Submitted by Kevin Konzelman on the 2015 winter session program in Australia sponsored by the College of Engineering…
I left last week for Australia, the “land down under.” I will be here for 5 weeks this January, basking in the culture and taking a few engineering classes. Most of my time will be spent in Melbourne, a city that is consistently ranked among the world’s best in which to live. This is an amazing opportunity to explore a country on the opposite side of the world, but without the language barrier often associated with travelling abroad.
One of the first things I noticed when I arrived, and it’s something I’m always reminded of as I explore the city, is that Australians are a very “go-with-the-flow” people. Many minor things that are not allowed in American culture are embraced here because of a more loose attitude towards life. For example, the dress code here is very relaxed. Most people won’t be seen without sandals, flip flops, or boat shoes during the summer (which is at its peak in January down here).
Another thing that I have noticed throughout the city is their affinity for street art. As Melbourne is an older city, there are a number of small alleyways between buildings that are essentially unused aside from back entrances to stores. Street artists have taken to giving meaning back to these side streets. Artwork lines the walls, sometimes up 15-20 feet, of almost every alley in the central business district. Some have political messages, some are just aesthetic, but all are colorful and add a unique spin to this clean, modern city.
Coming from New York, I am used to seeing graffiti regularly, but we usually look down upon it and the artists who make it. Looking at how detailed and time-consuming the artwork is in Melbourne, I have come to see a different side of street art and how it can add positive character to a city. As opposed to just glancing at graffiti as I walk by, I will certainly slow down to appreciate the skill and effort of street artists in the future. This also leads me to see a different viewpoint on certain aspects of American culture. If these small things, like walking around in sandals to work when it’s nice out or street art in an otherwise little-used area of town, aren’t causing anyone harm, why are we so opposed to them?