What The US Can Learn From Australia About Community Living

The nuances of community spirit

I am often asked about the differences between the US and Australia as I have lived in both countries. There are plenty of them. I for one thought of them to be similar because they are both western developed nations, with a mix of people from all around the world. This was the only lens I saw them through. Only after living in both of them have I come to appreciate what Australia offers as the southern hemisphere buddy of the US in community harmony that the US can definitely take more serious note of. I have noted some of those that made a personal impact on me and even those that have lived in both countries.

Guns

I am going to get right into it. It is no longer breaking news to hear one more case of gun shooting in the US. Largely justified under the context of self-defence or the case of a mad man, a highly paranoid attitude has caused much violence within the country that breaks your heart every time you hear something like that. Australia changed the law after having learned their lesson in the 1996 massacre and proved that it is possible to have a safe society without a common man having to carry such a dangerous weapon on his person or misuse it. Enough was enough. The problems of these two countries may not be the same, definitely guns are not a part of the solution. If it is difficult for America to imagine life without these gun issues, they can look at Australia and see its quite possible. Australia demonstrates it very well.

It is an altogether different feeling to walk on the streets carefree. It’s a freedom that’s hard to describe. Being able to go to schools or concerts without worrying what someone might be up to or how the day will turn out to be is such an important aspect of true freedom. Innocent people coming in the line of fire leaves a trail of sorrow that's hard to overcome. Sure there is crime everywhere in the world, but this is a massive problem whose solution seems nowhere in sight.

The medicare system

I was shocked for many days when I received a bill of about $750 for routine blood tests when I was in the US. How, I mean how? How does this number even add up, despite paying so much from the monthly salary towards insurance and co-pay and what not? In Australia, it was done for free. Under bulk billing, I have hardly ever paid at the doctor’s clinic. Despite being one of the richest countries in the world, not just Australia but other developed countries also have good medical infrastructure at affordable prices.

It’s so ironic that healthcare in the US is almost a sick care business. With the food being altered so much, chemtrails in the sky, and overall lack of proper farming practices those getting sick in the US are on the rise. That coupled with the expensive medical service has made it extremely difficult for the average American to feel taken care of. Healthcare in Australia fares better on so many fronts and isn't a burden over and above the pain and suffering of the patients.

The food corporations

Every nook and corner in the US has McD’s, Starbucks, Burger King, Subway, etc. The food corporations have a hold on the industry in a way that dominates the eating out options for Americans. Food that has high preservatives, or packaged in large quantities with copious amounts of salt and sugar are needless to say directly connected to the increasing sickness in the country. Sometimes those are the only options you can find.

Australian cities value small and local businesses. It doesn't mean they aren't found in the US, but food corporations are very few here. Every city or town has its own unique flavor of food mixed with the local and seasonal produce. They are also the ones hit hard by the pandemic. With a mix of people from all around the world, one can find almost all cuisines in these restaurants. Food is a big part of the culture. On any city street you might find Lebanese, then French, then Italian, Indian or Korean food back to back. Localities prefer a cosy cafe over Starbucks.

The car lobby

Both the US and Australia are big countries area wise. Travelling from one part of the country to another is largely done by flights and in many cases road trips. However mass transport systems in Australia have helped manage the traffic and time spent travelling at an affordable cost. Largely an outcome of the British rule, cities such as Melbourne continue to have trams as well. It is very easy to move within the city and the outer suburbs by the metro. There is hardly a need to own a personal vehicle as the city takes care of most of the needs.

The oil industry and the automobile industry in the US go hand in hand. There are hardly any cities except big ones such as Chicago or New York that have such mass transport systems. It is more practical to own a car that continues to consume ridiculous quantities of gas over a lifetime given how vast the expanse of cities and towns can be. There is very little encouragement for public transport and that puts a strain on oil consumption. And war.

What's really possible?

These four top my list of major differences between Australia and the US, where Australia demonstrates a spirit of community living that promotes harmony for all. While each country has its own constraints, in my experience, life here is more balanced from an overall perspective. Community-oriented living is found in the US as well. The system, however, is not designed in a way that necessarily promotes or sustains it. The great American dream is facing an existential crisis today and Australia is definitely a good example of how public policies can be created to create a more harmonious society.

In another conversation, I have made a reverse comparison — ‘What Australia Can Learn From The US On Customer Service’ is the title of my article.