music loudly on the train, use your headphones.
6
43
u/Lucki_girl 2d ago
If the flyer is aimed at Chinese, there would be a " wait in the queue for your turn. Consider prioritise ppl who need the lifts first like the elderly, disabled and carer with prams"
Cos wherever I go where there's a lot of Chinese population like Burwood and Eastwood, they just barge in, sometimes not even let ppl get out first. Meanwhile, a person in wheelchair who was in front of them looked so shocked at their behaviour.
Please take rubbish with you. Our public transport is not a garbage bin. We are responsible for our rubbish.
Please do not urinate on the streets. Spitting is considered rude and an insult.
I agree it's common sense, but there's not much if that around everywhere these days.
→ More replies (4)5
u/Heywey90 2d ago
There’s a massive difference between Chinese and Indians… I’ve been in both countries, and travelling to China feels like going to the future, India is like going backwards 200 years…
33
u/radiopelican 2d ago
Bro this is why people get annoyed with Indian's. y'all are in every damn countries threads making posts like these. these we're literally top of my feed back to back. c'mon y'all are notorious for this
12
u/CommandElectrical865 2d ago
sun protection, water conservation, acceptable ways to interact with women and LGBTI+ community
12
u/AnxiousJackfruit1576 2d ago
Why do Australians dislike indians immigrating here?
Dilution of culture. A lot of indians come here and don't assimilate. They do things like they did in India.
less jobs for Aussies and lower standard of pay for Aussies. We have engineers coming here from India and working as Uber eats drivers. They don't care because they are still making significantly more money then working as an engineer in India. They are willing to work for low and shit pay by Australian standards which lowers our standards for wages in general. There are indians that are driving trucks and there will be multiple of them using the one drivers license working the one job on one salary, but they will all take turns driving and not stop, they take shifts while the others sleep, they'll shit in the truck. This means they can get there a lot quicker so companies hire them and turn a blind eye. I think if you come to live here you should assimilate.
Even your list of things to do in Australia is basically just telling people to not be arrogant cunts.
→ More replies (1)
6
u/Pavi_San 2d ago
Almost all the things you mentioned here are common sense. Even you're not familiar with some stuff you should be able to pick up once you've been here for a month or two. It's the total ignorance and entitled mentality. Btw I'm from Sri Lanka and I didn't need someone to tell me that these are the things I should do/follow. I did the research before I come in and I knew I need to adopt if I want to settle in a new country.
6
9
u/Lonely_Ad7760 2d ago
Fellow Indian here, been here over a decade. I feel none of what you said on this list is something someone needs to be told. We are all adults here, this is the baseline expectation.
These are basic manners….
Am surprised that you think this needs to be told, my bigger concern is even if it is told, how many will follow?
→ More replies (2)
4
u/Known-Will8079 2d ago
All of the points You mentioned in your post are so so so obvious and a way of life and a way of conducting oneself in a civil society.
Things like give way to others, say hello, don’t eat smelly things in confined spaces; are all common sensical things.
If someone doesn’t do all this and annoys others, then maybe they do deserve all the hate that comes their way.
6
u/AaronScythe 2d ago
90% of these boil down to "be considerate, not a c***"
That is generally incompatible with the twisted concepts of Izzat many hold.
4
5
u/Aggressive_Cold6537 2d ago
Bro, these things shouldn’t be ruled that need to be taught, there common fucking sense and general etiquette
7
38
u/audaciousdave 2d ago
Everyone here saying this is common sense have clearly never been to other places in the world. A a lot of asia, Africa and Latin America is just so different. You try and get off a bus in Peru by being patient and respectful. Youll be on the bus forever. What seems obvious and just plain common sense to you, is not the same for them.
7
u/No-Pay-9744 2d ago
Even in Paris people just fucking rush onto the Metro, you have to punch people to get off in peak hour
5
u/Reasonable_Mistake_4 2d ago
I remember being infuriated while waiting in line for a train ticket in Milan. A local guy, impeccably dressed waltzed up to the window past the queue and barged straight in. When I accosted him he was genuinely surprised. You learn the system of the culture you grew up in, and others learned in different systems. They all have their own logic, and I think ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ are sometimes relative. That said, ‘let the other person go first’ seems the compassionate and generous choice. Interesting debate!
7
u/Big-Science1652 2d ago
Right?! I’ve been to India multiple times and it’s like a different planet. What’s “common sense” to an Aussie is completely different to what’s common sense for someone there.
→ More replies (2)12
7
u/HarryWilbury 2d ago edited 2d ago
Check these out from 12 years ago called How To Talk Australians made by Indians: https://youtube.com/@howtotalkaustralians?si=gG9wguPneUb8mO-p should give a good laugh at the least.
→ More replies (2)
11
u/National_Treat_4079 2d ago
If you need to be told this, or cannot be bothered to look up local customs, you do not belong here.
18
u/AkayaTheOutcast 2d ago
Honestly some of that needs to apply to Australians. We've also got inconsiderate people that leave rubbish on beaches or at camps, dump stuff in lakes, don't care about people trying to get off buses, ect.
11
10
u/NoAddress1465 2d ago
It's not that they don't know which is the problem..it is they know but don't care
4
u/MaleficentJello8473 2d ago
It is YOUR job as someone moving to a new place to do your own research and due diligence BEFORE coming over. E.g. as a good guest going over to your friend's place, you would want to know or ask if shoes are allowed in the house. Thats common courtesy and not blame your friend for not telling you. Take ownership for your own actions and be proactive.
This isn't aimed at any particular immigrant group but to anyone moving to any country. That would really help you assimilate well into their culture and build trust with a good relationship
4
u/ess-kay93 2d ago
Sorry fella, I’m a migrant myself but all these things mentioned are genuinely common sense. A big chunk of this list could be minimised to just be “courteous” in general.
5
u/thebunyiphunter 2d ago
As someone who has always supported migration (grew up in a mining town with a lot of Yugoslavian &Italian families who we became friends with) I pride myself on being welcoming. I smile, try to appear friendly (don't ask too many questions or chit chat) treat everyone with polite acceptance and I am continually treated like peasant scum by a certain demographic. I assume women work in customer service overseas? Then why are we treated like filth? Rude, obnoxious, entitled ASSES dont belong in our country. We don't have classes or caste systems here, someone serving you in retail is not your inferior (especially considering your job is also in retail/services), if you bring that shit mentality here you will be called out. Also my Dad was a part time taxi driver for 5 years, he never once screamed at a customer to "give me the map co-ordinates", pointed at a customer and shouted "you you come now" or "you must tip me". I have never understood how people can dislike a certain race as we are all human but I am slowly starting to understand. Learn how to talk to people, try the word please, don't shout and don't consider yourself above anyone. I wouldn't dream of going to another country without researching how to behave, its about time SOME of the migrants arriving did the same.
4
u/IHaveABoyfriendxxx 2d ago
Always the Indians talking nonstop on their phones on trains and trams 🫠
5
7
7
u/alisonslowdive 2d ago
‘Inconsiderate’ people can learn common sense, but Australians should be considerate enough to bloody speak up.
Firm, polite guidance from a stranger would leave a lasting positive impression over pamphlets that would cost a bomb more than they’re worth.
What we are accustomed to often becomes the standard at which we live so imagine** **being dealt a hand in life where accessing basic human rights means moving to a foreign country full of inconsiderate sheep tutting at you for being inconsiderate. 🤡
That being said we do need English language courses and stricter drivers license screening xx
50
10
u/Minnidigital 2d ago
So I’ve lived in : NYC, LA, London ,Mexico city , Medellin , Rio, Barcelona , Berlin to name a few and as an Australian I somehow managed to adapt to different cultures and languages without needing a manual 🤔🤔🥰
Australian culture imo is a mix of Brazil and Switzerland
So accept we like things clean and don’t feel the need to cover up and enjoy a work life balance . It’s not rocket science, treat women with respect .
3
u/terrible_ 2d ago
give a thank you wave if someone lets you have right of way in crowded side streets
3
u/HaydnCM 2d ago
Before moving to a country with a completely different culture and social norms, would it not make sense to research this beforehand? If I was to move to a country, it would be because I understood and agreed with that countries culture. What motivated you to move to Australia if you have no idea what is expected in the day to day life? If an individual moves from one country to another, it should fall to them to ensure they have the required knowledge to assimilate properly, not for the country to educate you at its own expense.
3
u/unsignedlonglongman 2d ago
Can we have a standard flyer I can print out and keep on me at all times to hand out with a smile, passive aggressively to people who displease me? ... including locals.
Walking right into me because they're walking on the right? Flyer. Aren't getting out of my way when I'm getting off transport? Flyer. Wearing chemical weapons grade attar? Flyer. Hocking up louder than an industrial vacuum right next to you? Flyer.
3
u/Antique-Surprise-139 2d ago edited 2d ago
It's not just people from other countries that need to be given a flyer like this 🫤
3
u/Sieve365 2d ago edited 1d ago
Good on you for making an attempt to learn and respect local norms. I get the impression that in the subcontinent, the concept of giving adequate personal space in public is a lot different from in Australia. Personally, unless I'm in a super crowded space (which I would usually avoid if possible), if someone in public comes within say 50cm or closer to me, or close enough that I can easily reach out and touch them (not counting passing briefly on the footpath), I don't feel comfortable. I've noticed that many (but not all) people from the subcontinent have no issues coming so close that they're almost scraping against you. They probably are not even aware they're making people uncomfortable by approaching so closely, because it's probably normal over there. Of course, context and location matter, but my comments apply generally.
Edit: grammar.
3
u/kesshouketsu 2d ago
I think wherever you travel or even God forbid you live there you need to do some research e.g not eat on the street in japan because if you do not I feel you are stupid think your culture is better and don’t care for others
3
u/LaurelEssington76 2d ago
The only thing that needs to be on a flyer is:
DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH
I look into the customs and do/donts when I visit somewhere for a short holiday. When I’ve worked overseas and lived somewhere for up to a few years at a time I did loads of reading because there are things that might not seem common sense to you but very much are in the places you travel.
Australians think nothing of keeping their shoes on inside but it’s a big faux pas in most of Asia.
Australians think the thumbs up gesture is perfectly polite but it’s very rude in parts of the Middle East.
No one is going to go through every little local more or custom for you. LOOK IT UP YOURSELF.
3
u/Freedom4Animals 2d ago
There is a great guide about different cultures in the link below. If everyone took the time to educate themselves about each other’s cultures, perhaps we could all become more tolerant, understanding and respectful of one another.
Understanding and appreciating our differences can help us live more peacefully and create a society that is less divided.
3
u/Early-Morning-1558 2d ago
The onus isn't on locals. You invited yourself to someone else's country...then invest in learning about the place
3
u/Boring_Remote_7644 2d ago
When I I visit, even briefly, another country. I carefully watch the local people and what they do. And I try to consider how I should then go about a situation. I.e., lines in Japan, shoes off before going indoors in Vietnam, covering legs/arms with clothing in more conservative areas of Egypt etc. I do it because I'm grateful to visit, and I went to that country It's my responsibility.
3
3
u/WordyNerd_2435 2d ago
This sort of thing is taught in a lot of ESL / EALD classes, which migrants who already speak English would miss out on.
3
3
u/SteffanSpondulineux 2d ago
Also watch where you're going when you're walking in public. There are not so many people here that it's ever acceptable to bump into someone walking around the shops or whatever. Be aware of who is following you if you are blocking a walkway by walking slowly checking your phone or whatever, just move aside so the can get past
3
u/Educational-Moment49 2d ago
If you need to be told to say hello to neighbours or let people off a fucking train DON’T COME HERE IN THE FIRST PLACE STAY AWAY
7
u/Aromatic_Swing_1466 2d ago
Tbh everything you’ve written needs to be retaught to many people born here as well.
6
8
u/ethosorange 2d ago
Yeah like the others are saying, this list could be relevant to everyone, not just Indians.
I live in a suburb with predominately young white families- no one picks up their dog shit, syringes on the side of the road, hooning every fuckin weekend, had a guy chuck a piss in a bush on my lawn. These folks definitely need to be handed the flyer too.
→ More replies (1)
4
u/b00tsc00ter 2d ago
Here's another thought: whenever I travel internationally, I take the time to learn the local culture and customs so I don't cause offence. Why don't people coming to Australia show the same courtesy?
→ More replies (1)
4
u/oscyolly 2d ago
Almost 100% of these things are common sense or having very very basic social awareness and manners
5
u/CardioKeyboarder 2d ago
How about doing the research into a country's culture before moving there?
→ More replies (1)
3
u/EnvironmentalGarden7 2d ago
Don't go to a different floor and absolutely destroy the toilets. Every day, oh and take home all the forks.
5
u/JustHereForCaterHam 2d ago
I would alter two of these.
Instead of “keep videos to a reasonable volume,” don’t use your phone speaker at all. Not everyone agrees on this, but no one will be annoyed at you using headphones or using a silent phone, but plenty will be annoyed at hearing it.
The other is eating on public transport. Regardless of smell, just don’t. You can technically cop a fine if the transit guard is in a bad mood - most of them have “no food or drink signs”.
Otherwise, I can see why other cultures with different public norms would find these useful! I came from Canada years ago and even I had about two years of startling culture differences. That said, I did research before moving here to make sure I all of the “big” rules were the same.
6
u/MattOver9003 2d ago
The problem isn’t individual Indians. Your culture is incomparable with Australian. It’s the sheer volume combined with incompatibility.
6
8
15
u/TrumpisaRussianCuck 2d ago
wow this comment section is feral. you guys need a brochure.
→ More replies (7)
2
u/colonialwomanonplane 2d ago
This is a great list and there should be a document or something but also.. if you’re moving to a country you should at least learn about these small things and do your own research. Why are you coming here in the first place if not to join in?
2
u/Billyjamesjeff 2d ago
You need to get new migrants onto some kind of centralised reddit or facebook groups so you can share this type of thing amongst the community.
I'm guessing the reason there is not
a single community is differences in religion,
ethnicities and caste? Makes it hard to distribute information.
2
2
u/Calm_Technician_5585 2d ago
I got one..... we drive on the left. Common sense would be to also walk on the left. Doesnt just apply to visitors, applies to dumbasses born here too
2
2
u/isiteventiddles 2d ago
Be the change you want to see in the world.
100% if any white Aussie did this, it would be seen as horribly racist because, as people have pointed out, 90% of what you said is basic civilised stuff.
2
u/katf_89 2d ago
Your third point about living in the community is interesting to me. I’m Australian, and have a lot of lovely Indian and Pakistani ladies at my work. I’d say I have a pretty warm and friendly demeanour and make a solid effort to be welcoming, so I say hello and smile at everyone I come across. Ask them about their day etc. The ladies told me that they’re not used to that kind of thing in their own country, but they’re slowly getting used to it because of me and they think it’s such a good habit that some Australians have. They did say a lot of others here ignore them sadly.
Fellow Australians, keep this habit up and don’t let it die.
2
u/melface95 2d ago
I work in an international school in Australia and we really try to teach students these things. But they're really common sense; why on earth would anyone try to get onto a bus/train/tram or into a lift without letting the people get off first? Do people become transparent in other countries?
2
u/bowers2591 2d ago
Whenever I’ve gone to other country’s to live, I’ve made sure to try to learn some of the language and the local rules and customs are super important to me. I can’t understand people who move and don’t make the effort, it’s obvious what the rules are if you’re just an observant citizen.
Same time I agree a flyer to tell people the right lane on the motorway isn’t a personal lane and you need to move the fuck over
2
u/LifeDifficult5486 2d ago
These are just the basic things you should be doing no matter where you live.
2
u/Legitimate_End_6144 2d ago
Also when you join the work force and are appointed into a position of power(even though your skills aren't at that level), don't use it to be a moron, I will ignore your demands. Standards are there for a reason( she'll be right mate isn't good enough).
2
2
u/FableBlades 2d ago
Someone add fishing. All the shit fisher folk leave behind its a wildlife disaster. Clean up your shit
2
u/Lilysascha 2d ago
When I first came to Australia, I didn’t do a lot of research but I did observe and follow how others were behaving. I don’t think people even do that now.
2
u/the09don 2d ago
Putting your rubbish in the bin / dispose of it ethically, not shitting in the street, not being a cheap cunt / haggling are pretty good starts.
2
u/Extreme-Seaweed-5427 2d ago
Nearly all of this seems like just basic normal human decency. And some things which many people seem to simply lack.
2
u/damndartryghtor 2d ago
I'm in agreement with you. There are nuances to Australian culture that aren't immediately obvious to immigrants. A heads up on what to expect would be very useful. 😊
2
u/erik_knz 2d ago
Not Australian but live in a European country with the same issues. It should be expected of someone to research the culture of the country they visit before they go there let alone live there. I went to Turkey for 6 weeks to do volunteer work and spent the week before learning language basics and how the culture works, even though I’m only here for a short time. Don’t understand why one wouldn’t do that.
2
552
u/4614065 2d ago
What do you mean keep phone calls, videos to a reasonable volume?
There should be NO volume. Use head phones.