You won’t believe what my neighbor did—Is this shocking ‘unAustralian’ act becoming the new normal?
- Replies 32
In the land of mateship and community spirit, there's an unspoken code that Aussies live by, one that champions the 'fair go' and looking out for your neighbour. But it seems that the tides may be changing in our suburbs, as a recent kerfuffle over a lawn mowing incident has sparked a fiery debate across the nation. Is the age-old Australian camaraderie fading, or are we simply adapting to a new era of neighbourly etiquette?
The controversy began when a passerby snapped a photo of a median strip on their street and posted it to Reddit. The image showed a stark contrast: one half of the lawn was neatly trimmed, while the adjacent section—belonging to the next-door neighbour—remained overgrown. The original poster branded this selective mowing as the 'ultimate unAustralian act', but the response from the online community was anything but unanimous.
Many rallied to the defence of the homeowner, arguing that in today's fast-paced world, it's not a resident's duty to maintain the patch of grass outside someone else's property. With the rise of dual-income households, longer working hours, and the hustle and bustle of modern life, some say it's enough to keep your own slice of green in check without taking on extra chores.
On the flip side, there are those who view the act of mowing only your portion of the lawn as the height of rudeness—a departure from the neighbourly goodwill that has long been a hallmark of Australian culture. They reminisce about times when neighbours would not only mow the entire stretch of grass but also lend a helping hand with other outdoor tasks, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility.
The debate doesn't stop at the edge of the lawn, either. Last month, Aussie mum Brooke Bliss confessed to a related neighbourhood no-no: sneaking excess rubbish into her neighbours' bins on collection night. With a family of five and bins that fill up too quickly, she waits for the cover of darkness to distribute her overflow. This revelation has added fuel to the fire, with some calling it practical and others decrying it as impolite.
So, what's the verdict? Is it 'unAustralian' to mow only your side of the lawn or to use a neighbour's bin in a pinch? Or are these acts simply reflective of a changing society where the old rules of neighbourly conduct are being rewritten?
At the Seniors Discount Club, we understand that times are changing, and with them, so too must our social norms. However, we also believe in the importance of community and the value of a friendly wave across the fence. Whether you're the type to mow the whole median strip or stick to your own patch, perhaps the most 'Australian' thing we can do is communicate with our neighbours. A simple conversation about shared spaces and responsibilities might just be the key to maintaining harmony on our streets.
We'd love to hear from you, our wise members, about your experiences and opinions on this topic. Have you encountered similar situations in your neighbourhood? Do you think these acts are 'unAustralian', or just a sign of the times? Share your stories and thoughts in the comments below, and let's navigate the evolving landscape of neighbourly etiquette together.
The controversy began when a passerby snapped a photo of a median strip on their street and posted it to Reddit. The image showed a stark contrast: one half of the lawn was neatly trimmed, while the adjacent section—belonging to the next-door neighbour—remained overgrown. The original poster branded this selective mowing as the 'ultimate unAustralian act', but the response from the online community was anything but unanimous.
A social media user shared his encounter of a mowed lawn, with some unmowed parts. Image Credit: Reddit/chill677
Many rallied to the defence of the homeowner, arguing that in today's fast-paced world, it's not a resident's duty to maintain the patch of grass outside someone else's property. With the rise of dual-income households, longer working hours, and the hustle and bustle of modern life, some say it's enough to keep your own slice of green in check without taking on extra chores.
On the flip side, there are those who view the act of mowing only your portion of the lawn as the height of rudeness—a departure from the neighbourly goodwill that has long been a hallmark of Australian culture. They reminisce about times when neighbours would not only mow the entire stretch of grass but also lend a helping hand with other outdoor tasks, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility.
The debate doesn't stop at the edge of the lawn, either. Last month, Aussie mum Brooke Bliss confessed to a related neighbourhood no-no: sneaking excess rubbish into her neighbours' bins on collection night. With a family of five and bins that fill up too quickly, she waits for the cover of darkness to distribute her overflow. This revelation has added fuel to the fire, with some calling it practical and others decrying it as impolite.
So, what's the verdict? Is it 'unAustralian' to mow only your side of the lawn or to use a neighbour's bin in a pinch? Or are these acts simply reflective of a changing society where the old rules of neighbourly conduct are being rewritten?
At the Seniors Discount Club, we understand that times are changing, and with them, so too must our social norms. However, we also believe in the importance of community and the value of a friendly wave across the fence. Whether you're the type to mow the whole median strip or stick to your own patch, perhaps the most 'Australian' thing we can do is communicate with our neighbours. A simple conversation about shared spaces and responsibilities might just be the key to maintaining harmony on our streets.
We'd love to hear from you, our wise members, about your experiences and opinions on this topic. Have you encountered similar situations in your neighbourhood? Do you think these acts are 'unAustralian', or just a sign of the times? Share your stories and thoughts in the comments below, and let's navigate the evolving landscape of neighbourly etiquette together.
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% not a median strip. Some call it a nature strip or a grass strip. Most call it a verge.
