I'm a young American living in Australia... why are you all so mean?
A young American expat has shared a scathing review of her experience living in Australia, claiming the locals are 'so mean' and that bullying is far more accepted than anywhere else.'I am not saying this in a bad way or to generalise the whole country. This is just based off my personal experience. I've lived in Australia for half my life [including] all through high school,' she wrote on Reddit.It was in high school that things seemed to take a darker turn - and according to the poster, the teen environment in Australia proved deeply hostile.'The people here (especially teenagers) are some of the worst people I've ever met,' she said.'I've never felt more insecure and ashamed when I am around them. Bullying is so normalised here - even my school has had multiple people leave due to it, and even a death.'She added that while she's aware Australians don't always have warm feelings towards Americans, she didn't believe that justified the bullying she received.The post struck a nerve with many locals, who acknowledged that while her experience was unfortunate, it wasn't necessarily unusual - and may have more to do with a deeply embedded part of Australian culture: tall poppy syndrome.Tall poppy syndrome refers to the perceived tendency to discredit or disparage those who have achieved notable success, especially when they stand out or appear confident. A young American expat has shared a scathing review of her experience living in Australia [stock image]In Australia, this attitude often translates into social environments where people who speak openly about their ambitions or show too much self-assurance are seen as needing to be 'cut down to size'.'Americans tend to find the "tall poppy syndrome" of Australians our most difficult trait to understand, and foreigners generally often get bullied because of it,' one person explained.'Americans tend to have a rugged individualism that is often upbeat and seeking to further oneself in all circumstances, and talk about it openly. Australians are taught to be constantly 'levelling' such behaviours, especially boys.'There's a tendency to just sit down, shut up and not talk too loudly or too much and draw attention to oneself. If someone does become a little too upbeat or seeks to draw attention, they're often pulled down instantly, either to their face or behind their back.'They said the positive impact of this Australian trait is that it 'equalises social relations between classes of people' and means the 'biggest, loudest mouths get put in their place very quickly'.'The downside is that it encourages mediocrity and allows unintelligent, low energy (and often socially inept) losers to cowardly pull others down while offering nothing in return,' they continued.'I'm quite an upbeat and outgoing person, and being a bloke I've always had to deal with a bit of tall poppy syndrome from losers who want to "put me in my place" or whatever. Just take the hits in your stride, pick your battles and be clever about when to fight back.'Some defended the culture as a kind of rough-edged humility, arguing it keeps egos in check and discourages arrogance. In Australia, 'tall poppy syndrome' often translates into social environments where people who speak openly about their ambitions or show too much self-assurance are seen as needing to be 'cut down to size'But others weren't so sure.'Australians are proud of their banter culture, it's not just teens. To other people it comes off as mean,' one commenter noted.Others shared the sentiment that the country's social climate had worsened in recent years.'I feel like we never used to be like this,' one user reflected.'But in the last five years Australians have become a lot nastier, crueler and uncaring. I don't know whether COVID broke everyone's brains or it's social media rewarding bad behaviour, but the kindness is disappearing.'Several comments also pointed to broader issues with parenting, saying that bullying had become more prevalent due to a lack of accountability and poor role modelling. 'It's all good if your kid isn't the one being picked on,' one person wrote, adding that regional schools had become particularly tough environments.For some, the issue isn't just cultural - it's generational.'High school kids are getting worse everywhere to be honest. Ours are bad, but everywhere has delinquents,' one Australian admitted.The original poster's experience may not reflect everyone's time in Australia, but it has tapped into a growing conversation about how the country treats confidence, ambition, and difference - especially when it comes from someone with an accent.Whether it's banter, bitterness, or something in between, the debate around tall poppy syndrome and everyday cruelty continues to strike a chord with Australians and expats alike.
