Rid Yourself of Tall Poppy Syndrome

Why is it that in this country we are always so quick to cut down the wealthy in society? Whether it is in how we want taxation to be structured (i.e. higher rates for the top earners) or just general insults about their perceived ignorance of the working class issues.

It's the classic "tall poppy syndrome" where we need to bring those above us in status down to our level instead of striving to succeed. It can manifest itself as jealousy which can lead to all sorts of problems.

Malcolm Turnbull, newly elected as Opposition Leader, was for some reason compelled to sell his working class roots. But why?

He is considerably wealthy, apparently $125 million net worth. But then so is the Rudd family. So isn’t it a bit rich (pardon the pun) to label Turnbull as “out of touch” just because he has wealth.

But of course now the Labor heavies are saying it isn’t about the wealth, it’s about the attitude and values. Well at the moment Labor’s attitude is a bit on the nose.

Ever think that Turnbull is more qualified than anyone else to lead. After all he has succeeded in many occupations and business ventures. He has been a journalist, lawyer, merchant banker and also had a stake in OzEmail.

It wouldn’t have been easy to get to where he is today. Especially given his childhood. While he wasn’t hugely deprived, the son of a tradesman lost his mother at the age of 9 when she left to be with another man. By valuing his education he studied at a tertiary level in Australia and overseas. The “self made man” had to work hard to earn his wealth, we shouldn’t begrudge that.

By not appreciating what Malcolm Turnbull can potentially offer the Opposition and the country we are promoting mediocrity. Instead we should be promoting the value of education and have big goals to strive towards. Hold stories like Turnbull’s up high instead of trying to cut him down at the knees.

Celebrate success and do away with the tall poppy syndrome. No one likes negative people anyway.