>> In my experience, and generalizing wildly, Australians love taking the piss
>> out of themselves, in that disarming kind of way, but are horrified if
>> anyone else pokes fun at them. It's the sort of self-deprecating humour that
>> isn't self-deprecating at all, but the Aussies think it is, and it makes
>> them think they are all the more immune to criticism.
>
> As someone has already mentioned, being made fun of is not exactly the same as
> criticism. Its just an enjoyable way of bringing your mates up to speed on
> their weaknesses and inconsistencies. But I must admit that I would also be
> generalising wildly if I were to claim that Australians like people poking
> shit at them. Naturally some are more touchy than others, and some subjects
> are more sensitive in some quarters.
>
> Still, its better to be deprecated than to be ignored, especially if you are
> an inconsequential nation like Australia. If you look at it like that, its the
> second highest form of flattery. Second only to imitation, but there doesn't
> seem to be an international rush to take up Aussie Rules football.
That's the second Great Aussie Personality Trait: neurotic underdogism. Sometimes I think this is a nation of Chihuahuas.
But really, I like this place and the people are here a lovely. You know, some of my best friends are Australians...
Thiago