Young Melbourne man calls out the ‘saddest part’ of being Australian in 2024 – and many say it’s only getting worse

A young Australian says the ‘saddest’ part of being Australian is the fact that Australians don’t support others when they try something new.

Leo, from Melbourne, claimed in a video that Australians find it “grinding” when they try new things, like creating TikTok videos, podcasts or new businesses.

This idea, nicknamed “tall poppy syndrome,” is the “perceived tendency to discredit or denigrate those who have achieved notable wealth or prominence in public life.”

In a now viral TikTok videoLeo said: “The saddest thing about Australia is the fact that anyone who tries is ‘cringe’ anyway.

“If you disagree with me, just check out the comments section of any Australian creator.”

Leo said “every Australian” he’s met who’s been successful has experienced “the exact same thing”.

“They start out, their friends think they’re super weird, they end up leaving or they just isolate themselves and they’re successful,” he said.

“No one ever really supported them.

“Then when they meet an Australian who’s already successful, it’s like this weird bond because you’ve all done the exact same thing – which basically means you had to ignore a bunch of bulls*** to be successful. “

Rather than judge, Leo encouraged others to support those who are starting out or trying something new, whatever it may be.

“Maybe the next time you see your friend trying something, just support them. Go like their “squeaky” TikToks they make, like the stuff they make, or go buy their dropshipping product they start,” he continued.

“I think a cultural change would benefit everyone.”

The video has since been viewed over 610,000 times and some notable Australian content creators and business owners have joined the conversation.

“The tall poppy syndrome. I think a lot of Australian culture prevents people from being too big for their boots,” one person commented.

“I think it’s definitely a change, I’m 24 and I’m from west Melbourne, our group of guys, we’ll all be happy for each other if they start to gain traction and be successful,” said another.

Luke Moore, who has over half a million followers on TikTok, joined the conversation and said: “I can vouch for that.”

Another person added: “This is why I keep everything to myself, tall poppy syndrome is bad.”

YouTuber-turned-business owner Brittany Saunders agreed and said she, too, was the “squeaky kid” in high school.

‘Who’s laughing now?’ She added.