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Global Psyche: Aussie Check Mate

In Australia, the proudest man in the patch gets mowed down. Why success and power are frowned upon.
By Fiona Haley, published on May 01, 2007 - last reviewed on June 27, 2007

Many Australians turned against Steve Irwin's showmanship when he dangled his son in front of a crocodile. After Irwin died, he was enshrined in the hearts of Aussies everywhere when his father refused a state funeral for him—a sure sign of proper Australian humility.

Born in New Zealand and raised in Australia, Russell Crowe was claimed by both countries early in his career. After he hurled a phone at hotel clerk, each nation tried to give him back.

Tags: Australian culture, bernard salt, cringe, egalitarian, farmers and miners, frontier communities, global psyche, inadequacy, inherent contempt, kiwis, low self esteem, media, military term, national achievements, new zealander, northern hemisphere, penal colony, provincialism, psychol, reek, social researcher, tall poppies, tall poppy, tall poppy syndrome

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