Do many Americans know much about Australia or Australians?

Question

Aside from the kangaroos, koala bears and Steve Irwin, i wonder how many Americans know the name of our Prime Minister, our system of government etc etc.

How many know how much about all things Australian?

Example: How our history has seen our two countries join and act together in a common purpose or endeavor.

Answer 1

I can't speak for Americans collectively, naturally. I fought with the Aussies in Vietnam - good men. I have been to Australia several times - great place! I was disappointed with your gun law changes a few years ago. I have a cursory familiarity with the government - enough to realize you're having internal dissension - the same as the US, but not so pronounced at this time. I do not like that the US and AU are not working more closely together on global matters.

Answer 2

Well, I know that Uluru recently got its Aboriginal name back, that the Union Jack (British) is still on the flag, that New South Wales was originally where the British convicts got sent, and that some of their decendents are now the blue-bloods of society. I think that you're system of gevernment is Parliment, but no, I don't know who your Prime Minister is, or how long that office is held, nor what political parties Austrailian Parliment has. I know that Paul Hester killed himself last spring much to my sadness. I know that Australians fought with Americans in WWII. I think some even went to Viet Nam. And Americans are famously ignorant of all thing outside of themselves, but I tried. You're right, most Americans do not know much, even the ones like me who liked Midnight Oil and Crowded House (yes I know they were partially from NZ) and paid a little more attention because of the music that came out of your country. I am college educated and 33 yers old, for statistical reasons, and I hope very much to visit your Country some day. Trying to plan a trip for Feb '08.

Answer 3

Great question...My french friend met up with this American chic once and she was surprised that french do not speak English. She apparently had never heard of the French language. Another e.g. this same friend met some Americans just on the border of Canada and the US and the Americans didnt know where Canada was. ??? So that would pretty much answer your question...I bet they dont know Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga exist. Its funny how we here in the Islands have to learn about the world and its Prime Ministers and Systems of Government etc, and the US doesnt even know that we exist out here.

Answer 4

Americans are hesitant to study their own history and government. Most of them don't know a lot about other contries. I'm not proud to say that I can't even name the current PM of Canada or President of Mexico.
Where have we joined together in a common endeavor? I remeber there were Aussies in Viet Nam but what since?

Answer 5

Well - I know all about the racism, drug problems, gang violence, under educated white people, corrupt police, war-mongering political leaders, embarrassing sense of national pride whilst having a distinct lack of knowledge about the outside world, poor sense of humor and inability to laugh at themselves, pathetic public health system, arrogant sense of superiority, poor history regarding the treatment of black people, etc, etc.

But hey, that's America for you!

On the other hand, Australia is the land of milk and honey where every man is muscular and suntanned and all the women look like Elle McPherson. The sun always shines and the banks give out free money every Friday!!

Answer 6

I'm no expert but I've read articles that have to do with discrimination against aborigines and I am aware of marine research and threats/conditions to the reef. Admittedly, I don't know much about the government, employment levels, quality of life, etc.

Answer 7

i know that 'white' australia was built by criminals, that your president is a rascist but has been on for ages, that you decided to still life under the crown of the british queen and that it takes 3 days to cross your country tru the nulabour plain - but i am not american :o)

btw: i love the place....happy summe to you all while we are freezing our bums off here

Answer 8

If I go by the interaction on the internet I would say thay are a bunch of "wankers mate"

Answer 9

I went to a sped school all they taught me was the American civil war over and over again, But in response to your question no, Because me and my fellow Americans are to consumed with our selves. and I don't like being that way but it is contagious.

Answer 10

not likely, ask the average american where australia is theyr likely to tell you some where in canada no joke,