Tall Poppies

I had a day out in London today, ostensibly collecting the print that didn't make it into the Royal Academy Summer Show - don't they realise what they missed out on?! - but also to take a look around and relax a bit. I dropped into the Birkenstock shop to collect a new pair, and passed Stanfords map shop in Covent Garden and popped in there too. I bought a map of North Eastern New South Wales to give me more of an idea of the area around Coffs Harbour, but I also read a bit out of a patronising 'cultural adaptation' book about living in Australia that pissed me off no end.

There was the predictable 'Strine' dictionary, a simplistic discussion about the relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australia, and a section on BBQ etiquette. But the interesting bit was a discussion about Tall Poppy Syndrome. The authors various national characteristics: Americans are aspirational and congratulate each other on their successes; the Brits outwardly; but Australians are envious and want to cut down anyone who grows into a 'tall poppy' back down to size. Since I've come home I've been talking to Michael about it, because it worries me a bit. I don't want to end up feeling ostracised a) because I'm a Pom and b) because I'm a snooty Pom who's a bit too big for her boots! But Michael says that Australians are a bit more materialistic and aspirational themselves these days and that the key to making friends for both of us will be to go about it quietly and modestly (not a word you're used to associating with me? Well I think I'm very modest!!); we need to be friendly without being flashy, and I guess that's the secret of making new friends anyway so I'll stop being silly...

There's an interesting article in Sydney Morning Herald about it: link here