It seems we are a generation intent on change; changing the culture and traditions of the generations before us. It could be asked weather or not this change in Australian traditions has been beneficial, or has Australia become a throwaway society? While Australia can be viewed as a throwaway society, it looks as though it has led to a healthier way of life. Some relevant issues to be raised when considering weather or not Australia is making a shift in traditions and culture are parenting, religious lifestyle, promiscuity and homosexuality.
The way of parenting and raising children has for many generations had a big focus on a physical form of discipline. The approach taken as a parent towards children was to be somewhat intimidating and scare children into good behaviour; a case of the parent gaining respect of their offspring from fear of consequence rather than love and admiration. Smacking, yelling and being forceful was the only way known to parents when trying to raise good kids. Although it could be considered in this generation through more education, that this method of parenting was not the best choice, the result was still a household of children that never dared show disrespect or bad behaviour.
It has been recognised today that physical discipline and long lived traditions of parenting is no longer acceptable. New studies have proved children can be taught manners and respect without using the ‘old wooden spoon’. Parents are now using techniques such as time out and using toys as currency to encourage good behaviour in their children. This different approach and shift in perspective has shown that physical discipline is not necessarily the most effective.
In the past, going to church every Sunday was considered a lifestyle; however attitudes and the amount of commitment have shifted. Traditionally, to those who chose to attend church would also choose a saint-like lifestyle. Drinking, smoking, fornicating and adultery were all considered severe sins and were taken very seriously by the church and fellowship. In some faiths not much has changed and this theory has remained dogmatic and unnegotiable. However many Pentecostal and Christian faiths hold a group of people that bend the traditional rules. Weather it is a case of individuals taking certain aspects of religion less seriously or that the bible is now being reinterpreted, it is unknown to me. Whatever the true reason for this shift, it is as a consequence, encouraging more youth to attend church on a Sunday. By not putting all the focus on man made guidelines and steering away from self righteousness (judging others) it leaves room for what’s important- to love God. The rest seems to fall into place.
Promiscuity, as a rule, has always been hidden in our society. It is something that has traditionally been considered as unacceptable behaviour and severely frowned upon. The problem with ignoring promiscuity is that it won’t make it disappear and the effects of these actions will only continue to grow as a consequence. Teenage pregnancy and rapid spread of sexually transmitted diseases is just a couple of the regrettable outcomes.
It was realised that by keeping promiscuity hidden, people are remaining uneducated and the judgemental attitude of society can form rebellious acts. Promiscuity is still looked down on in this generation, but certainly not ignored. The positive effect of opening our eyes to this behaviour has brought recognition that education and awareness for youth can reduce the number of those making a choice, sexually, that doesn’t necessarily serve them well. Furthermore, there are now help lines, clinics and charity based groups putting more focus on the potential underlying issues and reducing statistics that way. Overall there is an acceptance that promiscuity and unsafe sex does exist, yet in order to rectify, Australians are now accepting more responsibility and accountability for youth, by offering a fair choice through education.
Homosexuality in our earlier generations has not been understood and most certainly rubbing against the grain of what’s ‘right’. But it is slowly being realised that we all as human beings deserve the right to live a life with choice and freedom.
Australian society liked to strongly keep the tradition of marrying young and raising a family. It was almost like a robotic process that everyone followed and to act otherwise you could be faced with ridicule or be ostracised. Homosexuality was not a topic spoken of very often, and if spoken about, the conversation was uncomfortable.
This culture made it difficult for gay men and women to live a satisfying lifestyle. As a consequence men and women lost their sense of identity, sometimes ending in depression or even worse, suicide. There were also men and women living a lie, marrying or keeping their true sexuality a secret to remain a part of their family and social circle. Thankfully today, Australian society has shifted to a place of acceptance in regards to our gay community. This topic and all it entails is much more comfortably discussed amongst family and peers. More parents are now loving and accepting their child’s choice of sexuality. I believe this is due to observing a series of past mistakes and consequences of ignorance. We are learning respect and understanding of each others differences.
The annual Mardi gras parade for example, can be quite confronting to some. This parade however is a time for the gay community to celebrate who they are. It is an opportunity that the rest of us have had everyday for many generations.

Australia is not a throwaway society, but a society of beneficial and healthy change. In comparing the ‘old way’ and the ‘new way’ of Australia’s society, it is clear that Australians are much more aware in the present day that education and acceptance makes positive changes and judgement and ignorance makes unity only but a theory- a distant dream.
Some would argue that traditions are supposed to stick; although history has shown that traditions need to change if they become a hindrance to moving forward, in knowledge and a better way of life.