Interesting discussion over Thanksgiving dinner

[dangolf18]

Had an interesting conversation over Thanksgiving with a friend of my father's. He was talking about his recent trip to Australia and he brought up the topic of "Tall Poppy Syndrome" that he says is prevalent in Australia and New Zealand. Is this really true? I don't want to be offensive, but he said people generally don't work that hard and don't want to excel in corporate environment as people that exceed and do well are usually derided or put down, etc. It seems here in America, people seem to love success and people that have done exceptionally well for themselves. Is that not the same over there? Seems hard to believe. (Anyway, seems like America is moving toward "TPS" as we've seen with the 99% protests).

[Milan]

It is my biggest problem with people here to be honest. Coming from a family environment very involved with the Chinese and successful businesspeople over there I can say that I am overtly dissapointed with that particular aspect of life here in NZ. That being said, some people love our country for that very reason, it is quite relaxed.

[bolivr]

I would say it is not as bad as say 30, 40 years ago. More likely now if someone is putting on airs and graces and thinks they are better than someone else then they are likely to be derided. I can't see it being translated though into someone not trying to be successful, thats just a cop out. I think people like that are more scared of failing

[Croz71]

Here in Western Australia I don't think that's true.

I've grown up in one of the poorest suburbs in WA.

I'm from generations of working class and 100% union but some of the best friendships I've got, are with white collar workers who enjoy great cigars and some of the best wine you will find on this planet (Margaret River)

For me in Australia....being Australian means working hard and looking after family and friends...no matter what colour, race, job or religion

If the media portray us any differently, then they are wrong......come to Perth and I'll show you

[CaptainQuintero]

Build 'em up and then knock 'em down- UK

[chuck1rar]

My opinion would be a little different and say the difference is not in the fact of wanting to work hard but one of greed.

Americans have become the epitome of greed while Australians will and do work hard they are not that obsessed with it..

Maybe wrong or maybe not just my opinoin.

[Justmi]

You know if you are doing just okay when people pat you on the back and tell you how good things are going. Smiles all around. You know when you are doing good because they reservedly tell you that its not bad. You know when you are doing amazing when they go out of their way to tell you on how **** you are.

Personally, I would not restrict my lifestyle to suit other people's views as most people just want to be better than you.

[Michel1968]

In the Netherlands there's a single rule: anyone who wants to play the corpo game gets the worms...

[Rushman]

Sorry to thread jack but I was on grand cayman last Friday for a job/consulting interview and I got the craziest looks as I was wearing a suit. Had I known things were that much more casual there I still would have worn a suit. Not because I was putting on airs but because it's respectful to do so.

Now back to your thread. There are people all over this world at all points on the "strive for success" spectrum and unfortunately there is a matching "____ on you spectrum" for people that find it easier to judge others for their success or lack of success.

I say screw it. Do what makes you happy and don't waste time either worrying what others think about you or judging them because they are different than you.

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I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=29.507372,-98.671738

[Trent0341]

(Anyway, seems like America is moving toward "TPS" as we've seen with the 99% protests).

It really does seem this way. It seems that many are trying to add a negative connotation to being rich. Regardless of your feelings on Romney I heard his wealth referred to constantly in a negative light. Really? Since when has being successful in the private sector been a quality we don't want in a president? Anyway I digress... I've only been to Australia twice (had an absolute fantastic time) and didn't see enough of the work side of it to comment except that if you guys work as hard as you drink then this syndrome is a myth

[jkdooley]

"I say screw it. Do what makes you happy and don't waste time either worrying what others think about you or judging them because they are different than you."

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Amen to that!!!

[Ryan]

To be honest I think that argument is a*se. People with the ability to 'succeed in the corporate environment' are not worried about being derided for it.

In my experience there are two ways to move up in a company, usually but not always along with being able to do the job.

A. Getting along with co-workers

B. Stepping over co-workers and taking credit for their work.

People A. do not get derided. People B. don't care.

[winelover]

"I say screw it. Do what makes you happy and don't waste time either worrying what others think about you or judging them because they are different than you."

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Amen to that!!!

X2

[Scdalak]

Or C. Getting along with coworkers and just being better than them at that particular job...

That only holds true in the teaching profession...

[ptrthgr8]

Americans have become the epitome of greed while Australians will and do work hard they are not that obsessed with it

I find this opinion offensive because it's a rash generalization. It's also a loaded statement because one person's "greed" is another person's "success." For some people it's easier to justify their own envy by accusing another person of being "greedy." (Whatever "greedy" means.)

Cheers,

~ Greg ~

Sent from my HTC Thunderbolt using Tapatalk 2.

[LGC]

As we all know, generalizations and stereotypes always hold true...

There's no need to judge each person on a case by case basis.

[markmurase]

I would say there probably is a certain amount of 'tall poppy syndrome' in Australia, but it's not necessarily a bad thing. Aussies are unlikely to show a person respect simply because of their job, title or bank balance. I think we judge a person on how we find them. If they are a decent person, and they've accumulated a lot of money, we'd be pleased to know them and be happy for them. If they're a di**head, we'd probably tell 'em. Aussies generally 'call it as they see it', so if someone does something stupid, whether they're our mate or the prime minister, we'd have no problem pointing that out. I think, however, Aussies are proud of those that have been successfull in their chosen field whatever that may be: from sport to the arts or business. The following FOH memberhip rule is a good one and sums it up in my opinion: No tossers, no wankers.

Cheers,

Mark

[hermit]

I would have to agree with Bow Tie on this matter, i am basically an underdog or working class fellow which has several successfull family members, and i have also worked for some very well off people. Working hard or not isn't the reason you are successfull it is the opportunities that arise, and lets face it not everybody recieves that opportnity. Here in Australia folks are generally judge by their demeanor and attitude to others (obviously not by all) but the majority.

We do have a tendancy to call a spade a spade and move on without dwelling in it, character is what should be important nothing else.

[Wil]

I think the 'tall poppy syndrome' is more about disliking people who think they're above others because of their achievements. it's not the achievement per se, but the attitude that often comes with it.

On the whole, 'Australian culture' is quite egalitarian.

[LexG]

I'd agree there is a case of Tall Poppy Syndrome here in Aus. I dont think its good or bad, just the way Aussies are. from my very limited experience, i think entrepreneurs are more celebrated in USA than they are here. we're a cyanical bunch, probs comes from living in a land thats mostly desert! and dont forget, we are just a bunch of convicts

[Hazza]

I think Bow tie hit the nail on the head. Most Aussies I know don't care what your background is. If your a good person, they'll give you the time of day. My brother is very successful and none of my friends/family hold it against him. When he does pull out the snobby wanker card though, I'm the first one to bring him back down to earth. It's all about attitude. People have been talking about generalisations and in this case, although tall poppy syndrome may exist in this country, I don't believe it is prevalent enough to say it is ingrained in our national identity.

[asmith]

Tall Poppy Syndrome is real, people are trying to cut me down all the time, that's the problem with being an online cigar celebrity like myself.

[tdlfoto]

I would have to agree with Bow Tie on this matter, i am basically an underdog or working class fellow which has several successfull family members, and i have also worked for some very well off people. Working hard or not isn't the reason you are successfull it is the opportunities that arise, and lets face it not everybody recieves that opportnity.

+1

the myth of "hard work" is quickly debunked when you consider the billions of people who toil as virtual slaves and will continue to do so for generations. it's their labour upon which tall poppies are grown.

[Munts]

Tall Poppy Syndrome is real, people are trying to cut me down all the time, that's the problem with being an online cigar celebrity like myself.

The dwarf standing on the shoulders of giants is not a tall poppy.

[asmith]

The dwarf standing on the shoulders of giants is not a tall poppy.

I still have to edit this week's cigar review and after that comment you may be missing from the entire review.