I once talked about the “Crab Mentality” and recently I came across a similar concept called Tall poppy syndrome. It describes how society often views those who try to stand out or succeed while others are struggling. Just like Poppy when it becomes tall that grows taller than the rest and it gets cut down to match the others and this is what people do but in a different way.
This syndrome exists in our society not only with people who achieve success or reach high positions but also in many other areas. It’s strongly tied to traditions and customs that become part of our personalities and are treated like unchangeable rules in life and they are attached to use and if you want to raise your head to be freed from it so you become like Tall Poppy that needs to be cut.
When someone tries to change these traditions, they become like that Tall poppy syndrome and others try to cut them down to fit in again and this can happen even when the traditions are harmful. For example, wasteful spending or flashy weddings may be seen as normal and anyone who questions them might face rejection.
When you try to break away from the crowd or challenge these customs so Tall poppy syndrome kicks in. Society pushes back and many people dislike that. This is why some avoid aiming for success or innovation and they’re afraid of being isolated or criticized in the society for just being different or for being like the black duck among the yellow ones.
In this syndrome, only the tallest poppy gets cut and If one is shorter while the rest are equal nothing happens. That tells us something: people often ignore failure but success or difference brings pressure and resistance.
On a bigger scale this mindset can even be seen in politics and global development. It’s one reason why some countries stay behind and because they suppress new ideas or progress while others grow by encouraging different opinions and innovation.
