Thursday, June 5, 2008

Tall Poppy Syndrome

Tall Poppy Syndrome (TPS) is a pejorative term used in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and New Zealand to describe what is seen as a levelling social attitude. Someone is said to be suffering from tall poppy syndrome when his or her assumption of a higher economic, social or political position attracts criticism, being perceived as presumptuous, attention seeking or without merit. Alternatively, it is seen as a societal trait in which people of genuine merit are criticized or resented because the attention given them elevates them above their peers.

Source: Wikipedia

The other day I heard disgusting tales of sabotage inflicted to a very talented bright woman I know who is hands down the best at everything in her field leaving all competition for dead. It reminded me that the 'Tall Poppy Syndrome' Australia is so famous for is definitely still alive and well...

This, in combination with the insatiable desire to conquer larger markets are the main factors in why we're being left with a void of talent here especially in certain fields...all the best and brightest end up fleeing to the US or Europe...

Arghhhh! Everybody, stop leaving!!! Or at least...once you've made your fame and fortune, promise to come back for retirement! I still need people to play Bingo and Scrabble with in old age ;) AND, I'll give you mates rates treatments for your arthritis and other old-age-related afflictions ;)

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