Young Melbourne man names ‘saddest part’ of being Australian in 2024 – and many say it’s only going to get worse

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

Leo, from Melbourne, claimed in a video that Australians find it “cringeworthy” when they experiment with new things, such as creating TikTok videos, podcasts or new business ventures.

This idea, called “Tall Poppy Syndrome,” is the “perceived tendency to disparage or discredit 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 whoever tries it ‘cringes’.

“If you don’t agree with me, check out the comments section of literally every Australian creator.”

Leo claimed that “every Australian” he has met who has become successful has experienced “the exact same thing”.

“They start out, their friends think they’re super weird, eventually they leave or isolate themselves and become successful,” he said.

“No one has ever really supported them.

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

Instead of judging, Leo encouraged others to support those who are starting or trying something new, no matter what it is.

“Maybe next time you see your friend trying something out, just support him. Go like their ‘cringe’ TikToks they make, go like the things they make, or buy their dropshipping product they start up,” he continued.

“I think a culture change would benefit everyone.”

Leo claimed that ‘every Australian’ he has met who has become successful has experienced ‘exactly the same’ (stock image)

The video has since been viewed more than 610,000 times, with some notable Australian content creators and business owners joining the conversation.

‘Tall poppy syndrome. I think a big part of Australian culture is about people not being too big for their boots,” one person commented.

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

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

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

YouTuber turned business owner Brittany Saunders agreed, saying she too was the “cringe kid” in high school.

‘Who is laughing now?’ She added.