Crabs in a bucket syndrome. When crabs are put into a bucket, they will climb over each other to get out. When a crab is close to getting over the edge, another crab will pull it down in order to pull itself up. This happens repeatedly, with crabs coming close, but never successfully climbing out due to the rest of their kin.
When applied to humans, it’s best compared to when a family member tries to turn their life around in some manner and become successful, the family or community knowingly or unknowingly try to drag them back down.
In the black community, this happens most frequently through peer pressure and shunning those who “act white” or “speak white”, which is frankly ridiculous. Brains are all the same color. This is one reason why you see them in more recreational and artistic roles, rather than have more prominence in academics like the oft lambasted, beautiful mind of Dr. Ben Carson, and now Larry Elder.
More generally put, it’s the same phenomenon in school when the nerd gets bullied. The other kids shame the nerd for doing well in school, until he feels pressured enough to put the books down and do whatever the popular thing might be that generation. The crabs are trying to pull him down to their level, so that they don’t subconsciously feel as bad about themselves. We’ve lost many great minds this way.
Misery loves company, and that’s a big problem in our world. Or obstacle, if you happen to be a crab.
Crabs in a bucket syndrome. When crabs are put into a bucket, they will climb over each other to get out. When a crab is close to getting over the edge, another crab will pull it down in order to pull itself up. This happens repeatedly, with crabs coming close, but never successfully climbing out due to the rest of their kin.
When applied to humans, it’s best compared to when a family member tries to turn their life around in some manner and become successful, the family or community knowingly or unknowingly try to drag them back down.
In the black community, this happens most frequently through peer pressure and shunning those who “act white” or “speak white”, which is frankly ridiculous. Brains are all the same color. This is one reason why you see them in more recreational and artistic roles, rather than have more prominence in academics like the oft lambasted, beautiful mind of Dr. Ben Carson, and now Larry Elder.
More generally put, it’s the same phenomenon in school when the nerd gets bullied. The other kids shame the nerd for doing well in school, until he feels pressured enough to put the books down and do whatever the popular thing might be that generation. The crabs are trying to pull him down to their level, so that they don’t subconsciously feel as bad about themselves. We’ve lost many great minds this way.
Misery loves company, and that’s a big problem in our world. Or obstacle, if you happen to be a crab.
Thank you for your thoughtful response. I just never heard that phrase before. It makes a lot of sense. Thanks!!
Anytime!! I enjoyed writing it and thank you for reading :)
Thank you for writing this up. I love a good analogy, and I hadn't heard this one. I was the "nerd" you described in that exact situation. (Gen-X kid)
Your experiences must have paid off in order to lead you here :)
Coal under pressure becomes a diamond...
I don’t know who downvoted you, but it wasn’t me. Thank you for acknowledging my post!