Cross-Cultural Conversations

Observations by a Malaysian studying in Australia

The typical Malaysian and the un-Australian

There is a term widely used here in Australia, particularly by politicians, to describe actions which are considered socially ungracious. It's called, rather conveniently, "un-Australian". Dobbing (telling) on your mate? That's a bit un-Australian. Not giving someone a fair chance? That's a bit un-Australian too. Being a dickhead? Now that's very un-Australian.

In Malaysia, bad behaviour is not at all considered un-Malaysian. On the contrary, they've been widely accepted as an established part of society and are consistently referred to as, wait for this, very "Malaysian". Our response to someone spitting in public? - "(After a tired sigh) Typical Malaysians...". Inconsiderate drivers rudely shifting lanes without showing their signals? - "That is so Malaysian!". Someone just being painfully narrow-minded? Who else could it be if not, yes, "Malaysians"?

Between the potentially self-righteous position of the Aussies and the very self-critical mentality of the Malaysians, I couldn't decide which of the two is the better choice.

posted by: Tembaga2 at 03:13 | link | comments (1) |

Comments:

#1  21 March 2004 - 03:23

 

I found this really interesting. I'm in Australia right now, and I have noticed that; It got me thinking about which position we (Brazilians) have about ourselves. It's rather the self-criticism one, too. :P See ya!

cocrete

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