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?!
