You know you’ve “made it”, when you’ve become a victim of Tall Poppy Syndrome.
In the garden, it is the tallest flowers that stand out and so are “cut down” for display.
In the same way, we Aussies have a habit of “cutting down” high achievers, or visibly successful people. However, it is not to proudly put them on display – oh no, we Aussies are all about pulling that Tall Poppy back down to ground level!
Although I’m sure it happens across the globe to some extent, Tall Poppy Syndrome seems to flourish in the hothouse of Australian culture.
Perhaps this is because of the great value we place on “mateship”. Looking out for our mates – being all in it together – when you think about it, we seem to have developed a group, or pack, mentality.
And so we feel threatened by anybody who strays from the pack, so we are quick to rein them back in.
Why Can’t We Celebrate Success?
I’ve heard that things are very different in the American culture, where there is great respect and admiration for the individual who achieves.
Aussie golfer Greg Norman has famously said, that if someone in America bought a sports car, then other Americans would say “nice car!”.
However, if someone in Australia bought a sports car, other Australians would scratch it!
Famous Victims of Tall Poppy Syndrome
Plenty of successful Australians know what it is like to fall victim to Tall Poppy Syndrome:
- Lleyton and Bec Hewitt;
- Kylie Minogue;
- Ian Thorpe;
- Paul Hogan;
- Princess Mary;
- Jarryd Hayne;
- Shane Warne;
- Steve Irwin before his death;
- Even the Wiggles!
The “Tall Poppy” title is often bestowed to those who are perceived to flaunt their success, in an arrogant way. I wonder how much of this perception though, is the result of media spin, rather than reality?
Tall Poppy Syndrome – or Petty Jealousy?
All too often it is simply a case of petty jealousy, or resentment of another’s achievements. As the saying goes, it is okay for others to get ahead – as long as they don’t get ahead of us!
Sadly, not long ago I found out firsthand what it is like to be a Tall Poppy.
A “friend” could not hide her irritation whenever I happened to mention my blog, or snapped a photo for it.
Although I avoid conflict like the plague, in the end even I was nettled enough to ask what exactly the problem was.
This person had supported me in other writing endeavours, so I really couldn’t understand why my blogging was getting up her nose.
And then the truth came out: I make money out of it!
Seriously?!
It’s true, I do generate some income here through ads, affiliates, and the occasional sponsored post – and I’ve been gifted some awesome products to trial and review. But it’s certainly not enough to retire on!
Although I was hurt by this person’s opinion, in the end I decided that it was actually that – their opinion, and therefore, their problem.
I’m just going to keep living my life, and doing what I love – which just happens to be blogging!
I also heard an awesome piece of advice, which I’m now passing on to you:
Have you ever been a victim of Tall Poppy Syndrome – and if so how do you handle it?!
It’s funny how some people are with other’s success. I have a very dear friend who started out supporting my writing – telling anyone who’d listen about me. Then when I began to take it seriously, he began with the niggling comments – the one’s designed to bring me down. His problem, not mine, but still, it hurts.
I’m sorry you’ve experienced this too Jo. I was really upset when my situation blew up – first with a comment on social media, which I then took offline and on to texts (Facebook is SO not the place to indulge in a snipe fest! The fact that FB is where it started says a lot – so very high school!)
I had never heard of TPS
I still think Australia sounds pretty neat !
What’s The Lady Fleur up to these days!
Hello Victoria! Yes it’s quite a well known thing here … but you’re right, Australia is a great place to live even despite our dislike of anybody getting ahead. Miss Fleur is currently sitting on my lap demanding wuv!
Wonderful — heartfelt! There is a writer’s group called TALL POPPIES — and I wonder if some of your truth was behind their founding!
It’s been several months since this incident happened, it’s take me this long to process it and feel able to write about it (in very general terms so that nobody can be identified) 🙁
None of family, as in siblings read my blog, a handful of friends do but not my oldest and dearest. I have more loyalty with people I’ve met through blogging. And yes I do support everyone. It’s disappointing but I think it must be the way some people are. Good on you, love your blogs even though I rarely comment. Oh God, I’m a stalker 😉
LOL I think you’re a very nice stalker 😉 . I’m always surprised to find which of my friends/family are actually reading my blog (hello to my brother who tells me he pops in about once a week to see what’s new!) – and which ones aren’t, and make no secret of the fact that they couldn’t be less interested. I figured they can love me, but don’t have to love my blog, but there must be something fundamentally wrong with them …. just kidding!
I know what you mean Janet. I don’t talk much about my blog to most people, which is a shame because I think a lot of the would benefit from reading it! I have a few family and friends who read and sometimes comment, but most of my followers and supporters are people I’ve met through social media or blogging, many of whom I’ve not met face-to-face. I think it’s very sad Australians do this to people who’ve “had a go” and succeeded. I think your friends sounds a little jealous 🙂 x
It’s taken me a while to process this incident and even feel able to write about it (even in very general terms). I still don’t understand this person’s reasoning, but each to their own … personally I think she’s missing out!
Jealousy or envy can turn anyone nasty. I love seeing someone be successful. What I don’t like is when someone has stepped on someone else to get there. But I genuinely would hope people would be happy for my success, just as I am happy for theirs. Keep writing and making your income Janet. You work so hard and deserve every success. xxx
Thanks Bec, yes I am happy for others to be successful too, as long as they haven’t stepped on others as you say x