Like Crabs in a Barrel

Have you ever heard the story of crabs in a barrel? Basically, it goes something like this. If you have a bunch of crabs in a barrel they will work to pull each other down as they attempt to climb out of the barrel. Furthermore, it is said, that if they were to work together, then they could all get out of the barrel. If you haven’t, please take the time to read this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crabs_in_a_barrel.

In education, are we much different than crabs in a barrel? Think about your classroom, hallway, grade level, school, or district for a minute. Ponder on those who consistently go above and beyond the call of duty, those that transcend the status quo. Now think about how they are treated by others, even yourself. Are most people saying positive things about them? Or do they develop conspiracy theories on “how they got to where they are?” Others may say that another’s success can be attributed to the clothes they wear, their age, their race, if they play a particular sport, or maybe are involved in a particular social media endeavor.  You have heard it before. There are so many adages at work to pull us farther down into the barrel such as, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know. Or so and so always gets the opportunity because s/he is in the right crowd.”

Ironically, we often find ourselves telling our students to not “pull each other down into the barrel,” but are we setting the proper example? Kids often fall prey to the crab mentality. Students who make the honor roll, excel at an instrument, or are advanced proficient on a state assessment are often looked at in a negative light. Think about it, kids aren’t much different than we are, are they?

Here are some things to ponder about being a crab in a barrel:

–          Why do we have trouble celebrating others successes?

–          Why do we make up excuses when someone else has a success, as opposed to attributing it to hard work?

–          What will it take to change the crabs in a barrel paradigm?

–          When was the last time you helped to celebrate someone else’s success?

–          Are you building up, rather than tearing down?

–          Do we think another person’s successes will cause you to have to do more work?

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Here are some things that are said, with maybe the best intentions, but still work to pull down, rather than build up:

–          You are working too hard, you are going to burn out!

–          You know, you won’t get paid any extra for all of this extra stuff

–          You are starting to make us look bad!

–          Why do you ask so many questions?  I want to get out of this meeting!

–          Life is a marathon, not a sprint.

–          I didn’t do ______________(insert project) because, well, what are they going to do?

–          No matter what, we are protected by the union.

–          So, how well do you know the ___________(insert leader position) outside of work?

As we strive for world class education for all students, we do not have time to pull each other down into the barrel.  We need to change the paradigm, and turn that story into a fable, not a documentary.

 

 

6 thoughts on “Like Crabs in a Barrel

  1. Dear Spike,
    This is a great way to describe what among some staff members. I’m never sure what motivates a person to pull another down. I recently participated in a chat where I learned of the Tall Poppy Syndrome, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tall_poppy_syndrome. While it was in reference to how others treat or see gifted students, I see it holding true in your example, too.
    The thing I find the most frustrating, in my experience, is that the people going above and beyond don’t do so to make others look bad or feel threatened. They are driven, intense, passionate professionals who find fulfillment in their efforts. Doing what is best for kids shouldn’t be seen as a competition or way to garner attention or favor. If that is one’s motivation, it will show. The lack of sincerity will certainly be sensed by students and colleagues, and the results will most-likely be located at the “bottom of the barrel.”

    • Thank you so much. I will look into the Tall Poppy Syndrome. It is such a shame how staff get treated for exactly what you said, “being driven, intense, passionate professionals.”

  2. Spike,
    Being the Coordinator for the district GT Program I hear negativity all the time. I love the comments I hear (e.g. Gifted education programs are elitist; or Gifted students don’t need help; they’ll do fine on their own). I am convinced that when people take the iniative and produce great things or give of themselves the big “Green Monster” comes out in others – jealousy!

    • It is a shame but very true. This stuff is really pulling everyone down, and we need to work together to celebrate when someone gets the win, the improvement, the gifted status, etc.

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