Who Makes the Rules? 8 Aussie Taboos You Can’t Ignore
Author – Pooja Kumari
Imagine listening to an intangible buzzer blaring ‘beep, beep, beep’ inside your head. Yeah, you can feel it, a gut-churning and heart racing moment, when your friend is about to say or do something that could land you both in serious trouble.
Cultural Taboos are an important aspect of every society and community, and you shouldn’t be just barging in without knowing them.
So, if you’re an Aussie or planning your next trip to Australia or just temporarily moving for education, work or to attend personal business, you must know these no-nos to save yourself and others from some serious scenes.
G’day to No Way: Taboos That’ll Get You Side-Eye
To make things more interesting. Let’s listen to each of them from different perspectives.
Fasten your seatbelt my dear sheilas and blokes, it will be a wondrous ride.
1. Tip for a Job Well Done – ‘Give a Fair Go, Get a Fair Go!’
Hey, it’s me a tip– tiny, folded and sometimes ignored. But mate, I’m the one that makes it all worth it.
Had a ripper time? You owe me, dude.
Yeah, I’m not joking around, I’m the reward for that waitress who hustled while you sat there doom scrolling.
The silent thank you, that says– I see you, man.
My cousins in the United States have their own rules—they won’t even make an appearance unless they’re 20% of the boss’ bill. Pretty picky, huh?
Remember, if you don’t give me up, you’re the kind of person who can’t even be bothered to show a little appreciation.
Next time, don’t forget—10 to 15%, that’s all. Not like it’s a big deal or anything. You’re a real legend, mate, c’mon.
2. Touch a Koala – ‘Like a Bull in a China Shop’
Hey, hey, hey, stop, don’t touch me. I’m way too precious!
What do you think of me? Am I your soft, cute, irresistible stuffed animal? Your next adorable target?
Do you even know how it feels when these overenthusiastic humans keep flashing cameras at you?
Let’s get straight to the point: I am a wild animal, period. Have you ever seen me petting you guys, no, right? Then stay away. Do not try to invade our personal space by touching our fur and going all gaga staring at us.
Note: Remember I hate your “awww.. Look at that cute koalaaa…”, never do that again!
3. Respect Uluru – ‘Don’t Bite the Hand That Guides You!’
Mind you– I’m a cultural treasure! No pathetic jokes around me.
Being cradled in the red desert of Australia for centuries, I’m Uluru, and some call me Ayers Rocks.
I’m ancient and have seen more than any human can imagine. I’m not meant to be climbed, the Anangu people are the traditional custodians of this land, their ancestors and spirits live in me.
I’m not just a rock for your thrill, I’m history, the whispers of the past and the voices of the earth. I understand your curiosity, but keep your human instinct to you.
I am Uluru. I’ve always been there, and I’ll always be.
4. Joking About Aborigines? ‘Don’t Dig a Hole You Can’t Climb Out Of!’
Okay, guess my name, I’m that fleeting moment of laughter that comes and goes.
Yes, you’re right, I’m a joke. Literally a Joke! Just a few strings of words, spreading smiles all over, sometimes punchlines and chuckles.
I’m born out of a desire to turn somebody’s bad day into fun or just to make the setting more lively and flavourful.
But– I do have a limitation. And it is called– bad timing.
Yes, you heard it right. When in Australia, you shouldn’t be using me for the indigenous people.
If you don’t understand the culture, better keep your mouth shut. It’s not the very polite thing you’ll be doing in their land.
Note: I’m not made for every situation, idiots. Use me wisely!
5. Don’t Brag – ‘Pride Comes Before the Fall!’
I love being the hero of every tale. Yes, I’m Boasting, and I love to drop casually.
But– I do not understand why these Aussies don’t like me.
I’ve been invited into pubs for drinks, but whenever I appear, there’s a sudden disgust on everybody’s face.
Brother, you just knew I was going to be the one to spice things up, whether it’s a footy talk or some lovely dramas airing on TV.
I’ve got the right stories, that would make the bloke sitting next to me look like he’s a newbie, struggling hard on his first job. Most of them are nodding in admiration but I know deep inside they are laughing at the absurdity of my existence.
It’s not about self-promotion, I was just trying to set the bar, trying to live the Australian dream to its fullest. But I think this is not the right place!
Alas! These Aussies do not understand your value, Boast, let’s go to some other country.
6. Don’t Reach for the Sky – ‘Tall Poppies Get the Axe’
Just like in this article, I always come after boasting.
Confused, who am I? I am an unwelcome presence in people’s lives, crawling up when someone tries to do extraordinary things and rise above the typical standards. Let me warn you, I’m deeply ingrained in Aussie culture and it really hurts when people call me a syndrome.
Yes, I’m ‘The Tall Poppy Syndrome!’
Egalitarianism, an idea that people wear like a badge of honour, dictates that everyone should be the same. Huh, what?
Listen, my Aussie mates are not cruel. Flaunt your success, but don’t overdo it, or else I have to step in as your big brother.
Note: Call me toxic, or whatever, but I simply enforce conformity, making certain that everyone stays in line. After all, someone has to keep the balance.
7. No Smoking in Public – The World’s Not Your Ashtray!
G’day mate, I’m Smoke. My boss loves me and keeps me inside in his precious lungs.
See, I’m more mature than my boss. I love to float in the open air but not in public places.
It is Obvious, isn’t it?
Should they lay eyes upon us together, I will be exiled, forsaken and banished forever.
So, save yourself from embarrassment and hefty fines, and take me where I should be before you get me the tag of “The Forbidden Item”.
Note: In layman’s terms, please don’t consume me in public spaces.
8. Politics? ‘Best Left Unsaid!’
I come with the tagline of being ‘complicated’. Do not play around me or else there might be chances that you get hurt or hurt someone else.
You better keep me in private rather than on the dinner tables, as why would anyone want to know which political leader you support?
Listen, I’m Politics, always debated with passion and purpose but now considered as a big taboo. People fear me as I tend to bring conflict. It’s not my fault, it just happens.
While being silent, I linger, shaping the lives of individuals through laws, rules, policies and decisions that people cannot escape.
Stupid them! They don’t know, I’m quietly influencing their world and still hold sway over their future. Better to avoid me if you’re planning to visit or shift to Australia.
Multidimensional Approach
If you’ve stuck till here– voila! I’ve kept you entertained.
Every existence has a reason. Likewise, there are multiple factors, as to why something exists. I’ll take one of the taboos, boasting, to help you understand and then explore it from different angles to learn about its effect.
Historical Perspective
The historical roots of Australia lie in its colonial past, where the early settlers had to struggle hard enough for survival. There was no fear or judgment.
Here comes the concept of Aussie battler, the resilient and hard-working ordinary people who thrive despite all the struggles, this in some way fosters humility where their main focus doesn’t lie on themselves.
Have you heard of Elizabeth Kenny? She was the first, self-trained bush nurse to cure hundreds of children across Australia suffering from polio during the 20th-century epidemic. Despite the establishment dismissing her theories, she proved that her work is worth it to get her the title of America’s Most Admired Woman in 1952.
Rather than an individual’s shining moment, Australians believe in the shared struggle that comes down from their deep-rooted history of teamwork and collective effort.
So, next time, you think about boasting yourself for your achievements, many must be celebrated before you.
Societal Perspective
Australia’s fair-go mentality remains a core principle of Australian society. Yeah, achievements could be celebrated but displaying signs of self-promotion time and again is frustrating.
When we look at boasting from the societal perspective, it becomes crystal clear why it is taboo.
We can take the “sandpaper scandal” of 2018 where great outrage was seen from the public. The public persona of Steve Smith and David Warner being humble and hardworking crashed down due to their actions of cheating and betrayal.
The value of humility was shaken and brought scrutiny upon their return. This incident underscores the expected behaviour of public figures to maintain humility and contribute to collective efforts rather than seeking personal glory.
Futuristic Perspective
We find a complex relationship between Australia’s historical aversions to boasting and the rise of this individualistic culture driven by social media in the present times.
Here comes the main question–how is boasting impacting the future?
So, according to various studies, in the upcoming years, the growing influence of personal branding in the digital age could push Australians to adapt their understanding of humility.
That’s good news.
Yet, even in an age dominated by influencers and digital self-promotion, the “tall poppy syndrome” will remain a powerful cultural force.
As Australia continues to grapple with the influence of global celebrity culture, the country may forge a unique path that balances self-promotion with the traditional value of communal modesty.
All said and done
Finally, let’s wrap it up. Whether it is boasting or paying respect to Uluru, Australians have their own rules and regulations and you need to obey them.
Every taboo has its own effect and is generated from untraceable histories that can be viewed from multiple angles.
These cultural traits are evident in the nation’s historical figures, societal values, media coverages and psychological studies and would have a major impact on the future as well.
I am a creative writer, holding a postgraduate degree in English Literature and Language. My sentimentality while crafting beautiful narratives is reflected in my works and speaks of all the academic excellence I’ve achieved.
With years of hard work and patience, I’ve cultivated a sophisticated writing style that intricately weaves together eloquence and intellectual depth. I ensure that each piece of content I pour out leads my readers to explore the art of capturing the complexities of emotions, identity and introspection.
Driven by a desire to explore the nuances of human existence, my literary voice sparks maturity and insight. I always try to find the right balance between evocation and elegance which must leave a lasting mark on my readers.
