I dont think it is fair to say their is no culture here. We arent a definite or definable group, but we are distinct in many aspects. In any case, it would definately be worth mentioning the diversity and multiculturalism that, especially in the 90s, we prided ourselves on. lol. There has long been this idea of Australia being a laid back kind of place with a "fair go" attitude - giving everyone a chance... whether this is an accurate reflection or not is questionable, but this is the belief in some areas at least. I think to find out more about this it may be helpful to read on the government website: www.australia.gov.au
maybe this page in particular which links to particular topics: http://www.australia.gov.au/39
Naturally, while still being a part of the Commonwealth, we do have a particular sense of affinity with England. Many of the foundations for our society came from there of course - the legal system being one example. But to say that we arent a real country or arent a real culture because we have links to England is misleading and I believe, erroneous.
Australia is an active kind of country. Sport is firmly imbedded in our culture. Whether cricket, swimming, tennis, whatever - there is a good deal of national pride when it comes to supporting our athletes. A good example might perhaps be the Sydney Olympics in 2000 - the whole country basically froze for two weeks. I think if ever there was a sense of being an Australian - it was at its strongest then.
The indigenous culture, despite the failure to fully acknowledge the injustices they incurred by way of Reconciliation, are still a rich and important part of the broader Australian identity - their artwork, weapons and instruments (dot painting, boomerangs, didgeridoos etc) are all iconic features of this country. It's easy enough to google this topic. http://www.aboriginalaustralia.com.au/ thats one example.
One other thing that may be worth mentioning is the diversity of the land as well. Being such a large country, the land varies greatly - from mountains to plains, deserts to rainforests. We also have very unique plants and wildlife, which as you would probably know, in some cases are not found anywhere else. So in that sense we really stand out. One great thing about this country is the land seems never ending... it's spacious and vast.
One of the challenges that Australia faces is how to rectify its identity as we move forward. Technically we are a part of the Asia-Pacific region. Yet we arent really an Asian country. We depend on the United States to retain our regional place, but at the same time we actively seek to engage with Asian nations bilaterally - in the interests of trade and economic growth mostly as well as cultural sharing. This sometimes causes backlashes in the population... fear of an Asian invasion or some bullshit.
As you will have noticed with some of the responses, we dont necessarily define ourselves in any strict sense. We take and absorb a lot of influences from abroad, sometimes without even noticing it. Perhaps we are a little slack about some things, we arent spoon fed propaganda though, and for the most part I think people are able to develop their own sense of what it is to be an Australian. Of course there are cliches about vegemite, kangaroos and backyard barbeques but in the end there is not and nor do I believe there should be any one way to be an Australian - there is room enough for all.
maybe that helps a bit.
maybe this page in particular which links to particular topics: http://www.australia.gov.au/39
Naturally, while still being a part of the Commonwealth, we do have a particular sense of affinity with England. Many of the foundations for our society came from there of course - the legal system being one example. But to say that we arent a real country or arent a real culture because we have links to England is misleading and I believe, erroneous.
Australia is an active kind of country. Sport is firmly imbedded in our culture. Whether cricket, swimming, tennis, whatever - there is a good deal of national pride when it comes to supporting our athletes. A good example might perhaps be the Sydney Olympics in 2000 - the whole country basically froze for two weeks. I think if ever there was a sense of being an Australian - it was at its strongest then.
The indigenous culture, despite the failure to fully acknowledge the injustices they incurred by way of Reconciliation, are still a rich and important part of the broader Australian identity - their artwork, weapons and instruments (dot painting, boomerangs, didgeridoos etc) are all iconic features of this country. It's easy enough to google this topic. http://www.aboriginalaustralia.com.au/ thats one example.
One other thing that may be worth mentioning is the diversity of the land as well. Being such a large country, the land varies greatly - from mountains to plains, deserts to rainforests. We also have very unique plants and wildlife, which as you would probably know, in some cases are not found anywhere else. So in that sense we really stand out. One great thing about this country is the land seems never ending... it's spacious and vast.
One of the challenges that Australia faces is how to rectify its identity as we move forward. Technically we are a part of the Asia-Pacific region. Yet we arent really an Asian country. We depend on the United States to retain our regional place, but at the same time we actively seek to engage with Asian nations bilaterally - in the interests of trade and economic growth mostly as well as cultural sharing. This sometimes causes backlashes in the population... fear of an Asian invasion or some bullshit.
As you will have noticed with some of the responses, we dont necessarily define ourselves in any strict sense. We take and absorb a lot of influences from abroad, sometimes without even noticing it. Perhaps we are a little slack about some things, we arent spoon fed propaganda though, and for the most part I think people are able to develop their own sense of what it is to be an Australian. Of course there are cliches about vegemite, kangaroos and backyard barbeques but in the end there is not and nor do I believe there should be any one way to be an Australian - there is room enough for all.
maybe that helps a bit.
You're right, your post is off topic and not to mention unnecessary so go away and let the rest of us help Missy. lol. 
