…I must admit I don’t know much about them. But in another forum I responded thus to the quoted other poster:

Quoted Other Poster: >>One of my pet peeves is the rise of “Aussie” as a supposed ethnic identification, usually shorthand (in those contexts) for “Australian of Anglo-Irish or other White European background, as opposed to…”<<

Bubblecar:

Can’t help thinking you’re somewhat behind the times. The definitive white ethnic Aussie is more a Bazza Mackenzie/Crocodile Dundee critter, already seen affectionately as a caricature from the past, not to be loathed, but not to be taken seriously, either :-)

I think there’s been a more solid and respectable Aussie stereotype brewing for some time now, representing adventurous, broad-minded and amiable citizens of the world, who are accepting of differences but nonetheless insistent on their own liberal secular values, which ensure that such tolerance is the rule rather than an exceptional virtue.

But maybe I’m dreaming :-)<<

Am I on the money, or talking out of my bottom?

Depends on which country you ask- apparently Indians think Aussies are drunk, dumb and racist.

I don’t understand this hostility towards Indians, which is presumably really there in some quarters, to account for the Indian impressions.

The few Indians I’ve met have been either charming or entirely inoffensive.

Bubble Car said:

I don’t understand this hostility towards Indians, which is presumably really there in some quarters, to account for the Indian impressions.

The few Indians I’ve met have been either charming or entirely inoffensive.

probably dont own a phone then do you.

>probably dont own a phone then do you.

I do but have always had an unlisted number.

Bubble Car said:

I don’t understand this hostility towards Indians, which is presumably really there in some quarters, to account for the Indian impressions.

The few Indians I’ve met have been either charming or entirely inoffensive.

I am suss on the Indians impressions when many of the reported cases this year turned out to be Indian on Indian violence. It is also a bit of gall to whinge about any problems here when they have the untouchables and caste system back home.

Bubble Car said:

>probably dont own a phone then do you.

I do but have always had an unlisted number.

well there you go… a major part of my job is dealing with a large indian contingent and they’re quite painful to deal with professionally… very much ass-covering, by the book, complete lack of initiative, or the ability to take responsibility… that sums up my experiences.

>well there you go… a major part of my job is dealing with a large indian contingent and they’re quite painful to deal with professionally… very much ass-covering, by the book, complete lack of initiative, or the ability to take responsibility… that sums up my experiences.<

Fair enough, but this is presumably a cultural thing that the more perceptive Indians must be aware of, and just as frustrated by as you are.

Bubble Car said:

>well there you go… a major part of my job is dealing with a large indian contingent and they’re quite painful to deal with professionally… very much ass-covering, by the book, complete lack of initiative, or the ability to take responsibility… that sums up my experiences.<

Fair enough, but this is presumably a cultural thing that the more perceptive Indians must be aware of, and just as frustrated by as you are.

yes i have no doubt it’s a cultural thing …

A few years ago, when I was in the pointy haired management role, I had a shedload of Indian engineers and tech staff. I’d never put up with as much back stabbing, one up man-ship and outright lying. I got on with them all on an individual basis but on the business side of things it was hell.

On Bubble’s Archetypal Aussie, I must say that I generally agree.

yes

Dropbear said:

well there you go… a major part of my job is dealing with a large indian contingent and they’re quite painful to deal with professionally… very much ass-covering, by the book, complete lack of initiative, or the ability to take responsibility… that sums up my experiences.

Yeah, this has been my experience too.

As to the question in the OP – the “real Aussie must be of white European background” minsdset still exists in some quarters, but the broad-minded and liberal thinking exists too. I’m not sure which is the majority.

Divine Angel said:

Depends on which country you ask- apparently Indians think Aussies are drunk, dumb and racist.

ever heard of the caste system?

alive and well