Australia has been accused of being the 51st state of America. It seems that we are destined to follow America in most things, Australia's strict gun laws being a notable exception, but what do Australians really think of America and Americans? Conveniently for those of you pondering this question the University of Sydney has some answers.

The bitter pill first perhaps... here are some of the things we most dislike

- 85% of Australias think that gun control is the US is a joke and needs reform
- approx 2/3s think the US is crap at "social equality", "economic equality" and "race relations"
- more than half veiw the role of "religion in American society" as a negative.

Now, now, put away that indignation. There are also things we like about America, such as
- Science and technology
- art and literature
- personal freedom
- economic opportunity
- political freedom
- standard of living

We also like the influence of America on our television, sport, clothes and music but when it comes to junk food you can forget it. We are so over the "golden arches" and its equivalents.

We also think that America has, over recent years, diminished in its capacity to deal 'wisely with their own social and economic problems', with Japan and the UK being much better thought of in this respect.

Professor Alan Dupont, who authored the report says

What is striking is the loss of trust in US values and political institutions although this is balanced by a high level of respect for the excellence of US science and technology and a belief that the US remains a country of economic opportunity. Unfortunately, we understand less about American culture and society than we should because of stereotyping and a fall in the proportion of Australians travelling to the US to study or teach.

Read more here.