CASPER SCHWARTZ'S OBSERVATIONS ON ATLESIAN CULTURE: Entry 2
If you have your aura activated, you must get registered with the originally named 'Atlesian Aura Registry'.Failure to do so results in imprisonment. If you are in the military, then you must report your semblance as well, so 'It can be put to use appropriately'. Failure to do so results in a trial by military law, which usually results in being sentenced to exile to the White Sea of Solitas.
Whilst racism is a (large) issue in Atlas, religious discrimination isn't. Whilst most in Remnant follow the 'Faith of the Brothers' (including myself. It is easy to follow a faith that you know for absolutely certain has actual extant Deities), the 'native' Faunus faith, that of 'Mother Moon', has a temple in Mantle. It is categorically illegal to discriminate against someone (even if they are Faunus) for their religion of choice in Atlas.
Whilst technically a democracy, Atlas is probably closer to an Oligarchy, or more precisely, Atlas exists in a strange Oligarchic-Democratic middle ground. Whereby citizens vote for three of the five members of the ruling Council (the Headmaster of Atlas and General of the Military are usually political appointments, but are not elected. Their terms are also longer than the elected posts, remaining until asked to step down or doing so themselves.). The issue is that, on the whole, most of the candidates come from wealthy, formerly noble families. In addition, those that don't get elected often end up as 'Advisors' to the Council. On rare occasions, someone from outside this select group does manage to get elected, but sadly they usually end up taking the fall for the others' corruption. This is why Ironwood getting two council seats AND KEEPING THEM, is so impressive
On a lighter note, Mistralli food is incredibly popular in Atlas.
Whilst Vacuo and Vale are on good terms with Atlas, only Mistral is officially classified as an 'Ally'.
Building on the last entry and 'Loyalty', it is considered normal for soldiers not to question orders under most, if any, circumstances, as maintaining 'Loyalty' is culturally more important than maintaining 'morals'. In other words, it doesn't matter what the orders are, only that they are followed. This was exemplified(?) in a coup attempt in the early 20's, those that followed the traitorous General were punished less than those that betrayed them (at least within the military. Outside it, regular citizens began to disparage those that did follow said traitorous General).