humans: arewe really justcrabby people?By natalie gaultIam sure many of us have heard the term“cut-throat.” A rather negative adjective,this word describes individuals whowill do anything to succeed - as the namesuggests, even “cutting the throats” of othersto get ahead. While we may not identify withthis harsh term, we may empathize morewith crabs. This comparison may appearharmless, but the “crab mentality” can be justas unhealthy as a “cut-throat” perspective.The crab mentality follows that a lone crabin a bucket can pull themselves out andescape. However, with multiple crabs, nocrab can leave: the bottom crabs pull downthose that try to climb their way out. Thisseems extremely counterintuitive; however,the crab mentality is a common analogy andexplanatory model for human society. Thecrab mentality can explain many everydayexperiences, thoughts, and behaviors. Howmany times have other people silently wishedfor us to fail? How many times have wewanted other people to be unsuccessful? Thecrab mentality is a very common, yet oftenunacknowledged mindset with significantconsequences, particularly to our ownhappiness and wellbeing. Learning about thisphenomenon can allow our metamorphosisfrom craps to caring, supportive humans,and in turn, be much happier. In addition,understanding the crab mentality can help usescape any toxic and negative environmentscreated by the crabs around us.What makes us hold these negative wishesfor those around us? Why do we want othersto fail? Sam Woolfe states that the crabmentality can stem from multiple causes,including but not limited to envy, low selfesteem,insecurity, and a competitive nature.We like to think that these thoughts makeus happier because in the moment we dofeel a bit better: if someone else doesn’tsucceed, it means we’re not failing. Yet, whileit may lighten our mood, it is only transientand actually fuels a continuous cycle offeeling unworthy and incompetent. Insteadof viewing friends as people we can look upto and mutually support, the crab mindsetportrays them as competition that we mustbeat. What’s worse about the crab mindsetis that it involves multiple crabs: just as youdo with other people, they may do to you.The environment you’re in may want yourfailure just as much as you want them to notsucceed.The crab mentalitycan stem from multiplecauses, including but notlimited to envy, low selfesteem,insecurity, and acompetitive nature.However, the crab mentality can beovercome: you can crawl over the bucket.If you sense that the network you’recurrently in wants to see you fail, distancingyourself and finding an empowering groupwill help you escape the trap. Some waysto find these supportive groups includejoining a mastermind group, working withaccountability partners for specific goals,signing up for classes you’re interested, andso much more. The crab mentality may feellike the only option to feel secure in yourselfand your accomplishments, but being happyfor others can actually motivate you and urgeyour own success and improvement. Withmutual support and respect, we can all climbover the bucket.ReferencesScott, S. (2019, January 02). What Is the “Crabs ina Bucket” Mentality? Retrieved from https://www.developgoodhabits.com/crabs-bucket/Woolfe, Sam. (2018, July 11). The Crab Mentality:Why Can’t We Be Happy for Other People’sSuccess? Retrieved from https://www.samwoolfe.com/2018/07/crab-mentality.htmlDESIGN BY Evelyn SyauEDITED BY Evelyn SyauGraphic from KissPNG38 | CATALYST
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