The greatest thing about being an Australian is that the general perspective of us as individual people is friendly, relaxed and a lot of fun and a culture that doesn't take things too seriously. Whether this is a reality or not, that is the perception and our stereotype. This sort of stereotype which is initially projected on us as we play the global citizen whether as a traveller or as someone who actually moves abroad presents us with a unique opportunity to make the difference in the world and at an easier starting point than many others. That is the good news because that is the perception of large parts about of the world about us and regardless of whether this is actually reality, we all know today that perception is reality!
Now the reality is that we as Australians no we are not necessarily those things which others claim us to be. The iconic figures that foreigners around the globe associate with Australia like Steve Irwin, Nicole Kidman, Russel Crowe, Dame Edna and Neighbours don't really represent us as entire nation anymore in both personal traits or cultural background. Why am I mentioning all this? Well think back to the last holiday you planned whether local, interstate or international. I wouldn't mind betting that you did a fair bit if not all of your research and probably bookings online. It may have been booking your place at the caravan park down the coast, booking your flights to get the best deal or comparing hotels. Now this trend is happening the world over and people are becoming more and more aware of the destinations they are going to and also the people prior to arriving. Discussion forums like on Lonely Planet and Intrepid are goldmines for people getting review, feedback and tips on various places around the globe. Then add to that the MySpace, You Tube and Wikipedia phenomenon and you have a world that is more aware than ever before.
Now what does this mean for the friendly, relaxed and fun loving Australian? Well I am not sure the answer to this question. But think back to maybe your last few week's experience in your daily life. How many road rage type incidents did you witness? Was your rides on the train fun or did the people around you generally look tired, in a rush and possibly rude? Do your conversation with family and friends often involve complaints about the long hours and the people at work? Are you tending to see more anti-social type conduct around you in General Public? What type of stories are dominating the media?
Well everything you see, the hundreds of thousands of people, and particularly younger people under 30, who come to visit Australia or live for various periods of time, which may be many years, see too. In the new world these are our tourism ambassadors as their opinions, reviews, pictures and videos dominate the online world and that influence the decision making and perception relating to Australia of millions around the world. The thing to be aware is that unique advantage we have to make a difference in world is disappearing. Australia is no longer a far away fantasy land, we are part of the global community and the stands we take on everything internationally as well as what goes on within our own borders, even at the micro level is becoming known.
So the person sitting next to you on the train to work tomorrow morning may be a foreigner and their opinion of what they see may be shaping your future in ways you can't even comprehend in that moment. I think all of us want to maintain that image in the world of the friendly and relaxed global citizen who dares to dream but wont destroy those around them to achieve. Remember perception is reality, so ask yourselves are the eyes peering in on Australian life now perceiving a reality that you are proud of and want the world to know about.