Growing tall
Is it time to rename the "Tall Poppy Syndrome" the "Nicole Kidman Syndrome"? In a country that prides itself on its egalitarianism and lack of pretension, the TPS is supposed to apply when Australians rise too quickly, achieve too much success, get above themselves or start to exhibit an air of superiority. At that point, they are supposed to be swiftly, savagely and ritualistically cut down to size. The TPS can be especially vicious when it targets Australians who have achieved greater success abroad than they did at home. Germaine Greer and Clive James, who both headed for Britain in the early 1960s, were both former casualties.
But does it apply today, beyond the inordinate and unparalleled amount of flak that seems to be hurled in the direction of one Nicole Mary Kidman.
Certainly, the TPS does not apply to Australia's other recent Oscar-wining actress, Cate Blanchett, who people appear to feel is much more deserving of her global recognition and fame. Neither is Hugh Jackman a victim, for most Aussies seem to regard him as an all-round good egg.
The problem some Australians had with the Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin had more to do with his super-sized personality rather than his super-sized fame. To his detractors, the Croc Hunter was gauche, unsophisticated and an unhelpful Australian brand ambassador. To some metropolitan tastes, he was too low-brow rather than too tall.
Most internationally successful Australian sportsmen and women seem immune from TPS. True, Lleyton Hewitt is hardly "Mr Popular," but would he be elsewhere? Pat Rafter was also ranked number one in world tennis but it did not prevent him from being a popular choice as Australian of the Year in 2002. The public backlash against Ricky Ponting and his men during the disputed Bollywood series earlier in the year seemed to stem not from the Australian cricket team enjoying too much success, per se, but for being too aggressive in their pursuit of it.
Some remnants of the TPS might still remain. Perhaps it is worth noting that one of the main criticisms of Kevin "747" Rudd is that he spends too much time abroad, where he is often feted by international leaders, like Gordon Brown. In foreign fields, he can sometimes look like a Tall Poppy, perhaps. Conversely, his popularity at home seems to be built on his unassuming, unflashy and determinedly unglamorous public persona.
Ultimately, then, we are left with Nicole. Tall Poppy? There are times, certainly judging by the response on a talk-back radio show that I was listening to the other afternoon, when she seems to be public enemy number one. I'm fretful of unleashing another anti-Kidman tirade, but I'd love to hear your thoughts.
PS: I am happy to stand corrected on the vital role played by structural engineers in finding a design solution to the shells of the Sydney Opera House. I thought my source for Jorn Utzon's orange peel eureka moment was a good one, but, still, the fault is mine.
PPS: Please keep your reviews coming in on the film Australia, which seems to be incredibly polarising.
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