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Differences between traditional Aboriginal cultures and mainstream Western culture
Traditional Culture |
Mainstream Western Culture |
| Community is the foremost of all values | Individualism is the foremost value |
| The future tense is dominant | Tradition of printing and literacy |
| The world is understood mythically | The present is the dominant tense |
| Goals are met with patience |
The world is understood scientifically |
| Ownership is often communal | Goals are met with aggressive effort |
| Gifts are regarded as social glue | Ownership is reward for hard work |
| Work is often motivated by group need | Gifts are regarded as holiday issues |
| Aging is a source of wisdom | Work is motivated by ambition |
| Eye contact is thought over-assertive | Aging is decay and loss |
| Silences are acceptable anywhere | Eye contact is part of conversation |
| Assertiveness is non-communal | Silences are a waste of time |
| Listening skills are prized | Assertiveness is a basic social skill |
| Soft spoken words carry farthest | Communication skills are prized |
| Nodding signifies understanding | Emphasis carries the day |
| Handshake is soft, signaling no threat | Nodding signifies agreement |
| Collective decisions are consensual | Handshake is firm, assertive |
| A faith in harmony with nature | Collective decisions are put to a vote |
| Family is extended family | A faith in scientific control of nature |
| Responds to praise of the group | Family is nuclear family |
| Responds to praise of the individual |