The Tallest Poppy Syndrome

Paul Cummins and Tom Piper, temporary ceramic poppies installation at the Tower of London, Armistice Day 2015.
​Photo by Andy Rain.

         ​In English idiom popular in the United Kingdom and Australia, the tall poppies are the people who receive criticism as a result of accomplishments that put them above their peers. In contrast to the "crab mentality," where peers try to pull down those who rise up, the "tallest poppies" are often cut down by older observers or those in positions of authority in order to ensure the flowerbed stays at a uniform height.

      The phrase alludes to an anecdote recorded by Titus Livius in his classic History of Rome. Tarquin the Proud received a messenger from his son Sextus  reporting he had captured the province of Gabii and asking what he should do next. Tarquin went into his garden, took a stick, and symbolically swept it across a garden plot, cutting off the heads of the tallest poppies that were growing above the rest. The messenger returned to Gabii and told Sextus what he had seen. Sextus realized his father wished him to put to death the most eminent people of Gabii, those likely to resist the Roman victors.

Tarquinius Superbus by Lawrence Alma-Tadema, oil on canvas, 1867.

       Intellectually gifted children are often "tall poppies" who are regularly "cut down to size" so they won’t continue to stand out among their family or classmates. A gifted child might experience the feedback from older siblings, extended family members, coaches, and even teachers to take care and "don't look too good, or talk too wise."

        It is curious that older observers and authority figures don’t see all gifts in the same way. We don’t seem to have the same reaction about the gifted youth athlete, musician, dancer, or artist. However, some adults seem to fear that intellectually and academically gifted children might become arrogant and self-absorbed if they are celebrated. Instead of praise, they are often gently (or not so gently) teased with labels--“the little professor," “nerd,” “brainiac,”--or given guidance to hold back on their efforts: “How about giving someone else a chance to shine?”

"Tall Poppy Syndrome," Hopscotch Dance, 2014, Choreographer Kat Walker

        Intellectual challenge and rigorous, thoughtful responses coming from a youth may trigger a negative reaction from older brothers and sisters, parents, extended family, and other members of the community. Science writer Arthur C. Clarke observed, "the old are often so very jealous of the young," when the topic at hand is one of knowledge and intellect. A younger pair of eyes and set of hands can surprise our senses with rich art; flexible, stronger bodies are capable of great athletic feats and breathtaking dance performances; precise control and timing create beautiful music from a youth soloist. However, when knowledge, thought, and judgment are at stake, we counsel students, "have some respect for your elders."   

           Tall poppies deserve to understand why their accomplishments are not always celebrated,  and they deserve to be nurtured so that they stand proudly. When you look at the world around us and the challenges we face, it is clear that our global society cannot afford to lose its tall poppies. 

​--Art by Barbara Harms, fabric quilt sculpture, 2013.