July 1966 School Magazine

July, 1966

July, 1966

Brisba·ne Girls' Grammar School Magazine

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

is life and the rest a shadow. It is a national institution. To many, it is considered a sign of degeneracy not to be interested in it . To play sport, or watch others play, and to read and talk about it is to uphold the nation and build its character. I have discovered in Australia the element of delighting in life for its vigour and activity . There is in the Australian people some of the craving for quietness and slow reflection and the desire for simple pleasure is very strong in the country. An important part of the Australian character is "rubbishing" . An Australian makes fun of himself. He does not like to be serious too much, because in his moments of serious thoughts he sees a great deal of ugliness in the world. Australians appear to be very practical people . If a change is necessary, they make it and accept it . Despite a lack of originality or imagination, Australians are always willing to "give it a go". They are doers, not talkers. It is my opinion that the Australian way of life is one of simplicity, activity, and fair goes. It has it faults, as does any society. Yet, it is a wonderful way of life to observe because the outward democracy is so successful and the Australian people seem to be so alive ! - PEGGY KRATKA, VIA, Gibson House.

THE WAY JI SEE AUSTRALIANS I have been in Australia as an exchange student for approx- imately six months. During this time I have seen Australians at work and at play, and have observed their way of life. Naturally, coming from the United States, I tend to compare Australia with my own country; hence, I do not, by any means, maintain that my impressions are entirely accurate or unbiased. After only six months one cannot even hope to know a country and the way of life of its people extremely well, but I do wish to record my observations. Their validity I leave for you, the Australian people, to determine. In my eyes, Australia is an extraordinary stable society. This leads to a general feeling of self-satisfaction. Australians know what they want, so they go out and get it; they are then satisfied with and proud of themselves when they have achieved their goal. The desire of most Australians are relatively few and simple : a home of their own, a garden, a steady job, time for leisure and something better for their children than they had. The home is very important to the people of Australia, and they try to keep their family together as long as possible . There is a whole set of Australian characteristics summed up in the phrase "fair go, mate". To Australians, "fair goes" in life are not only for oneself, but for the underdog. Several times I have seen people switch sides and barrack for the losing team, just becaus!=! they are losing. In the same manner , the highly successful ·man is not hero-worshipped by the people. Aus- tralians only wish everyone to live equally happy and prosperous lives. Most would rather observe conventional manners than be non-conformists. They have no desire to be real individualists which is the ambition frequently associated with Americans. Australian society has a great degree of public tolerance . People do not care what goes on unless it directly confronts or interferes with them. I feel that the concept of the essential humanity of all men exerts a powerful influence on the people of Australia. Where it flowers quite splendidly is in the openness of manner of Australians, and their informality and friendliness. I find that Australian women are very affectionate, and there is a great doctrine of fraternity among Australian men. The men of Australia really enjoy each other's company and conversation, and a man would gladly do anything for his "mate" . Most Australians seem to enjoy a leisurely life chiefly be- cause they are unworried by status. Sport to many Australians

...:._ .. ,

BARNEY

-J . BAYNES, II IA, Gibson House .

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