What do Australians think of India/Indians?
Here are some random things which comes to mind immediately:Proficiency in English: I was told that there are upwards of 20 different languages in India. These are the major ones. Actually the real number is 2000 or so including dialects. Naturally I did not expect Indians to add one more and speak English. But I found that it is really shocking that many of you speak English at least in cities and most of you speak broken English even in rural areas. Hard to believe for a countryman who knows only one language.Colorful country: India is always known as colorful. But it is not at all exagerrated as this colorful country can put the best countries look like a "boring country". Right from dressing to color of Indian food to every damn thing. India is so "not boring".Too much Diversity: I think there will be much more in common in Spain & USA than what is common between Punjab & West Bengal. We are talking about so much differences that it becomes hard to believe that they are part of the same nation.Zero respect for Rules (if any): I find it hard to believe that this functioning democracy is a place where Traffic rules simply does not seem to exist. It is very hard to believe this truth. I shudder to think whether criminal laws are followed either.Dirt everywhere: It is hard to believe that a country can be this dirty. I mean I don't think further explanation is even needed. Indian-Americans comes as a highly civilized lot and it is therefore shocking to see the dirt in their homeland.Innovation mindset: I expect more from India than China due to its openness being a democracy which will foster meaningful innovation & enterpreneurship. I am expecting some exciting corporations from India. When I see questions by Indians in Quora like "How difficult is it to programme a search engine like Google" I am convinced that one of those kids thinking on these lines might go on to beat them. When I see frequent mention of "Quick Suggestions option in Indian online store neotonn which suggests shirts to men on entering Skin Color, Body Shape & Height"; I can't help but smile knowingly at this Silicon valley mentality of getting the word across and promoting your stuff to every Tom, Dick & Harry. I am sure Silicon valley will be a thing of the past and Banglore valley might be the new term.
What do Turkish people think of Australians?
I don't think there's a general consensus or any kind of generalization in Turkey regarding Australians. Main reason, which is already pointed out, being proximity-wise. The only time of the year Turkish people get to meet and know Australians is during the ANZAC day in Gallipoli and around. This is a really well-respected event and Turks and Australians often commemorate it jointly. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/co... So basically, unless they happen to know some Australians in person, the only thing Turkish people could base their views of the "people down under" is these events which brings almost only positive feelings. Personally, I'm not a person who likes/dislikes people based on their nationalities but I do like Australians. They seem to be laid-back people with common sense and respect but of course this doesn't go beyond being a just slight impression I have so far. Oh and, I like the accent. Anyways, I think you should approach this guy as you would approach and proceed with any other. Don't assume things, that is a common error among people when dealing with others from different cultures. If you like him, just get to know him better and eventually his family. His family could be somewhat religious, traditionalist old school folks that are not so open towards foreigners. But the chances are they could be modern as hell, which is very common actually nowadays in especially western Turkey, and open to just about anything and they could just adore you. Also, suppose that you develop some real feelings towards this guy and he's all good but his family turns out to be total douchebags, would that stop you from being with him? In my opinion it shouldn't. Cheers and good luck mate!
Are Australians friendly?
Just remember anti-American and anti-AmericanS are actually 2 different things. Until recently we've loved AmericanS and hated AmericaN governmental policy. Unless you were one of the numbnuts sitting in the White House, or you're a redneck idiot, you won't have a problem here! Yes there are lots of Polynesians here, especially in Sydney. I lived in the Eastern suburbs which has a huge Polynesian population. No racism. Most have landed here via New Zealand.. and we consider Kiwis to be like our cousins. Apart from arguments about who's got the best football team we get along just fine.
What’s something you don’t understand about the Australian high school system?
One thing I don’t understand is how it is that, in public schools, religious interests have been allowed to force all pupils to either attend a ‘scripture’ class, or if they opt out, then they are not allowed to be educated for the equivalent time.Opt in or out, neither class is learning anything, and that’s what the school is for. If parents want their kids to learn scripture, send them to Sunday schools (or any of the faith-based non public schools) - don’t force your idiotic beliefs on public schools, to the detriment of all children’s education. It’s nuts.I do think though, that this practice might not last much longer. With so many different faiths and cultures and huge rise in atheism or at least non-affiliated belief, then why should these inevitably Christian interest groups be granted this special favour? It’s time to just get religion out of public schools.
What's one thing that Indonesia does right which Australia doesn't?
Indonesia penalises drug dealers / smugglers more appropriately (although I don’t agree with the death penalty) than Australia. Sentences for drug dealing and smuggling in Australia are far too lenient and parole is granted far too early in sentences. Australian courts are too willing to listen to extenuating or mitigating circumstances arguments, whereas Indonesian courts see the crime for what it is and see through the BS excuses defendants offer. You either dealt / smuggled drugs or you didn’t: it was your choice to do so.While long prison sentences might not necessarily deter people from dealing / smuggling drugs (given that people still do it), it keeps dealers and smugglers off the streets for longer and therefore protects society for longer.