@@mumufried9083 that may be so and I don't disagree with that definition but then it should only be applied in those specific cases where someone has been cut down 'just for being tall' and not for being arrogant and a total bore.
There's a reason why it's called "syndrome". Keeping arrogance in check is called humilty - no one calls humilty a syndrome. It's called that because it comes from a compulsive need to undercut other people's success. It has nothing to do with arrogance.
Tall poppy syndrome is very much aimed at people who "big note themselves", so you can succeed & do well, but if you seem "too full of yourself" you will be cut down. It doesn't take much to start to trigger the reaction. We tend to love underdogs, quiet achievers, that is a part of the culture here. Not fans of anything we see as arrogance & excessive pride. I've observed that people from the US often have that big energy going on in regards to self confidence & self promotion & don't hesitate to proudly & loudly claim their achievements. Nothing wrong with that at all, it's just in many ways its an opposite approach. It can lead to misunderstandings & irritation on both sides unfortunately.
@@gloryglory5688 Bullshit (and typical). The above was well articulated and there's nothing substantial I'd add. You, however, clearly have undefined issues with a basic no dickheads policy.
@@gloryglory5688. In my 60 plus years of experience, I have not seen successful people who do not behave with arrogance or entitlement being cut down. I think it is more about how self aware people are and whether they realise how many others perceive their behaviour in comparison to how they think they are behaving. What is commonly thought of as entitled or arrogant behaviour?
Sorry, but the tall poppy syndrome *_is_* aimed at successful people.... but not rich people. (Australians still like to tug the forelock, especially with billionaires who inherited their wealth.) Australians still look askance at anyone who is knowledgeable and self-confident.
The reason we have decent wages in this country is that we don't have tipping. We feel it is the employers responsibility to pay their employees a decent wage, not the customers.
The trouble is in Australia particularly you all where forced to close up shop for quite a while and now many shops have closed for good to never come back. The high rents and taxes your shops all must pay is so rediculous that I'm shocked you haven't reverted to tips by now. I despise tips but Australia is hardly a perfect country for workers when jobs in the service industry are few and far between.
@resiefan3258 LOL the CFMEU issue is mainly that dodgy developers are keen to pay bribes to expedite projects, and once that starts, corruption grows like a cancer. Unions are critical support for decent wages and conditions.
I feel like people misunderstand the "tall poppy syndrome". It's not about not sharing opinions or not showing confidence and such, it's about not getting an overinflated opinion of yourself and thinking you're much better than everyone else. Such as arrogance. This is why Aussies like to sit in the front passenger seat of the taxi, talk to the CEO no matter how low you are on the corporate ladder, or showing respect and talking to the cleaning staff at a corporate office. I've noticed that people in Australia like it when you treat them the same no matter who they are.
We Australians like to think we're unique and special. We're not. For example, sitting in the front seat of a taxi is common around the world. And no, employees do *_not_* get to talk to company CEOs.
@@davidhoward4715 I'll give you an example of American exceptionalism. Pfizer Ceo came to visit the West Ryde facility in Sydney and was accompanied by many men in Black carrying concealed weapons. A wanker like that in Australia would be a strong candidate for tall poppy treatment.
@@MrBCorp That is literally the opposite of the correct definition. Tall Poppy syndrome is the dark side of the egalitarian image we have of ourselves. It’s all about taking other people down a peg when we think they’re too successful (because it makes us feel inadequate) The clue is in the name.
@@davidhoward4715Well, I am a lowly operator in the plant that I work in and speak on a first name basis with our regional manager. I also spoke to the company CEO the same way when I met him on his visit to WA from the US. But obviously they don't visit us plebs too often. But I did the same when Andrew Forrest visited our site at Murrin years ago
@@shmick6079 er no it isn’t. It seems a lot of people have misunderstood what TPS means. It’s not about the attitude of the tall poppy themselves, it’s about small minded and resentful folk trying to take them down a notch to feel better about themselves.
@@paulidevoss7249 not sure where you get the “small minded” qualifier from. What would you call it when a non small-minded person calls out a person for bragging about their success?
True, there is a similar cultural attitude in the Nordic countries. You can be proud of your achievements but be humble, don't brag and certainly don't think you are better than anyone else - you don't know what they might be good at.
A tourist asked me one day in Melbourne where they could get a good coffee. I said in any place that sells coffee. You would go out of business pretty quickly if your coffee wasn’t good in Melbourne. Actually pretty much anywhere in Australia really.
Aussie here in my mid 50s. Tall Poppy Syndrome is absolutely a thing - but its not quite what you said. It's not about tearing down someone because they are successful. It's more about responding to someone who arrogantly flaunts their success. Australia is a relavtively egalitarian society (especially compared to the US), and so people who like to insist they are better than everyone else are going to experience some significant push back.
As a schoolkid I was teased for.the fact that my mother drove a Mercedes in a relatively blue-collar town. Neither she nor I particularly flaunted the car in any way, I don't remember ever even mentioning the make of car to anyone (I am absolutely not a car snob) nor do I remember her particularly doing so either. So to some extent it is the mere fact of being out of the ordinary that attracts criticism.
@@lilymarinovic1644 I'd suggest that it is being DIFFERENT that can result in teasing from children, who can be incredibly cruel. As as child, I remember other children being teased (or worse) for being too tall, too short, too fat, wearing glasses, having red hair, being dumb, being smart, having imperfect teeth, having an accent, being of a particular race or religion, having a particular haircut, wearing a particular brand of shoes, liking the "wrong" sports team or musical artist etc. etc. etc.. I think that this is a global phenomenon with kids immaturely hurting their peers, rather than necessarily an example of tall poppy syndrome.
Tall Poppy Syndrome is not about despising success or having an opinion. It's more about not putting up with the egotistical attitude or arrogance that can go with it.
There is nowhere in the world that celebrates the success of its international sports people like Australia. That occurs right up until THEY decide they are something special. That's not tall poppy syndrome, that's just an ego check. Be good, be great out on the field or track, with your canoe or you gun, bat stick or racket, but when your home you're just another Aussie, do your job, drink your beer and don't be a dickhead.
As a Melbournian bloke (and a Dad), I am soo happy that you feel safe. On tall poppy syndrome, we do like our high achievers, just look at our Olympic results for a country with a population smaller than Tokyo. As long as those gold medal winners don't profess their own awesomeness.
It is amazing the coffee culture we have in Melbourne. Son who loves his coffee is currently in Italy and has commented that it is the only place that is comparable, he has travelled extensively through Asia and Europe. I think we can thank our Italian migrants for the coffee culture.
@@coffeeenut Italians don't just have expresso. There are dozens of alternatives. I tried a few of them on my 2 trips there. All were very good. See 3:47 in this short Italian comedy skit ua-cam.com/video/tzQuuoKXVq0/v-deo.html
@@ChristopherJewels neither do Aussies. Mind you mostly espresso, but Greek, Turkish, cold brewed any many others a readily available. I think you’ll struggle to find an American style coffee machine anywhere though!
@@ChristopherJewels sorry, just saw the video. All of those are available in the majority of cafes here in Melbourne, Most if not all are based on espresso shots.
@@brianandrea3249 Variety (of coffee beans) is the spice of life. Never tried a Caffè corretto when I was over there in Italy. Might have to try one here in Brisbane one time.
And I think Americans kinda feel TPS more is because if the cultural differences, they unintentionally give of a sort of “vibe” of arrogance that a lot of us pick up on. Also doesn’t help that for a lot of us have a sort of fear of Americanisation, so in general feel more ready to pushback when there is anything American.
My husband worked on building sites. A work colleague/friend had a brother who was a self made millionaire (ended up a billionaire). His brother saw my husband in the street (in his work overalls) and stopped in traffic and called out to him to jump into his brand new convertible Rolls Royce and to come for a ride around town. My husband didn’t want to get into the car because of his dirty overalls. The guy insisted he get in and not to worry about it. So my husband was chauffeured around town in his lunch hour. That was an example of “not being a tall poppy”. Being a tall poppy would have been to ignore him or talk about how much he was worth and how much his car was worth … we even ran into him at the Airport once and he was on the same international flight and although he was in 1st Class and we were in Economy he came back to talk to us during the flight. A Tall Poppy would have ignored us as beneath him. It’s all about the attitude of the Tall Poppy, not the the offence taken by the people that he belittles with an air of superiority and rudeness. My father (God rest his soul) always said, “it’s not what you say, it’s how you say it”.
@@judileeming1589 Being a tall poppy does not mean you brag about your worth or accomplishments. It just means you’re successful and accomplished. Tall poppy syndrome is when other people want to take you down a peg because of that. It’s not about the attitude of the person who’s successful, it’s about the mentality of the small minded folk who want to bring them down to their level.
@@paulidevoss7249 well I am an old lady and that was what I was brought up believing. Thankfully I have never personally seen anyone cut down to size or felt demeaned myself.
Yeah G'day Ash, Yes, we can thank the Greeks, and Italian migrants, and later on add the Turkish/Lebanese communities who came out bringing their coffee culture here and how it was to be enjoyed with family and friends not rushed but drunk leisurely in a relaxed environment. As to the accent, it's not so pronounced now and you have picked up some of our mannerisms of not being so tense and just more comfortable like a Southern Hemi resident.
I agree with your comments about the Australian coffee. From my visits back to North America, (Canada, my place of birth. And the United States, where I spent many years in school). When I have flown back to Australia, before I even leave the air terminal, I head straight to the airport coffee shop for a double shot, (large) espresso. Then I feel truly home. My Italian brother-in-law prefers Aussie coffee now over Italian coffee. And that's saying something.
+DavidCalvert-mh9sy Why does this make me want to get a passport Just to try Australian coffee now? 🤣. Weridly though, I do have to be very careful because most caffeine w/o sugar puts me to sleep. And I'm always down to try and experiment with new coffee places in general-I do need to experiment w/something prior to this 1st just to see how it'd actually affect me because now I am very curious by something.
Australia's Tall Poppy Syndrome (TPS) is deeply rooted in our unique history as a former convict colony. From its early days, Australian society was shaped by a strong sense of egalitarianism and a pronounced disdain for the upper class, who were often viewed as oppressors. This cultural legacy has led to a social environment where standing out or achieving significant success can attract criticism and attempts to "cut down" those who rise above the rest. TPS reflects our deep-seated values of equality and humility, where societal harmony is maintained by discouraging perceived elitism or arrogance.
@@utha2665 I agree with your thoughts about the historical backdrop for TPS, but we’re kidding ourselves if we think it reflects values of equality and humility. It actually reflects small-mindedness and insecurity when we can’t celebrate the achievements of others. It’s one of the more persistent delusions we cling to in Australia, along with misunderstanding what ‘the lucky country’ means. The original quote was ‘Australia is a lucky country run by second rate people who share its luck’
@@paulidevoss7249 I never said I agreed with these deep seated values, they are perceived values at best that only undermines innovation and success. But I really don't like show ponies and those that think they are better than everyone else. You can be successful and maintain respect for those on whose shoulders they stand. I personally don't have an issue celebrating someone else's success, but they need to show they are down to earth and not be arrogant about it.
@@paulidevoss7249 but we do celebrate the achievements of others........when we can celebrate WITH them. Its when twits start thinking theyre somehow better than others they get cut down to size. I dont care WHAT you do, you are no "better" than the least of us.
I saw a social media post from an American woman talking about how freaked out she gets whenever she goes for a run outside. Wow. Meanwhile I feel quite comfortable walking down the road at night by myself in Australia.
@@coffeeenut OK, Kiwi here. But 3:50. I know you don't want to get political ........ But that sounded so interesting! Especially a difference in cultural perspective. I really want to hear more about that, as your first person, US opinions, would be really illuminating.
Let me share my opinion as you are fine with that. Tall poppy syndrome is a myth. We just don't like aholes who think they are better than everyone else.
We don’t measure our worth by striving after success. We value dignity, humility, integrity, compassion, fairness, trust. We don’t live to work, we work to live.
I came from England to Australia 50 years ago when I was 27 years old. I have no idea what Australia has done to me but I'm different now. I could never go back.
@createwithbarbbl4125 most of our problems are quite minor compared to other countries. And they are more than made up for with the good things like no smoking, good health care, long life expectancy, and stable economy.
With its relatively small population, spread out around the coasts, there is much less of a competitive culture in Australia. This puts Aussies at a significant disadvantage since we are not raised to be ambitious, striving for improvement. We do things at our own pace because for most of our history, we were alone and heard about world news a while after it happened. So no rush. No worries. The laidback attitude can be an Aussie detriment when new arrivals from bustling, competitive cultures like America, India, Hong Kong, etc, are willing to take advantage of gaping niches that Aussies ignore. The entrepreneurship of migrants allows them to outperform Aussies. The tall-poppy syndrome is definitely a thing in Australia. However, it used to be about a person big-noting themselves, which is not appreciated. If someone achieves something outstanding, it is supposed to be others who will bring it to light. Not self-aggrandisement, which is where the self-promoting tall poppy gets cut down. We have plenty of heroes and high achievers but they are supposed to be gracious and humble in their victory or excellence. It comes back to the egalitarianism that underpinned the Australian development. Fair go, mate. Early Aussie culture didn’t like the British caste system, where family connections and clout were praised, but hard work and achievement by those with less polish was ignored, or glory was taken for someone else’s work. We didn’t want overlords. But we choose our heroes based on actual performance not appearance. During the two World Wars, Australian forces were subjected to incompetent leadership by Brits, based on their rich family power having purchased a military office. So wealthy idiots in charge put Aussie soldiers at risk. It was more complicated than just cutting down winners and criticising them.
I don't know what Aussie household you were raised in but in the household I was raised in we were encouraged to be ambitious and constantly try for improvement. And surprise surprise my friends parents were the same and I raised my kids the same.
@@ghighiannemorrison4922 I’m not sure how old you are. My grandparents generation was raised not to be pushy. Standing out was bad form. Self promotion was not applauded. It was all part of the cultural cringe of being from a former penal colony. My parents were children during WWII. Apparently, Australians found the American servicemen who visited Australia on R & R (Rest & Recreation) pushy. “Over sexed, Over paid, and Over here.” After the war, waves of European migrants arrived and changed the culture of Australia. Having been through war in their homelands, they were willing to make a go of the new opportunities. Whereas, Australians had not been under attack, at least, most of them had not realised they had been because the news was withheld. I grew up next door to a veteran Aussie who told humourous tales of his time in both world wars. There was no glory or heroic victory. It was very laidback. I grew up in the inner city of Sydney and this attitude was common postwar, as were Anti-German, Anti-Italian and Anti-Japanese attitudes. The Boomer generation, my generation was different. Our parents wanted us to strive for a better life. But society in the 1960s and 1970s was very patriarchal. As a girl, I was still seen to be very pushy if I stood out or outshone a boy. I was told to be modest. Society praised even the mediocre performance of boys, while ignoring girls, since they would leave school and work until some man married them. Women were expected to resign when they married. Employers were not going to stand in the way of a husband’s rights, since most employers were husbands. And the tall poppy syndrome still held people back from self promotion and taking on risks. Migrants who had endured wars, occupation and survival arrived ready to build a new life. Aussies of older generations found it hard to deal with all the ‘New Australians’. I heard them talk about it. This was when listening to the radio was common and TV had only just arrived in Australia. TV generations of Aussie kids learned a new culture through regular TV shows. It was new to our parents too.
@@ghighiannemorrison4922I think you may be a post-boomer not to know that that was generally the way in Australia in its history. It is getting better now. S.A., with no penal system, did strive to improve life and produced many famous people who, of course, left Australia to take their knowledge and inventions further.
You missed putting 2 and 2 together. Grab your favorite read, go to cafe, drink coffee while reading and relaxing. So did you achieve something doing that? Bugger all except you took time for yourself and that's gold.
Hi Ashleigh. I’ve watched a few of your videos now and I think you’ve got the balance right. I was born and raised here in a working class family (father was a boilermaker-welder and mother a home maker) and like most parents, mine wanted my brother and me to have a better quality of life than they had. So they worked hard and encouraged us to work hard and we did end up with higher qualifications and a wealthier lifestyle than their’s. However, I NEVER forgot where we came from! My brother, on the other hand did. And I continually let him know about it!😊 This is at the heart of the TPS. It’s really OK to do well in life, but don’t forget your roots, and don’t be arrogant about your success. It’s that simple.
Tall poppy syndrome isn't just something that happens to people who become successful. It's for those who become successful AND think the success makes them better than others. It's about reminding people of who they are & where they cane from.
Great video and I completely agree! I moved from the U.S. as well last year here to Aus and so I’ve been here almost a year on the WHV and it’s safe to say I will not be going back to the States 😂. That was the intent anyway but yea specify here in Aus the wages, work culture and just overall personal happiness for me has been just amazing. Everywhere has its ups and downs like you said but personally coming from the States, yea it’s good over here in comparison and just not being stressed about every last thing or work or money or whatever politician is in the news now or whatever. It’s great here and I plan on staying here for a while 😃👏🏾
An example of Australian tall poppy, Cate Blanchet was criticized heavily, mainly by US citizens, about saying she was middle class. The argument was because she was a rich movie star, how could she possibly be middle class? True to her Oz upbringing, to brag about her wealth would be crass and just not a thing that should be done by an Australian. Also she was being true to her middle class Melborne roots, she still has the values she grew up with. Tall Poppy is nebulas, but Australians recognise it. And know how to avoid getting cut down, if they still care about where they came from. I hope that helps. Having tickets on yourself, should be a term you should look up. That is a no, no in Australian society.
But Kylie Minogue suffered from the Tall Poppy Syndrome. She said it herself many times. Does she have a ticket on herself ? I don;t think so. She is very humble, just like Cate Blanchett , yet she got torn down by our media, until she left for the UK.
Yep - with your first point I was blown away by a vid of a young American guy who explained his story in terms of hours of employment needed to cover the basics in Aus versus same back in USA. It ended up being something like 17 hours in Aus versus 30 something in USA. It blew me away because money is time, rather than the other way around. Be a good one to react to.
It's great to hear someone say that our casual rates are not bad. Our well educated and well travelled journalists never go against the narrative that pay here is so bad that the casual worker can barely afford to eat and will never get ahead. It's nice to see how well we compare to other nations ❤
Another very easy to watch video Ashleigh :) Having spent a lot of time in the US, I totally agree with your rocket fuel comment about coffee. I have seen a change though over the past 20 years in both countries. In wealthier areas such as anywhere tech heavy in the bay area, I really fell in love with how seriously they took high quality filter. But this was something that started appearing in serious Australian roasters. Meanwhile on the other side of the country, the Aussie invasion of Greenwich Village, you could find one, then another then a bunch of Australian run cafes that were serious about serving up espresso with care, and almost as importantly.... encourage people to sit, socialise (not on a laptop please), rather than grab something tall, strong to go. The Australian cafe invasion has worked its way into other countries as well. In Japan, our family lived in Fukuoka. It's a smaller city and I'd liken to Adelaide to Australia is Fukuoka to Japan. But there is literally now an Australian cafe district. And knowing how popular it would be (and also having a love affair with Japan), the late Bill Granger opened up more cafes in Japan than his original home of Sydney. But it is telling something is happening in Japan when my favourite Sydney cafe lost their York St branch during Covid (Single O), packed it up and sent it to Tokyo. To be fair, I knew this would happen. Way back when the Surry Hills cafe lost their Japanese barista back to his homeland. Upon arriving home, Yama-san was keen to setup Single O in Japan. It's small (like most Aussie roasters), but have very strong ties with coffee plantation owners in South America, Africa etc and by keeping the relationships strong, they could export raw beans to two locations (Sydney & Tokyo), rather than just Sydney alone. Well over 10 years later, he stlll maintains a handful of cafes and roastery, but send his roasted, packaged beans across the country clearly labelled with their Aussie and Japanese roastery addresses on them. (Collegues of mine in Japan knowing I choose quality of quantity took me to such a cafe in Yokohama, and couldn't help but acknowledge their good job! --- When it comes to tall poppy syndrome, I think it's slightly more nuanced than that. I can explain by referring to a similar phrase from Japan that is "the nail that sticks out, get hammered down". In Japan, it is 100% as it states. Even the use of descriptive words of a solid hammer and a likely a hard surface, that you will submit to be the same as everyone else. But in Australia there is more to it. The wording is more flowery (yes, literally). But it's more about modesty and fairness, than an objection to individuality. And the best way to illustrate it, is by how we treat our celebrities and sportspeople. You're completely entitled to be successful, but in doing so, do it by being gracious. Any celebrity or sportsperson who breaks the rule of graciousness or modesty, will receive the tall poppy chop. But those that don't, won't and will instead be put up on a pedestal. Examples of celebrities or sportspeople that tend to be modest or gracious include Ian Thorpe, Daniel Ricciardo, Chris Hemsworth or Margot Robbie. Watch any interview from any of them and it's easy to see. We allow them to stay on top. However two good examples of well known Australians that got quickly booted included the arrogant Rupert Murdoch or the New York born, but Sydney raised, Mel Gibson. Literally the tall poppy snip was required.
I think you have the wrong idea about tall poppy. You make it sound as if no one is allowed to be different or successful. That would imply that they are all average and bland. They do have lots of very successful ppl, but if you are arrogant and treat others like lesser beings or offer an opinion before learning the facts and do it consistently you will not be popular. When living in a new country it’s best to test the water before putting your feet in it.
I moved interstate. People in my new state expected me to like their new state better than my old state. The new state people are so needy it makes me cringe whenever they ask foreign celebrities, "What do you think of it here?" My old state is a million times better. But i wont say it because i dont want to deal with backlash. Im just here because the rent is cheaper.
The tall poppy syndrom is not about hating people who stand out.. It is about hating people who talk about and boast to others about how they stand out... A person who stands out will get admired and even praised for doing so if they are humble.. But once someone starts boasting like the famous american boxer Muhammad Ali """"I AM THE CREATEST!!!!"""" Then we don't care how good of a boxer you are we will be out to mock you and denigrate you and do everything we can to cut you down.. In Australia It's far better to get praised and honored by other people then to be the one praising and big noting yourself..
To understand the Australian mentality, you need to understand that life is too short to take it seriously, so just have fun because nothing else truly matters. Kennedy was completely wrong because it is what does your country do for you and not what you do for your country that matters. Health care is a basic human right and should not be used for profit. Australia has a health system that places people before profit and the USA has a health industry that places profit before people. As an Australian my favourite thing is that Australia is the 6th largest country in the world but only has around 25 million people so you don't have to travel far to find a quiet place away from other people and just enjoy your existence.
Australia is barely making ends meat lol as soon as china cuts their spending on minerals by a quarter your going to get reamed on the stock exchange and world bank. You've become so reliant on china and the rest of the world that your this close to becoming a third world nation under 30 million people.
I'd also like to hear your answer to this: if america is so bad with health how come so many Canadians cross the border every day for our brilliant same day surgeries? in Canada under socialism people are waiting up to 2 years for surgeries 🤷♂️ I don't know about you but I'd rather pay a monthly fee for insurance and get same day surgeries rather than wait for an ethnic dr to see me in 2 years after I've done more damage to my leg, back, eye, head, neck hip 😂😂😂
@@resiefan3258 The issue is not with the quality or availability of healthcare, it is who is excluded. I'd hazard a guess most would prefer to be in a queue than be unable to join the queue.
@@resiefan3258 I agree, US healthcare is great if you can afford it or not precluded by your insurance because your condition is pre-existing. I believe in a mixed system which uses capitalism where it works best e.g. in the industrial sector, but socialism where it provides the best outcomes for the most people e.g. healthcare. Again, it is about nuance, using the right tools/system or combination thereof for the job.
@resiefan3258 lol. The USA actually has one of the worst hospital systems in the world, there are no minimum staffing levels and the USA has one of the highest death rates for both women and infants during birth. The American health industry is ridiculously expensive to the point where the majority of Americans will not call an ambulance in an emergency and will put up with health problems that Canadians and Australians will seek treatment for immediately. An American will be charged over $100,000 for the treatment of a heart attack but Canadians and Australians pay nothing. An American who is in intensive care for covid will receive a bill for over $800,000 but Australians and Canadians don't have to pay anything and the cost to the public health system is around $50,000 so that gives you an idea just how much profit American hospitals make from sick people. The procedures that Canadians are going to the USA for are mostly cosmetic and are not covered by the public health system. Personally I have never had to wait more than 2 months for any non emergency treatments and the longest I have waited in an emergency was 4 hours for a specialist. In the USA the leading cause of homelessness is bankruptcy caused by medical debt.
Tall poppy syndrome is very much from our Irish ancestry, when your family has been subjugated by English Protestants of power and wealth. The spirit of the Eureka Stockade lives on, your privilege and wealth has no bearing on your worth as a human being. To be respected you must earn it every day of your life, every action, at all times. We don’t care how good you were in the past, what have you got to offer now. Just because you won the lottery of life, wealth, beauty, it doesn’t automatically make you superior. Respect must be earned, and that is available to all walks of life, even at the lowest levels of society.
Tall poppy syndrome is alive and well in Australia but it’s usually aimed at well known celebrities from actors, singers to sporting figures. At first many Aussies love to support them but then cut them down if they believe they’re getting full of themselves but also it can be just from sheer petty jealousy and sour grapes in order to make ‘themselves’ feel better. Whereas if everyday people are successful most Aussies would think good for them, well done.
i spent over four years living and working in mainland China. The thing that I noticed the most was the way their families work. My girlfriend there had parents who had divorced and it was interesting to see the dynamics of the aunties and uncles families and how they interacted with my girlfriend. It was much different to what I had experienced here in Australia and it taught me a lot about tolerance. Also the concept of 'face' was new to me but even though I have been back in Australia for fifteen years I still am careful to not insult people unless they have directly insulted me.
I call that common courtesy. Why insult someone who has not done anything to you? People can cause you lots of trouble if you get them off side. They can also be very helpful is they like you.
I feel Australians value people who they feel deserve their success and that’s the key there as well, who decides on who’s deserving or not and I feel much of that is pushed by the media, but I do feel like we do often go out on a limb to cut down those who don’t really deserve to be piled on. Big examples are Kylie Minogue back in the day, even a few child stars, mostly celebrities who are seen as lame or silly, don’t get the room to grow. We have an issue with idolising just for the sake of idolising because someone did a thing. I feel our culture doesn’t promote idolatry as much as the US. In my experience, when I have had to deal with Americans for work, I don’t know if it’s the culture, but no one will take initiative. You have to make very clear rules and give clear instructions or no body will know what to do. I don’t know what that’s about. In my company we have to make full lists and instructionals just so our US team will not just sit there and do nothing until instructed. That attitude, im aware may not be indicative of the whole nation, but we have a few teams world Wide and the US is the only team that needs that extra attention & hand holding. Good at asking lots of questions but they take a long time to apply anything without further instruction. Is that the work culture in the US?
Tall Poppy Syndrome is definitely a thing here in Australia but I often hear it being misapplied by a-holes and people whose success brings out their inner Karen. You can be proud of your achievements and talk about them and that will be celebrated with you. But if you start to behave as if your achievements or success entitles you to special treatment or somehow proves you are a better and more important person, that will not be tolerated. Australians value egalitarianism above all else; the idea that we are all to be treated the same, that nobody is worth any more or any less than anybody else. Tip for Americans: follow your opinions and self-promotion with a self-deprecating comment to show you're still humble. Australians will appreciate it. P.S. It's great having you in Australia, Ashleigh!
We had an Japanese student staying with us in Melbourne. He just did not know how to RELAX. It took awhile but after a week it was lovely to see him lounging around and just sitting and pondering! 😂 also I had to laugh when he came to say to me ..”Dianne Australians are very lazy” and I then asked why? he then answered, “you go to the beach every day after school” 😂 I then explained that’s what we do here there is nothing wrong with that. 😂
That you feel safer is probably the greatest compliment you can pay , as a dad with daughters that made me happy. Hope you continue to enjoy the coffee, food,beaches,bush,cities and people...as for tall poppy syndrome, you can be rich, you can be a freak if you like...but if you are arrogant or act superior yeah, we will cut you down to size.
Pride comes before a fall and arrogance before disaster! As a Western Australian ( Sandgroper) I can tell you that Tall Poppy Syndrome does exist, but if you tone down your overconfidence which is often taken as arrogance, to a more humble gentle persuasion, you will go a lot further and be more respected.. God hates haughtiness, and that is reflected in older Australian society and culture.
In part, that’s because there’s a city in Florida called Melbourne, but it’s pronounced the other way ( MEL -born ) So you should forgive Americans for misprouncing “Melbourne” the first few times
As an Aussie. Things I wish I did more when under 40. Night picnics on the beach. River swimming. University courses. Travel the rural backroads. Climb trees, mountains, stairs. Cross country ski in places without resorts.
I grew up in outback Queensland Australia. I have travelled all over with my job. Each state is different and the towns vary too. The outback lifestyle, personal space, and mannerisms are different to the big cities. Distance plays a big part in the casual lifestyle. We are about the same landmass as the USA but we have less in the middle due to dry desert conditions. When you have to drive for two or three hours to see a doctor you have to be patient. With the populations being concentrated on the east coast everything takes time. No same-day Amazon delivery here unless you live near the depot.
Thanks Ashleigh, As an Aussie am fascinated listening to your opinions. I think a great strength of ours is preferential voting, and think the rest of the world should adopt it, including US of A.
The tall poppy syndrome- we’re very happy for other people’s success but if we can see that it has changed you in a way then we will pull you up on it. Having opinions is fine as long as you don’t over do it because then it becomes painful.
Ashleigh being an Australian sit back and relax that's the Australian way look at the sunrise and check out the sunset and enjoy everything around you. Thanks Ashleigh awesome video keep up the great work 👏
Your skin looks so glowy and clear. Hopefully signs of an overall happier, relaxed Ashleigh. Your accent reminds of someone else who also has been living here for a few years. She still has an obvious US accent but with a more Aussie cadence /rythem which is interesting and cool. I also have noticed you've adopted the local terms for certain words or things and slang quite naturally. So when you combine that with the cadence, you might sound noticeably different especially to family or friends back in the US. You can definitely see the positive affect these lifestyle/living circumstances have had on you. I feel most Aussies are very connected to nature and the outdoors not drive everywhere. Even if you catch public transport theres a certain amount of walking you do. We like to go for walks even just locally to parks or beach, we like getting out for fresh air, even in a work lunch break (if possible - not all jobs are). You see a lot of people out walking and running early mornings. Going on rd trips or hikes or just a BBQ to the beach. I do think that getting out in nature and your surrounds is so good for mental health and well being. Vitamin D, sea breeze etc. I start to feel trapped and a bit antsy if i don't have some regular outdoorsy-ness. Anyways enough of my ramble lol. I enjoyed your hearing thoughts and glad to see you doing so well in life and career etc 😊
Almost 20yrs outside the US now, and I definitely see things differently. Just having affordable healthcare is amazing. About 10 yrs ago I was diagnosed with a chronic disease that I wouldn't have been able to afford to even get tested for in the US. I've spent nights at the hospital and received excellent care - for free. Just being able to say hey, I've got a sore throat, better head to the doctor instead of - better hit the cold and flu aisle and just weather whatever this is out - is so freeing. The US has its positives, but I can't say I believe it's the best country on earth, like I (strongly) did before actually experiencing what life is like elsewhere.
Australia is much safer on the streets than the US, many people walk the sidewalks with resting smile-face which is super nice when your eyes meet and acknowledge each other.
Ironically the safest states in America are the Republican states and more ironically those states are safer than Australia, great Britain, France, south America, Africa and the middle east. Those nations have massive problems with bashings, rapes, knifings and gun violence. England alone has 18,000 stabbings per year. Sheesh watching 1 man on tv make thousands of people in a Sydney mall run just because he had a knife is so odd to me because where I live I could just disarm that guy in seconds with a pistol without even firing a shot.
I always thought the tall poppy comment was about people who elevate themselves above others not those that through actions/words are more accomplished. You can be great at your job or a sport or creative but if you run around telling everyone one how good you are they are just going to point out all the bits you aren’t good at. The term actually comes from the fact that a taller poppy (or most plants) negatively affects its neighbours, it will inhibit growth and development, it is not so they are uniform for ‘equal rights to light’ but for the survival of the crop
Very honest and mature perspectives young lady, I’m a 57 y/o Aussie male and I agree with your comments. Keep enjoying your time in this great country and I hope it fills you with great experiences. Take care and be well 😀
It really depends on where you live in Australia when it comes to tall poppy syndrome. Tasmania is very conservative so bragging or standing out isn't accepted as much there. Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne very different and tend to be more open about a lot of topics and opinions. The more country town you go, the more conservative the opinions tend to get. I think we are just taught to be more humble about our achievements because in the workplace people tend to not like working with those who are extremely arrogant and cocky. I think the difference between the US and Australia is Aussies tend to call out shitty behavior more. Like for example if someone wanted to be vocal and share a very clearly racist opinion people will call you out on that. So you are free to share your point of view here but not free from the social consiquences of those opinions. Which makes sense because some of those opinions can be super hurtful and toxic.
I don't know about this tall poppy thing but, twenty years ago I was a local telephone tech [fit & fix] The town I was based in has historicly been 'Money' & the adjoining suburb was 'Old Money'. I fixed a lot of phone services over the years, yet only once was I required to use the tradesmens entrance. One particular property had the owners helicopter on the front lawn. This dude in tatty flannel shirt with torn & paint stained jeans came to greet me in the pouring rain. Property foreman, .... right? No, it was the CEO of this multi million dollar national business operation & he made me coffee while we discussed his wife's solo round the world flight. She wrote a book about it, he gave me a copy. This man & his family made their fortune the hard way & he acted like I was doing him a real favour. I remember him fondly even now, some 23 years later. In fact, I was provided with coffee by about half of the 'landed gentry that I worked for. That's the Australian way in regional Australia as I experienced it.
This is because Australia incorporated a lot of socialist principles from its foundation in 1901 throughout the 20th century until the 1980s and the founding of neoliberalism in Australia by Paul Keating. Since the 1980s these socialist principles have declined greatly but they aren’t completely eliminated yet. However, in another 20 years and we’ll be just like the US. That’s black rock’s plan anyway.
@@NewFalconerRecords Yeah they say BrisBANE. And someone said Woomera as Woooomera, I couldn't understand it at first then I realized he was saying Woomera.
Tall poppy syndrome def exists but my take on it is, it’s fine to do well, we’ll love you for it; just don’t be an arse about it (being boastfull/shoving it in peoples faces), don’t forget who helped you get there, don’t be arrogant. Also it’s fine to have opinions and be heard but def depends how you present them.
Thanks for sharing your personal journey, you certainly have travelled, I went to LA Santa Monica about 20 yrs ago when I was 15 for 3 weeks. I think I was too young to appreciate the experience properly as the culture shock from Melb suburbs had me home sick after a few days. I would say your accent is less intense american as an example saying "Melbourne" you say that more like an Aussie as if your American accent has become thinned out not as heavy. So glad you are enjoying our country xo
a lot of peeps from the USA complain about our high prices / taxes. I think that if you compare our prices with wages there is not much difference with the USA. BUT... Our taxes are high, yes, but we get a whole lot more for them, esp in health and education. Would our gunlaws also make you feel a bit safer... Hmmm i wonder.. LOL
The idea of tall poppy is surpossed to be about being humble. You can rise to great heights and achieve great things but you must remember you probably weren't alone. People helped you. It's about not patting yourself on the back before everyone else does. We don't like those who brag about their achievements. Stay humble. The negative side is about staying in your lane. Some think if you didn't come from a certain class that you shouldn't try and "social climb". However this part is no longer as enforced as it once was due to diversity programs etc. When I was brought up, I'm 54, we left school at 15. You only stayed an extra 2 years if you wanted to go to uni. You only went to uni if you wanted to be a doctor or lawyer. And if your parents didn't go to uni, the chances of you going? Very low. You stay in your lane. I was told I was going to be someone's secretary, or assistant, or be a hairdresser or work in a boutique 🤣 so I believed them. I could have been so much more but it was not even considered. If I wanted a career, starting at the bottom and climbing up was the only option. Which was ok if you were male, being female, right when I got there, I gave it up to be a mum. Don't regret it one bit, but anyway. That's what I know about the tall poppy syndrome.
Nothing wrong with an individual's success here in Australia. It's when they want everyone to know about their success that tall poppy syndrome kicks in. Great vid mate!!
We returned home to Perth from 6 weeks holiday in UK & Europe (May/June) and we were surprised how expensive everything is over there now comparing to back home, so it is a global thing for sure. We just got back from two weeks in Bali and same it is no longer a cheap holiday like it was pre-covid. My wife is English but she could never live their again as she hates the cold and adores the Aussie lifestyle. Yes you are definately sounding more Aussie in a natural way without trying. My wife admires how us Aussies can work hard but know how to chill & smell the roses to find that balance. We are lucky we don't have a so called social class based on your background & material wealth (tall poppy syndrome) as we don't care how flash your car is or your house is so keeping up with the Jones's is not in our DNA.
The accent thing is funny. If you watch some Mason Cox interviews, all the Americans in the comments say he has an Australian accent, while all the Australians say that he doesn’t 😂
I agreed with you up until the tall poppy thing. It's not really a thing here. I'm not sure what circles you run in, I've never come across that. All my mates and workmates are happy for others success, as far as I've ever been told. Their success is our countrys success.
Nice video Ashleigh. I moved to Melbourne from India as a child in 1994. I don’t really remember how India was before I left, but whenever I go back, things change.
One can be somewhat loud in personality, but when someone is egotistically loud that’s a different story. When someone is too aggressive in their opinions it can be a turn off for many, but that’s true in many places.
Universal healthcare and safe streets (that you like) are directly connected to the communal culture or ‘tall poppy’ concept (that you don’t like). All bright lights cast shadows.
Universal healthcare Is failing in every nation that iether reaches a certain population or that has a large ethnic Muslim population. America could never afford universal healthcare we have too many people. Hell Canada is struggling with universal healthcare and they only have roughly 40 million people. Great Britain is nearly on it's knees with around 60 million people. Australia is hardly a perfect place with a lack of hospitals, drs and nurses but also most of the population reliant on cheap/free healthcare and your only 27 million people 😂
Great video, it's always good to reflect on your life choices and see if they are taking you to a better place or not, I'm happy that this reflection seems to indicate a positive outcome for you, I hope it continues 🤞
I think the tall poppy syndrome is not about knocking people who are successful (and definitely not about standing out). Australia celebrates its successful people as much as anyone. However I think Aussies expect humility. No matter who you are, if you are braggart you will be brought down a peg. Interesting about comment about opinions. After dealing with many Americans in business, I feel Americans tend to tip toe around and veil their opinions in flowery language rather than telling you straight, and many times these opinions can be misconstrued. Aussie will only share their opinions (sometimes bluntly) if they feel there is something worth saying.
It WAS like that, I went there 10 years ago and loved the quiet charm of it, returned there last year, and all those nice towns have become yuppified with expensive, fancy cafes and craft shops, it's lost a lot of it's charm, unfortunately.
Thank you for sharing your experience and perspective and insights about Australia 🇦🇺, love it. Seems to be an interesting thing to discover coffee ☕️ culture is so different overseas as an Aussie am proud that 1993 Created McCafe in aus, and we have that beautiful coffee here. 🙌🇦🇺💐
I think you misunderstand the tall poppy syndrome. Many of us who have spent quite a bit of time in the US or have contact with visitors from the US do not like the prevalance we encounter of people bragging about their own importance or achievements as if to say I am better than you. Americans seem to value above all else what job titles they have rather than what friends they have. People have asked me what I do and I say I'm an Accountant. I do not say I am the Chief Financial Officer of a multi-national company - although that is true. That is not the sort of reponse I would expect to get from a majority of Americans.
Tall poppy here in Aus has nothing to do with sharing your opinion. If you bignote yourself or are arrogant, then yes for sure, you’ll be cut down. We value differences of opinion or discourse, but not when it’s one sided or if you’re “full of it”. Another one is if someone feels like you’re getting “too big for your boots” then generally you’ll be put in your place and taken down a notch. You may be feeling this given your accent and being American - unfortunately that alone makes you a target for tall poppy syndrome coz of preconceptions of being big mouths, arrogant, highly opinionated etc (this is obviously a generalisation - I’m sure you’re lovely). Keep enjoying your life here in Aus ❤
Tall poppy its called, but really its like keeping those that stand out grounded mixed with Australian style humor. Americans mever seem to get aussie humor . We call our mates cnts. Once you get ot you'll relax more.
@@needaman66 I think we kid ourselves about that. TPS is not about the attitude of the tall poppy themselves, it’s about small minded and resentful folk trying to take them down a notch to feel better about themselves. It’s not humour, it’s just insecurity.
Im going out on a limb here. The USA is fascinating to me. I'd love to go and live there for a while. Ive visited twice and its a fascinating place. The diversity in everything is next level. Anyways im here for now and i love Australia ❤
I think tall poppy syndrome stems from a rejection of British class rule. I think Australians are so possessive of their egalitarianism that they don't realise they are also stifling individuality and entrepreneurship.
@@ShakPlays I looked up psychopathic traits and I couldn't see anything that resembles that so when you say literally you really mean it's you just gaslighting.
I definitely noticed that some of your vowels are sounding more Australian. We're sinking into your bones 😅 As for tall poppy syndrome, it's not so much that we don't like success, but that we don't like ppl who become arrogant with their success. I do think though, that we can seem hyper-sensitive to criticism, especially on social media. Don't let our apparent negativity bring you down 😊
I don’t think you really understand the tall poppy thing here. It’s not about standing out or being different, it’s more about losing perspective and a sense of reality.
The accent bit is interesting! Our accent is notoriously hard to immitate, so I'm fascinated that you found it easier to pick up than the NZ accent. Tho maybe it makes sense 'cause the Aussie accent is a very lazy accent, while NZers overpronounces a lot of things. I can definitely hear it a little tho. You certainly sound American, but you pronounce Australian places correctly, and there's slight Aussie inflections on some words
When my sister went to America, she couldn't get a good coffee anywhere, even by her standards, (she likes it super strong) so she watched the barristas and notice they squish the coffee in too much. So she ended up going behind the counter, to teach the guy how to do it properly. Press firmly, but not too firm, that's all the difference is, it's bitter because the hot water can't penetrate the coffee grounds properly and ends up burning the outer parts.
Tall Poppy syndrome is more about keeping arrogance in check, not disrespecting people's achievements.
It's a bit of both.
NOpe. Tall Poppy syndrome is totally about cutting somebody down who may have achieved more than you have.
@@mumufried9083 that may be so and I don't disagree with that definition but then it should only be applied in those specific cases where someone has been cut down 'just for being tall' and not for being arrogant and a total bore.
There's a reason why it's called "syndrome". Keeping arrogance in check is called humilty - no one calls humilty a syndrome. It's called that because it comes from a compulsive need to undercut other people's success. It has nothing to do with arrogance.
@@mumufried9083 that is a two dimensional view of it. it's a deeper phenomenon than that.
Tall poppy syndrome is very much aimed at people who "big note themselves", so you can succeed & do well, but if you seem "too full of yourself" you will be cut down. It doesn't take much to start to trigger the reaction. We tend to love underdogs, quiet achievers, that is a part of the culture here. Not fans of anything we see as arrogance & excessive pride. I've observed that people from the US often have that big energy going on in regards to self confidence & self promotion & don't hesitate to proudly & loudly claim their achievements. Nothing wrong with that at all, it's just in many ways its an opposite approach. It can lead to misunderstandings & irritation on both sides unfortunately.
Yes, it puts posers back in their place...on the ground with the rest of us
No it’s not, it’s aimed at successful people fullstop, even modest, humble successful people
@@gloryglory5688 Bullshit (and typical). The above was well articulated and there's nothing substantial I'd add. You, however, clearly have undefined issues with a basic no dickheads policy.
@@gloryglory5688. In my 60 plus years of experience, I have not seen successful people who do not behave with arrogance or entitlement being cut down. I think it is more about how self aware people are and whether they realise how many others perceive their behaviour in comparison to how they think they are behaving. What is commonly thought of as entitled or arrogant behaviour?
Sorry, but the tall poppy syndrome *_is_* aimed at successful people.... but not rich people. (Australians still like to tug the forelock, especially with billionaires who inherited their wealth.) Australians still look askance at anyone who is knowledgeable and self-confident.
The reason we have decent wages in this country is that we don't have tipping. We feel it is the employers responsibility to pay their employees a decent wage, not the customers.
And unions
The trouble is in Australia particularly you all where forced to close up shop for quite a while and now many shops have closed for good to never come back. The high rents and taxes your shops all must pay is so rediculous that I'm shocked you haven't reverted to tips by now. I despise tips but Australia is hardly a perfect country for workers when jobs in the service industry are few and far between.
@@larrykelly-kf5ppCFMEU anybody???? Sheesh man you guys need to rethink unions.
@@resiefan3258nah, just that one.
@resiefan3258 LOL the CFMEU issue is mainly that dodgy developers are keen to pay bribes to expedite projects, and once that starts, corruption grows like a cancer. Unions are critical support for decent wages and conditions.
I feel like people misunderstand the "tall poppy syndrome". It's not about not sharing opinions or not showing confidence and such, it's about not getting an overinflated opinion of yourself and thinking you're much better than everyone else. Such as arrogance. This is why Aussies like to sit in the front passenger seat of the taxi, talk to the CEO no matter how low you are on the corporate ladder, or showing respect and talking to the cleaning staff at a corporate office. I've noticed that people in Australia like it when you treat them the same no matter who they are.
We Australians like to think we're unique and special. We're not. For example, sitting in the front seat of a taxi is common around the world. And no, employees do *_not_* get to talk to company CEOs.
@@davidhoward4715 Nobody said that sitting in the front seat of a taxi was unique to Australia.
@@davidhoward4715 I'll give you an example of American exceptionalism. Pfizer Ceo came to visit the West Ryde facility in Sydney and was accompanied by many men in Black carrying concealed weapons. A wanker like that in Australia would be a strong candidate for tall poppy treatment.
@@MrBCorp That is literally the opposite of the correct definition. Tall Poppy syndrome is the dark side of the egalitarian image we have of ourselves. It’s all about taking other people down a peg when we think they’re too successful (because it makes us feel inadequate) The clue is in the name.
@@davidhoward4715Well, I am a lowly operator in the plant that I work in and speak on a first name basis with our regional manager. I also spoke to the company CEO the same way when I met him on his visit to WA from the US. But obviously they don't visit us plebs too often. But I did the same when Andrew Forrest visited our site at Murrin years ago
Tall poppy syndrome isn’t about opinions or confidence, it’s about arrogance and entitlement.
@@shmick6079 er no it isn’t. It seems a lot of people have misunderstood what TPS means. It’s not about the attitude of the tall poppy themselves, it’s about small minded and resentful folk trying to take them down a notch to feel better about themselves.
@@paulidevoss7249 not sure where you get the “small minded” qualifier from.
What would you call it when a non small-minded person calls out a person for bragging about their success?
@@paulidevoss7249 again, who hurt you petal? Check your own arrogance at the door and you may get hurt less often.
True, there is a similar cultural attitude in the Nordic countries. You can be proud of your achievements but be humble, don't brag and certainly don't think you are better than anyone else - you don't know what they might be good at.
You all are suffering from TPS
A tourist asked me one day in Melbourne where they could get a good coffee. I said in any place that sells coffee. You would go out of business pretty quickly if your coffee wasn’t good in Melbourne. Actually pretty much anywhere in Australia really.
We are absolute coffee snobs 😂
But mostly Melbourne. We pride ourselves on our cafe culture and are possibly the greatest coffee snobs in the country.
I have had coffee at Gloria Jeans and also at Starbucks. (We have both here where I live.) It is so bitter, because they burn the coffee.
@@SnowyRVulpix A badge we wear with pride.
you can thank Italian immigrants for your coffee culture ✌️🇮🇹🇭🇲
Aussie here in my mid 50s. Tall Poppy Syndrome is absolutely a thing - but its not quite what you said. It's not about tearing down someone because they are successful. It's more about responding to someone who arrogantly flaunts their success. Australia is a relavtively egalitarian society (especially compared to the US), and so people who like to insist they are better than everyone else are going to experience some significant push back.
As a schoolkid I was teased for.the fact that my mother drove a Mercedes in a relatively blue-collar town. Neither she nor I particularly flaunted the car in any way, I don't remember ever even mentioning the make of car to anyone (I am absolutely not a car snob) nor do I remember her particularly doing so either. So to some extent it is the mere fact of being out of the ordinary that attracts criticism.
@@lilymarinovic1644 I'd suggest that it is being DIFFERENT that can result in teasing from children, who can be incredibly cruel. As as child, I remember other children being teased (or worse) for being too tall, too short, too fat, wearing glasses, having red hair, being dumb, being smart, having imperfect teeth, having an accent, being of a particular race or religion, having a particular haircut, wearing a particular brand of shoes, liking the "wrong" sports team or musical artist etc. etc. etc.. I think that this is a global phenomenon with kids immaturely hurting their peers, rather than necessarily an example of tall poppy syndrome.
@@lilymarinovic1644I used to get teased for being dropped off in a 40 year old Morris Minor. At least your Merc had air con lol
Tall Poppy Syndrome is not about despising success or having an opinion. It's more about not putting up with the egotistical attitude or arrogance that can go with it.
Yep , agreed. Much better definition than the first ones. Cheers..!
You all are suffering from TPS
There is nowhere in the world that celebrates the success of its international sports people like Australia.
That occurs right up until THEY decide they are something special.
That's not tall poppy syndrome, that's just an ego check.
Be good, be great out on the field or track, with your canoe or you gun, bat stick or racket, but when your home you're just another Aussie, do your job, drink your beer and don't be a dickhead.
@@timg6252And don't force your politics on us, unless it concerns sport related policy!
As a Melbournian bloke (and a Dad), I am soo happy that you feel safe. On tall poppy syndrome, we do like our high achievers, just look at our Olympic results for a country with a population smaller than Tokyo. As long as those gold medal winners don't profess their own awesomeness.
Yes, she should be good at some sport if she wants instant citizenship.
I hear there is an opening int he Break-dancing team...
Yeah, see also FIGJAM 😊
No. Success in sport is celebrated. In the arts and business or success overseas: “Who does he think he is?”
TPS is just an anti-narcissist feature. You're still encouraged to be the best primate you can be.
It is amazing the coffee culture we have in Melbourne. Son who loves his coffee is currently in Italy and has commented that it is the only place that is comparable, he has travelled extensively through Asia and Europe. I think we can thank our Italian migrants for the coffee culture.
interesting about italy! i haven’t been, but i typically haven’t loved italian style espresso in the past
@@coffeeenut Italians don't just have expresso. There are dozens of alternatives. I tried a few of them on my 2 trips there. All were very good. See 3:47 in this short Italian comedy skit ua-cam.com/video/tzQuuoKXVq0/v-deo.html
@@ChristopherJewels neither do Aussies. Mind you mostly espresso, but Greek, Turkish, cold brewed any many others a readily available. I think you’ll struggle to find an American style coffee machine anywhere though!
@@ChristopherJewels sorry, just saw the video. All of those are available in the majority of cafes here in Melbourne, Most if not all are based on espresso shots.
@@brianandrea3249 Variety (of coffee beans) is the spice of life. Never tried a Caffè corretto when I was over there in Italy. Might have to try one here in Brisbane one time.
Not sure about the tall poppy syndrome, I think it's a bit overstated. The main thing Aussies can't stand is conceited behaviour.
That’s always been my understanding of Tall Poppy syndrome. We’re happy to support people who excel but will burst an inflated ego.
@@nerissarowan8119 Exactly, look at how we revere our sports people except if they have inflated egos... tennis anyone?
And I think Americans kinda feel TPS more is because if the cultural differences, they unintentionally give of a sort of “vibe” of arrogance that a lot of us pick up on. Also doesn’t help that for a lot of us have a sort of fear of Americanisation, so in general feel more ready to pushback when there is anything American.
My husband worked on building sites. A work colleague/friend had a brother who was a self made millionaire (ended up a billionaire). His brother saw my husband in the street (in his work overalls) and stopped in traffic and called out to him to jump into his brand new convertible Rolls Royce and to come for a ride around town. My husband didn’t want to get into the car because of his dirty overalls. The guy insisted he get in and not to worry about it. So my husband was chauffeured around town in his lunch hour. That was an example of “not being a tall poppy”. Being a tall poppy would have been to ignore him or talk about how much he was worth and how much his car was worth … we even ran into him at the Airport once and he was on the same international flight and although he was in 1st Class and we were in Economy he came back to talk to us during the flight. A Tall Poppy would have ignored us as beneath him. It’s all about the attitude of the Tall Poppy, not the the offence taken by the people that he belittles with an air of superiority and rudeness. My father (God rest his soul) always said, “it’s not what you say, it’s how you say it”.
I totally agree with your father. It's how you talk that could irritate some people.
@@judileeming1589 Being a tall poppy does not mean you brag about your worth or accomplishments. It just means you’re successful and accomplished. Tall poppy syndrome is when other people want to take you down a peg because of that. It’s not about the attitude of the person who’s successful, it’s about the mentality of the small minded folk who want to bring them down to their level.
@@paulidevoss7249 well I am an old lady and that was what I was brought up believing. Thankfully I have never personally seen anyone cut down to size or felt demeaned myself.
@@paulidevoss7249 dude, who hurt you? Perhaps time for some mirror gazing?
@@heatherrowles9930 i'll second that !
Yeah G'day Ash,
Yes, we can thank the Greeks, and Italian migrants, and later on add the Turkish/Lebanese communities who came out bringing their coffee culture here and how it was to be enjoyed with family and friends not rushed but drunk leisurely in a relaxed environment. As to the accent, it's not so pronounced now and you have picked up some of our mannerisms of not being so tense and just more comfortable like a Southern Hemi resident.
I agree with your comments about the Australian coffee. From my visits back to North America, (Canada, my place of birth. And the United States, where I spent many years in school). When I have flown back to Australia, before I even leave the air terminal, I head straight to the airport coffee shop for a double shot, (large) espresso. Then I feel truly home. My Italian brother-in-law prefers Aussie coffee now over Italian coffee. And that's saying something.
its the best!
+DavidCalvert-mh9sy Why does this make me want to get a passport Just to try Australian coffee now? 🤣. Weridly though, I do have to be very careful because most caffeine w/o sugar puts me to sleep. And I'm always down to try and experiment with new coffee places in general-I do need to experiment w/something prior to this 1st just to see how it'd actually affect me because now I am very curious by something.
I found a good coffee in nyc on a trip to the USA - was served in a huge bowl thing though . It was the 5th state into the trip.
Australia's Tall Poppy Syndrome (TPS) is deeply rooted in our unique history as a former convict colony. From its early days, Australian society was shaped by a strong sense of egalitarianism and a pronounced disdain for the upper class, who were often viewed as oppressors. This cultural legacy has led to a social environment where standing out or achieving significant success can attract criticism and attempts to "cut down" those who rise above the rest. TPS reflects our deep-seated values of equality and humility, where societal harmony is maintained by discouraging perceived elitism or arrogance.
@@utha2665 I agree with your thoughts about the historical backdrop for TPS, but we’re kidding ourselves if we think it reflects values of equality and humility. It actually reflects small-mindedness and insecurity when we can’t celebrate the achievements of others. It’s one of the more persistent delusions we cling to in Australia, along with misunderstanding what ‘the lucky country’ means. The original quote was ‘Australia is a lucky country run by second rate people who share its luck’
@@paulidevoss7249 I never said I agreed with these deep seated values, they are perceived values at best that only undermines innovation and success. But I really don't like show ponies and those that think they are better than everyone else. You can be successful and maintain respect for those on whose shoulders they stand. I personally don't have an issue celebrating someone else's success, but they need to show they are down to earth and not be arrogant about it.
@@paulidevoss7249yes, a lot of comments acting like tall poppy syndrome never spills over into being a negative spiteful person, it definitely does.
@@paulidevoss7249 but we do celebrate the achievements of others........when we can celebrate WITH them. Its when twits start thinking theyre somehow better than others they get cut down to size. I dont care WHAT you do, you are no "better" than the least of us.
Tall-Poppy Syndrome: Literally a psychopathic trait 🤔
Interesting to hear your comments about feeling safer here. Is good to know our society is like that.
Let’s keep it that way !
I saw a social media post from an American woman talking about how freaked out she gets whenever she goes for a run outside. Wow. Meanwhile I feel quite comfortable walking down the road at night by myself in Australia.
@@Nalijay 100% we gotta keep it that way!
We can’t afford division, if anything more unity
I'd be worried if any american didn't feel safer here than that place
hmm, getting run down by a car in a street mall..hardly safe
It is mandatory for Aussies to relax on the couch mate 😀 its so cool that you are becoming one of us!!!! woo!
Resistance is futile! 😄
🤣🤣🤣
@@coffeeenut OK, Kiwi here. But 3:50. I know you don't want to get political ........
But that sounded so interesting! Especially a difference in cultural perspective. I really want to hear more about that, as your first person, US opinions, would be really illuminating.
I only buy couches that are long enough and comfortable enough to sleep on 🤤
Let me share my opinion as you are fine with that. Tall poppy syndrome is a myth. We just don't like aholes who think they are better than everyone else.
Says it all, Safer and less anxious about $$$, 2 important Well being Factors.
agreed!
And having good health care for everyone!
Just don't be living in your car or tents hilarious
We don’t measure our worth by striving after success. We value dignity, humility, integrity, compassion, fairness, trust. We don’t live to work, we work to live.
I came from England to Australia 50 years ago when I was 27 years old. I have no idea what Australia has done to me but I'm different now. I could never go back.
ditto, emigrated to Australia in 1983. It's so special, hope it stays that way. Not saying we don't have problems. But I would never go back.
@createwithbarbbl4125 most of our problems are quite minor compared to other countries. And they are more than made up for with the good things like no smoking, good health care, long life expectancy, and stable economy.
Yep, came from England in 2001, but I feel the same.
We made you all cool, that's what happened. Lol
Good one Ashleigh, been here 38 years myself, have to think of what has changed for me since leaving the US. Thanks for your insights.
With its relatively small population, spread out around the coasts, there is much less of a competitive culture in Australia. This puts Aussies at a significant disadvantage since we are not raised to be ambitious, striving for improvement. We do things at our own pace because for most of our history, we were alone and heard about world news a while after it happened. So no rush. No worries.
The laidback attitude can be an Aussie detriment when new arrivals from bustling, competitive cultures like America, India, Hong Kong, etc, are willing to take advantage of gaping niches that Aussies ignore. The entrepreneurship of migrants allows them to outperform Aussies.
The tall-poppy syndrome is definitely a thing in Australia.
However, it used to be about a person big-noting themselves, which is not appreciated.
If someone achieves something outstanding, it is supposed to be others who will bring it to light.
Not self-aggrandisement, which is where the self-promoting tall poppy gets cut down.
We have plenty of heroes and high achievers but they are supposed to be gracious and humble in their victory or excellence. It comes back to the egalitarianism that underpinned the Australian development. Fair go, mate.
Early Aussie culture didn’t like the British caste system, where family connections and clout were praised, but hard work and achievement by those with less polish was ignored, or glory was taken for someone else’s work. We didn’t want overlords. But we choose our heroes based on actual performance not appearance.
During the two World Wars, Australian forces were subjected to incompetent leadership by Brits, based on their rich family power having purchased a military office. So wealthy idiots in charge put Aussie soldiers at risk.
It was more complicated than just cutting down winners and criticising them.
Best comment!
I don't know what Aussie household you were raised in but in the household I was raised in we were encouraged to be ambitious and constantly try for improvement. And surprise surprise my friends parents were the same and I raised my kids the same.
@@ghighiannemorrison4922
I’m not sure how old you are.
My grandparents generation was raised not to be pushy. Standing out was bad form.
Self promotion was not applauded. It was all part of the cultural cringe of being from a former penal colony.
My parents were children during WWII.
Apparently, Australians found the American servicemen who visited Australia on R & R (Rest & Recreation) pushy. “Over sexed, Over paid, and Over here.”
After the war, waves of European migrants arrived and changed the culture of Australia. Having been through war in their homelands, they were willing to make a go of the new opportunities. Whereas, Australians had not been under attack, at least, most of them had not realised they had been because the news was withheld.
I grew up next door to a veteran Aussie who told humourous tales of his time in both world wars. There was no glory or heroic victory. It was very laidback.
I grew up in the inner city of Sydney and this attitude was common postwar, as were Anti-German, Anti-Italian and Anti-Japanese attitudes.
The Boomer generation, my generation was different. Our parents wanted us to strive for a better life. But society in the 1960s and 1970s was very patriarchal.
As a girl, I was still seen to be very pushy if I stood out or outshone a boy. I was told to be modest.
Society praised even the mediocre performance of boys, while ignoring girls, since they would leave school and work until some man married them.
Women were expected to resign when they married. Employers were not going to stand in the way of a husband’s rights, since most employers were husbands.
And the tall poppy syndrome still held people back from self promotion and taking on risks.
Migrants who had endured wars, occupation and survival arrived ready to build a new life. Aussies of older generations found it hard to deal with all the ‘New Australians’. I heard them talk about it.
This was when listening to the radio was common and TV had only just arrived in Australia.
TV generations of Aussie kids learned a new culture through regular TV shows. It was new to our parents too.
@@ghighiannemorrison4922I think you may be a post-boomer not to know that that was generally the way in Australia in its history. It is getting better now. S.A., with no penal system, did strive to improve life and produced many famous people who, of course, left Australia to take their knowledge and inventions further.
You missed putting 2 and 2 together. Grab your favorite read, go to cafe, drink coffee while reading and relaxing. So did you achieve something doing that? Bugger all except you took time for yourself and that's gold.
Hi Ashleigh.
I’ve watched a few of your videos now and I think you’ve got the balance right.
I was born and raised here in a working class family (father was a boilermaker-welder and mother a home maker) and like most parents, mine wanted my brother and me to have a better quality of life than they had. So they worked hard and encouraged us to work hard and we did end up with higher qualifications and a wealthier lifestyle than their’s. However, I NEVER forgot where we came from! My brother, on the other hand did. And I continually let him know about it!😊 This is at the heart of the TPS. It’s really OK to do well in life, but don’t forget your roots, and don’t be arrogant about your success. It’s that simple.
Tall poppy syndrome isn't just something that happens to people who become successful. It's for those who become successful AND think the success makes them better than others. It's about reminding people of who they are & where they cane from.
Great video and I completely agree! I moved from the U.S. as well last year here to Aus and so I’ve been here almost a year on the WHV and it’s safe to say I will not be going back to the States 😂. That was the intent anyway but yea specify here in Aus the wages, work culture and just overall personal happiness for me has been just amazing. Everywhere has its ups and downs like you said but personally coming from the States, yea it’s good over here in comparison and just not being stressed about every last thing or work or money or whatever politician is in the news now or whatever. It’s great here and I plan on staying here for a while 😃👏🏾
thanks so much!
Welcome friend.
You're very welcome here.🥰
Good on you mate
Best of luck to you Ross.
An example of Australian tall poppy, Cate Blanchet was criticized heavily, mainly by US citizens, about saying she was middle class. The argument was because she was a rich movie star, how could she possibly be middle class? True to her Oz upbringing, to brag about her wealth would be crass and just not a thing that should be done by an Australian. Also she was being true to her middle class Melborne roots, she still has the values she grew up with. Tall Poppy is nebulas, but Australians recognise it. And know how to avoid getting cut down, if they still care about where they came from. I hope that helps. Having tickets on yourself, should be a term you should look up. That is a no, no in Australian society.
But Kylie Minogue suffered from the Tall Poppy Syndrome. She said it herself many times. Does she have a ticket on herself ? I don;t think so. She is very humble, just like Cate Blanchett , yet she got torn down by our media, until she left for the UK.
Yep - with your first point I was blown away by a vid of a young American guy who explained his story in terms of hours of employment needed to cover the basics in Aus versus same back in USA. It ended up being something like 17 hours in Aus versus 30 something in USA. It blew me away because money is time, rather than the other way around. Be a good one to react to.
would love the name of the video/channel! thanks so much
@@coffeeenutsounds like Tristan Kuhn
And let's keep it that way!
The Productive working class should not be slaving away or suffering to enrich or at the expense the Capital Owning Class.
@@pebblepod30 Yeah ok, calm down, Karl Marx
@@Humandog19I think so as well
It's great to hear someone say that our casual rates are not bad. Our well educated and well travelled journalists never go against the narrative that pay here is so bad that the casual worker can barely afford to eat and will never get ahead.
It's nice to see how well we compare to other nations ❤
Another very easy to watch video Ashleigh :)
Having spent a lot of time in the US, I totally agree with your rocket fuel comment about coffee. I have seen a change though over the past 20 years in both countries. In wealthier areas such as anywhere tech heavy in the bay area, I really fell in love with how seriously they took high quality filter. But this was something that started appearing in serious Australian roasters.
Meanwhile on the other side of the country, the Aussie invasion of Greenwich Village, you could find one, then another then a bunch of Australian run cafes that were serious about serving up espresso with care, and almost as importantly.... encourage people to sit, socialise (not on a laptop please), rather than grab something tall, strong to go.
The Australian cafe invasion has worked its way into other countries as well. In Japan, our family lived in Fukuoka. It's a smaller city and I'd liken to Adelaide to Australia is Fukuoka to Japan. But there is literally now an Australian cafe district. And knowing how popular it would be (and also having a love affair with Japan), the late Bill Granger opened up more cafes in Japan than his original home of Sydney.
But it is telling something is happening in Japan when my favourite Sydney cafe lost their York St branch during Covid (Single O), packed it up and sent it to Tokyo. To be fair, I knew this would happen. Way back when the Surry Hills cafe lost their Japanese barista back to his homeland. Upon arriving home, Yama-san was keen to setup Single O in Japan. It's small (like most Aussie roasters), but have very strong ties with coffee plantation owners in South America, Africa etc and by keeping the relationships strong, they could export raw beans to two locations (Sydney & Tokyo), rather than just Sydney alone.
Well over 10 years later, he stlll maintains a handful of cafes and roastery, but send his roasted, packaged beans across the country clearly labelled with their Aussie and Japanese roastery addresses on them. (Collegues of mine in Japan knowing I choose quality of quantity took me to such a cafe in Yokohama, and couldn't help but acknowledge their good job!
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When it comes to tall poppy syndrome, I think it's slightly more nuanced than that.
I can explain by referring to a similar phrase from Japan that is "the nail that sticks out, get hammered down".
In Japan, it is 100% as it states. Even the use of descriptive words of a solid hammer and a likely a hard surface, that you will submit to be the same as everyone else.
But in Australia there is more to it. The wording is more flowery (yes, literally). But it's more about modesty and fairness, than an objection to individuality.
And the best way to illustrate it, is by how we treat our celebrities and sportspeople.
You're completely entitled to be successful, but in doing so, do it by being gracious.
Any celebrity or sportsperson who breaks the rule of graciousness or modesty, will receive the tall poppy chop. But those that don't, won't and will instead be put up on a pedestal.
Examples of celebrities or sportspeople that tend to be modest or gracious include Ian Thorpe, Daniel Ricciardo, Chris Hemsworth or Margot Robbie. Watch any interview from any of them and it's easy to see. We allow them to stay on top.
However two good examples of well known Australians that got quickly booted included the arrogant Rupert Murdoch or the New York born, but Sydney raised, Mel Gibson. Literally the tall poppy snip was required.
so interesting about the greenwich village comment! so so so true!! every time i go back to nyc there’s more and more aussie cafes
I think you have the wrong idea about tall poppy. You make it sound as if no one is allowed to be different or successful. That would imply that they are all average and bland. They do have lots of very successful ppl, but if you are arrogant and treat others like lesser beings or offer an opinion before learning the facts and do it consistently you will not be popular. When living in a new country it’s best to test the water before putting your feet in it.
Of course she doesn’t get it she’s not from here.
@@jenniferhill1882 to be honest their are some Aussie who don’t get it either.
We Aussies learned about coffee from our post ww2 Italian immigrants...especially Melbourne! 😊
I moved interstate. People in my new state expected me to like their new state better than my old state. The new state people are so needy it makes me cringe whenever they ask foreign celebrities, "What do you think of it here?"
My old state is a million times better. But i wont say it because i dont want to deal with backlash. Im just here because the rent is cheaper.
The tall poppy syndrom is not about hating people who stand out.. It is about hating people who talk about and boast to others about how they stand out... A person who stands out will get admired and even praised for doing so if they are humble.. But once someone starts boasting like the famous american boxer Muhammad Ali """"I AM THE CREATEST!!!!"""" Then we don't care how good of a boxer you are we will be out to mock you and denigrate you and do everything we can to cut you down..
In Australia It's far better to get praised and honored by other people then to be the one praising and big noting yourself..
To understand the Australian mentality, you need to understand that life is too short to take it seriously, so just have fun because nothing else truly matters.
Kennedy was completely wrong because it is what does your country do for you and not what you do for your country that matters.
Health care is a basic human right and should not be used for profit. Australia has a health system that places people before profit and the USA has a health industry that places profit before people.
As an Australian my favourite thing is that Australia is the 6th largest country in the world but only has around 25 million people so you don't have to travel far to find a quiet place away from other people and just enjoy your existence.
Australia is barely making ends meat lol as soon as china cuts their spending on minerals by a quarter your going to get reamed on the stock exchange and world bank. You've become so reliant on china and the rest of the world that your this close to becoming a third world nation under 30 million people.
I'd also like to hear your answer to this: if america is so bad with health how come so many Canadians cross the border every day for our brilliant same day surgeries? in Canada under socialism people are waiting up to 2 years for surgeries 🤷♂️ I don't know about you but I'd rather pay a monthly fee for insurance and get same day surgeries rather than wait for an ethnic dr to see me in 2 years after I've done more damage to my leg, back, eye, head, neck hip 😂😂😂
@@resiefan3258
The issue is not with the quality or availability of healthcare, it is who is excluded. I'd hazard a guess most would prefer to be in a queue than be unable to join the queue.
@@resiefan3258 I agree, US healthcare is great if you can afford it or not precluded by your insurance because your condition is pre-existing.
I believe in a mixed system which uses capitalism where it works best e.g. in the industrial sector, but socialism where it provides the best outcomes for the most people e.g. healthcare. Again, it is about nuance, using the right tools/system or combination thereof for the job.
@resiefan3258 lol. The USA actually has one of the worst hospital systems in the world, there are no minimum staffing levels and the USA has one of the highest death rates for both women and infants during birth.
The American health industry is ridiculously expensive to the point where the majority of Americans will not call an ambulance in an emergency and will put up with health problems that Canadians and Australians will seek treatment for immediately.
An American will be charged over $100,000 for the treatment of a heart attack but Canadians and Australians pay nothing.
An American who is in intensive care for covid will receive a bill for over $800,000 but Australians and Canadians don't have to pay anything and the cost to the public health system is around $50,000 so that gives you an idea just how much profit American hospitals make from sick people.
The procedures that Canadians are going to the USA for are mostly cosmetic and are not covered by the public health system.
Personally I have never had to wait more than 2 months for any non emergency treatments and the longest I have waited in an emergency was 4 hours for a specialist.
In the USA the leading cause of homelessness is bankruptcy caused by medical debt.
Tall poppy syndrome is very much from our Irish ancestry, when your family has been subjugated by English Protestants of power and wealth. The spirit of the Eureka Stockade lives on, your privilege and wealth has no bearing on your worth as a human being. To be respected you must earn it every day of your life, every action, at all times. We don’t care how good you were in the past, what have you got to offer now. Just because you won the lottery of life, wealth, beauty, it doesn’t automatically make you superior. Respect must be earned, and that is available to all walks of life, even at the lowest levels of society.
Well said.
Tall poppy syndrome is alive and well in Australia but it’s usually aimed at well known celebrities from actors, singers to sporting figures.
At first many Aussies love to support them but then cut them down if they believe they’re getting full of themselves but also it can be just from sheer petty jealousy and sour grapes in order to make ‘themselves’ feel better.
Whereas if everyday people are successful most Aussies would think good for them, well done.
@@bellabana Exactly! You’re about the only person in the comments who actually understands what TPS actually means!
Bang on methinks.
i spent over four years living and working in mainland China. The thing that I noticed the most was the way their families work. My girlfriend there had parents who had divorced and it was interesting to see the dynamics of the aunties and uncles families and how they interacted with my girlfriend. It was much different to what I had experienced here in Australia and it taught me a lot about tolerance. Also the concept of 'face' was new to me but even though I have been back in Australia for fifteen years I still am careful to not insult people unless they have directly insulted me.
I call that common courtesy.
Why insult someone who has not done anything to you?
People can cause you lots of trouble if you get them off side.
They can also be very helpful is they like you.
Great blog, If not already, I would suggest paying for an ambulance membership in Victoria as a single ambulance trip can cost upwards of $1500.
I feel Australians value people who they feel deserve their success and that’s the key there as well, who decides on who’s deserving or not and I feel much of that is pushed by the media, but I do feel like we do often go out on a limb to cut down those who don’t really deserve to be piled on. Big examples are Kylie Minogue back in the day, even a few child stars, mostly celebrities who are seen as lame or silly, don’t get the room to grow.
We have an issue with idolising just for the sake of idolising because someone did a thing. I feel our culture doesn’t promote idolatry as much as the US.
In my experience, when I have had to deal with Americans for work, I don’t know if it’s the culture, but no one will take initiative. You have to make very clear rules and give clear instructions or no body will know what to do. I don’t know what that’s about.
In my company we have to make full lists and instructionals just so our US team will not just sit there and do nothing until instructed. That attitude, im aware may not be indicative of the whole nation, but we have a few teams world Wide and the US is the only team that needs that extra attention & hand holding. Good at asking lots of questions but they take a long time to apply anything without further instruction. Is that the work culture in the US?
Tall Poppy Syndrome is definitely a thing here in Australia but I often hear it being misapplied by a-holes and people whose success brings out their inner Karen. You can be proud of your achievements and talk about them and that will be celebrated with you. But if you start to behave as if your achievements or success entitles you to special treatment or somehow proves you are a better and more important person, that will not be tolerated. Australians value egalitarianism above all else; the idea that we are all to be treated the same, that nobody is worth any more or any less than anybody else. Tip for Americans: follow your opinions and self-promotion with a self-deprecating comment to show you're still humble. Australians will appreciate it.
P.S. It's great having you in Australia, Ashleigh!
We had an Japanese student staying with us in Melbourne. He just did not know how to RELAX. It took awhile but after a week it was lovely to see him lounging around and just sitting and pondering! 😂 also I had to laugh when he came to say to me ..”Dianne Australians are very lazy” and I then asked why? he then answered, “you go to the beach every day after school” 😂 I then explained that’s what we do here there is nothing wrong with that. 😂
The melody and cadence of your speech sounds quite Australian.
That you feel safer is probably the greatest compliment you can pay , as a dad with daughters that made me happy. Hope you continue to enjoy the coffee, food,beaches,bush,cities and people...as for tall poppy syndrome, you can be rich, you can be a freak if you like...but if you are arrogant or act superior yeah, we will cut you down to size.
Pride comes before a fall and arrogance before disaster! As a Western Australian ( Sandgroper) I can tell you that Tall Poppy Syndrome does exist, but if you tone down your overconfidence which is often taken as arrogance, to a more humble gentle persuasion, you will go a lot further and be more respected..
God hates haughtiness, and that is reflected in older Australian society and culture.
I'm just proud you can pronounce Melbourne correctly. Most Americans can't.
In part, that’s because there’s a city in Florida called Melbourne, but it’s pronounced the other way ( MEL -born ) So you should forgive Americans for misprouncing “Melbourne” the first few times
It's pronounced 'Caaarnt', m8
As an Aussie. Things I wish I did more when under 40. Night picnics on the beach. River swimming. University courses. Travel the rural backroads. Climb trees, mountains, stairs. Cross country ski in places without resorts.
Ticking away the hours that make up a dull day...... Isn't life short? 😀🇦🇺
Find a Bunyip.
ooh, yes, the night picnics on a beach..they were definitely fun!
As an Aussie, how come you didn’t? Did all of them and more until I slightly cooled down after 65. And that’s as a female. What stopped you?
Surely you can picnic at night at the beach if your in your forties.
Mason Cox (only American in Australian football) certainly sounds much more Australian in terms of accent than he did when he arrived
Totally! He has really flattened vowels now. I've never heard an American change their accent so much in such a short time.
Go 'Pies!! (this year has been very disappointing, though...)
I grew up in outback Queensland Australia. I have travelled all over with my job. Each state is different and the towns vary too. The outback lifestyle, personal space, and mannerisms are different to the big cities. Distance plays a big part in the casual lifestyle. We are about the same landmass as the USA but we have less in the middle due to dry desert conditions. When you have to drive for two or three hours to see a doctor you have to be patient. With the populations being concentrated on the east coast everything takes time. No same-day Amazon delivery here unless you live near the depot.
Thanks Ashleigh, As an Aussie am fascinated listening to your opinions. I think a great strength of ours is preferential voting, and think the rest of the world should adopt it, including US of A.
The tall poppy syndrome- we’re very happy for other people’s success but if we can see that it has changed you in a way then we will pull you up on it. Having opinions is fine as long as you don’t over do it because then it becomes painful.
Ashleigh being an Australian sit back and relax that's the Australian way look at the sunrise and check out the sunset and enjoy everything around you. Thanks Ashleigh awesome video keep up the great work 👏
Your skin looks so glowy and clear. Hopefully signs of an overall happier, relaxed Ashleigh.
Your accent reminds of someone else who also has been living here for a few years. She still has an obvious US accent but with a more Aussie cadence /rythem which is interesting and cool.
I also have noticed you've adopted the local terms for certain words or things and slang quite naturally. So when you combine that with the cadence, you might sound noticeably different especially to family or friends back in the US.
You can definitely see the positive affect these lifestyle/living circumstances have had on you.
I feel most Aussies are very connected to nature and the outdoors not drive everywhere. Even if you catch public transport theres a certain amount of walking you do. We like to go for walks even just locally to parks or beach, we like getting out for fresh air, even in a work lunch break (if possible - not all jobs are).
You see a lot of people out walking and running early mornings. Going on rd trips or hikes or just a BBQ to the beach.
I do think that getting out in nature and your surrounds is so good for mental health and well being. Vitamin D, sea breeze etc. I start to feel trapped and a bit antsy if i don't have some regular outdoorsy-ness.
Anyways enough of my ramble lol.
I enjoyed your hearing thoughts and glad to see you doing so well in life and career etc 😊
i appreciate you so much Mel! thank you
Almost 20yrs outside the US now, and I definitely see things differently. Just having affordable healthcare is amazing. About 10 yrs ago I was diagnosed with a chronic disease that I wouldn't have been able to afford to even get tested for in the US. I've spent nights at the hospital and received excellent care - for free. Just being able to say hey, I've got a sore throat, better head to the doctor instead of - better hit the cold and flu aisle and just weather whatever this is out - is so freeing. The US has its positives, but I can't say I believe it's the best country on earth, like I (strongly) did before actually experiencing what life is like elsewhere.
Australia is much safer on the streets than the US, many people walk the sidewalks with resting smile-face which is super nice when your eyes meet and acknowledge each other.
Ironically the safest states in America are the Republican states and more ironically those states are safer than Australia, great Britain, France, south America, Africa and the middle east. Those nations have massive problems with bashings, rapes, knifings and gun violence. England alone has 18,000 stabbings per year. Sheesh watching 1 man on tv make thousands of people in a Sydney mall run just because he had a knife is so odd to me because where I live
I could just disarm that guy in seconds with a pistol without even firing a shot.
I always thought the tall poppy comment was about people who elevate themselves above others not those that through actions/words are more accomplished. You can be great at your job or a sport or creative but if you run around telling everyone one how good you are they are just going to point out all the bits you aren’t good at. The term actually comes from the fact that a taller poppy (or most plants) negatively affects its neighbours, it will inhibit growth and development, it is not so they are uniform for ‘equal rights to light’ but for the survival of the crop
Very honest and mature perspectives young lady, I’m a 57 y/o Aussie male and I agree with your comments. Keep enjoying your time in this great country and I hope it fills you with great experiences. Take care and be well 😀
It really depends on where you live in Australia when it comes to tall poppy syndrome. Tasmania is very conservative so bragging or standing out isn't accepted as much there. Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne very different and tend to be more open about a lot of topics and opinions. The more country town you go, the more conservative the opinions tend to get. I think we are just taught to be more humble about our achievements because in the workplace people tend to not like working with those who are extremely arrogant and cocky.
I think the difference between the US and Australia is Aussies tend to call out shitty behavior more. Like for example if someone wanted to be vocal and share a very clearly racist opinion people will call you out on that. So you are free to share your point of view here but not free from the social consiquences of those opinions. Which makes sense because some of those opinions can be super hurtful and toxic.
I don't know about this tall poppy thing but, twenty years ago I was a local telephone tech [fit & fix] The town I was based in has historicly been 'Money' & the adjoining suburb was 'Old Money'. I fixed a lot of phone services over the years, yet only once was I required to use the tradesmens entrance. One particular property had the owners helicopter on the front lawn. This dude in tatty flannel shirt with torn & paint stained jeans came to greet me in the pouring rain. Property foreman, .... right?
No, it was the CEO of this multi million dollar national business operation & he made me coffee while we discussed his wife's solo round the world flight. She wrote a book about it, he gave me a copy.
This man & his family made their fortune the hard way & he acted like I was doing him a real favour. I remember him fondly even now, some 23 years later. In fact, I was provided with coffee by about half of the 'landed gentry that I worked for. That's the Australian way in regional Australia as I experienced it.
This is because Australia incorporated a lot of socialist principles from its foundation in 1901 throughout the 20th century until the 1980s and the founding of neoliberalism in Australia by Paul Keating. Since the 1980s these socialist principles have declined greatly but they aren’t completely eliminated yet. However, in another 20 years and we’ll be just like the US. That’s black rock’s plan anyway.
Love that as a foreigner you pronounce Melbourne correctly 👏
First thing I noticed as well.
yayyy
Most foreigners pronounce it Melboooorne.
@dianafarmer5445 To be fair, they pronounce it as it's written, the same with Brisbane, we say "Brizbun".
@@NewFalconerRecords Yeah they say BrisBANE. And someone said Woomera as Woooomera, I couldn't understand it at first then I realized he was saying Woomera.
Tall poppy syndrome def exists but my take on it is, it’s fine to do well, we’ll love you for it; just don’t be an arse about it (being boastfull/shoving it in peoples faces), don’t forget who helped you get there, don’t be arrogant.
Also it’s fine to have opinions and be heard but def depends how you present them.
Thanks for sharing your personal journey, you certainly have travelled, I went to LA Santa Monica about 20 yrs ago when I was 15 for 3 weeks. I think I was too young to appreciate the experience properly as the culture shock from Melb suburbs had me home sick after a few days. I would say your accent is less intense american as an example saying "Melbourne" you say that more like an Aussie as if your American accent has become thinned out not as heavy. So glad you are enjoying our country xo
a lot of peeps from the USA complain about our high prices / taxes. I think that if you compare our prices with wages there is not much difference with the USA. BUT... Our taxes are high, yes, but we get a whole lot more for them, esp in health and education.
Would our gunlaws also make you feel a bit safer... Hmmm i wonder.. LOL
The idea of tall poppy is surpossed to be about being humble. You can rise to great heights and achieve great things but you must remember you probably weren't alone. People helped you. It's about not patting yourself on the back before everyone else does. We don't like those who brag about their achievements. Stay humble. The negative side is about staying in your lane. Some think if you didn't come from a certain class that you shouldn't try and "social climb". However this part is no longer as enforced as it once was due to diversity programs etc. When I was brought up, I'm 54, we left school at 15. You only stayed an extra 2 years if you wanted to go to uni. You only went to uni if you wanted to be a doctor or lawyer. And if your parents didn't go to uni, the chances of you going? Very low. You stay in your lane. I was told I was going to be someone's secretary, or assistant, or be a hairdresser or work in a boutique 🤣 so I believed them. I could have been so much more but it was not even considered. If I wanted a career, starting at the bottom and climbing up was the only option. Which was ok if you were male, being female, right when I got there, I gave it up to be a mum. Don't regret it one bit, but anyway. That's what I know about the tall poppy syndrome.
Nothing wrong with an individual's success here in Australia. It's when they want everyone to know about their success that tall poppy syndrome kicks in. Great vid mate!!
We returned home to Perth from 6 weeks holiday in UK & Europe (May/June) and we were surprised how expensive everything is over there now comparing to back home, so it is a global thing for sure. We just got back from two weeks in Bali and same it is no longer a cheap holiday like it was pre-covid. My wife is English but she could never live their again as she hates the cold and adores the Aussie lifestyle. Yes you are definately sounding more Aussie in a natural way without trying. My wife admires how us Aussies can work hard but know how to chill & smell the roses to find that balance.
We are lucky we don't have a so called social class based on your background & material wealth (tall poppy syndrome) as we don't care how flash your car is or your house is so keeping up with the Jones's is not in our DNA.
The accent thing is funny. If you watch some Mason Cox interviews, all the Americans in the comments say he has an Australian accent, while all the Australians say that he doesn’t 😂
I agreed with you up until the tall poppy thing. It's not really a thing here. I'm not sure what circles you run in, I've never come across that. All my mates and workmates are happy for others success, as far as I've ever been told.
Their success is our countrys success.
Hey, I'm all for feeling less anxious; feeling safer; better coffee. These are great things.
Stress is the biggest killer great to see you happy here in Australia
thank you so much!
Stress is a symptom
Nice video Ashleigh. I moved to Melbourne from India as a child in 1994. I don’t really remember how India was before I left, but whenever I go back, things change.
One can be somewhat loud in personality, but when someone is egotistically loud that’s a different story.
When someone is too aggressive in their opinions it can be a turn off for many, but that’s true in many places.
Universal healthcare and safe streets (that you like) are directly connected to the communal culture or ‘tall poppy’ concept (that you don’t like). All bright lights cast shadows.
Universal healthcare Is failing in every nation that iether reaches a certain population or that has a large ethnic Muslim population. America could never afford universal healthcare we have too many people. Hell Canada is struggling with universal healthcare and they only have roughly 40 million people. Great Britain is nearly on it's knees with around 60 million people. Australia is hardly a perfect place with a lack of hospitals, drs and nurses but also most of the population reliant on cheap/free healthcare and your only 27 million people 😂
Thanks for your insight
Very interesting.
I'm so glad you feel safer here.
thank you!
Great video, it's always good to reflect on your life choices and see if they are taking you to a better place or not, I'm happy that this reflection seems to indicate a positive outcome for you, I hope it continues 🤞
thank you so much!
I think the tall poppy syndrome is not about knocking people who are successful (and definitely not about standing out). Australia celebrates its successful people as much as anyone. However I think Aussies expect humility. No matter who you are, if you are braggart you will be brought down a peg. Interesting about comment about opinions. After dealing with many Americans in business, I feel Americans tend to tip toe around and veil their opinions in flowery language rather than telling you straight, and many times these opinions can be misconstrued. Aussie will only share their opinions (sometimes bluntly) if they feel there is something worth saying.
In Australia many people, who tried living in Tasmania, have said that Tasmania is fine, if you want to move back to the 1970s.
😂😂 … thats why a lot of people move there 😊
It WAS like that, I went there 10 years ago and loved the quiet charm of it, returned there last year, and all those nice towns have become yuppified with expensive, fancy cafes and craft shops, it's lost a lot of it's charm, unfortunately.
@@SaintKimbo Which towns are you referring to? I don't see how having craft shops or new "fancy" cafe's makes a place lose its "charm"
Sick! thanks for uploading this commentary i think it really highlights a lot of what we as locals dont really see, a different perspective.
Ive been following you for a while and youre definitely more chillaxed than you used to be..
i appreciate that!
Thank you for sharing your experience and perspective and insights about Australia 🇦🇺, love it. Seems to be an interesting thing to discover coffee ☕️ culture is so different overseas as an Aussie am proud that 1993 Created McCafe in aus, and we have that beautiful coffee here. 🙌🇦🇺💐
uk was never good at coffee their forte is tea - I never got a good cup of coffee over there but the tea was better than anywhere else
glad i’m not alone 🤣
Nice upload. Going to subscribe. Hello from Bunbury, W.A! ❤
I think you misunderstand the tall poppy syndrome. Many of us who have spent quite a bit of time in the US or have contact with visitors from the US do not like the prevalance we encounter of people bragging about their own importance or achievements as if to say I am better than you. Americans seem to value above all else what job titles they have rather than what friends they have. People have asked me what I do and I say I'm an Accountant. I do not say I am the Chief Financial Officer of a multi-national company - although that is true. That is not the sort of reponse I would expect to get from a majority of Americans.
Tall poppy here in Aus has nothing to do with sharing your opinion. If you bignote yourself or are arrogant, then yes for sure, you’ll be cut down. We value differences of opinion or discourse, but not when it’s one sided or if you’re “full of it”. Another one is if someone feels like you’re getting “too big for your boots” then generally you’ll be put in your place and taken down a notch. You may be feeling this given your accent and being American - unfortunately that alone makes you a target for tall poppy syndrome coz of preconceptions of being big mouths, arrogant, highly opinionated etc (this is obviously a generalisation - I’m sure you’re lovely). Keep enjoying your life here in Aus ❤
Tall poppy its called, but really its like keeping those that stand out grounded mixed with Australian style humor. Americans mever seem to get aussie humor . We call our mates cnts. Once you get ot you'll relax more.
@@needaman66 I think we kid ourselves about that. TPS is not about the attitude of the tall poppy themselves, it’s about small minded and resentful folk trying to take them down a notch to feel better about themselves. It’s not humour, it’s just insecurity.
It’s called paying a LIVING WAGE which is the employer’s responsibility not the customers or the employee.
Your accent is definitely getting ‘softer’, can still identify as USA but it is merging into Aussie.
interesting thank you!
Im going out on a limb here. The USA is fascinating to me. I'd love to go and live there for a while. Ive visited twice and its a fascinating place. The diversity in everything is next level. Anyways im here for now and i love Australia ❤
I think tall poppy syndrome stems from a rejection of British class rule. I think Australians are so possessive of their egalitarianism that they don't realise they are also stifling individuality and entrepreneurship.
Tall-Poppy Syndrome: Literally a psychopathic trait 🤔
@@ShakPlays I looked up psychopathic traits and I couldn't see anything that resembles that so when you say literally you really mean it's you just gaslighting.
Hey darl, I'm so glad you're here.I hope all goes well and you get to see a lot of sea life.
Our coffee is ❤
I’m glad you’re enjoying your stay here ❤
I definitely noticed that some of your vowels are sounding more Australian. We're sinking into your bones 😅 As for tall poppy syndrome, it's not so much that we don't like success, but that we don't like ppl who become arrogant with their success. I do think though, that we can seem hyper-sensitive to criticism, especially on social media. Don't let our apparent negativity bring you down 😊
thank you!
I don’t think you really understand the tall poppy thing here. It’s not about standing out or being different, it’s more about losing perspective and a sense of reality.
England is a good place to drink tea, coffee not so much.
so fair! love their tea
The accent bit is interesting! Our accent is notoriously hard to immitate, so I'm fascinated that you found it easier to pick up than the NZ accent. Tho maybe it makes sense 'cause the Aussie accent is a very lazy accent, while NZers overpronounces a lot of things.
I can definitely hear it a little tho. You certainly sound American, but you pronounce Australian places correctly, and there's slight Aussie inflections on some words
When my sister went to America, she couldn't get a good coffee anywhere, even by her standards, (she likes it super strong) so she watched the barristas and notice they squish the coffee in too much. So she ended up going behind the counter, to teach the guy how to do it properly. Press firmly, but not too firm, that's all the difference is, it's bitter because the hot water can't penetrate the coffee grounds properly and ends up burning the outer parts.
I'm not sure for travellers but you can show up to a public hospital and get treated for free