Forum Support Old55 Posted September 13, 2011 Forum Support Posted September 13, 2011 Lee’s question to do with my extended families gaming each other got me to thinking.In our families case I know of no extended family members that are in real need some think they are some make poor financial choices but in the end they all have enough to eat and a roof over their heads.Is crab mentality actually sometimes nothing more than expecting the better off family members to “share the wealth”? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve & Myrlita Posted September 13, 2011 Posted September 13, 2011 Lee’s question to do with my extended families gaming each other got me to thinking.In our families case I know of no extended family members that are in real need some think they are some make poor financial choices but in the end they all have enough to eat and a roof over their heads.Is crab mentality actually sometimes nothing more than expecting the better off family members to “share the wealth”?Actually, it's more like a jealousy thing. Instead of the Jones' trying to out do you, it's I can't compete with what you have so I will destroy you. What they can't have they will destroy. Again a "Face" thing. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Lee Posted September 13, 2011 Posted September 13, 2011 Lee’s question to do with my extended families gaming each other got me to thinking.In our families case I know of no extended family members that are in real need some think they are some make poor financial choices but in the end they all have enough to eat and a roof over their heads.Is crab mentality actually sometimes nothing more than expecting the better off family members to “share the wealth”? I wish I was smart enough to put my finger on the problem, and then work towards fixing it or making it workable for us, but it does seem there is a major issue that we all need to understand before getting involved or married into a family which may then rely on us for help or guidance. IMO one of the issues is that we are often looked up to, so often problems are dropped in our laps with the hope that we will have the answer. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Art2ro Posted September 14, 2011 Posted September 14, 2011 I haven't really caught on as to what "crab mentality" means! Does it have anything to do with when one moves from side to side with two out streched arms and palms open towards who's at the right or left of him/her? A crab can't move backwards with arms and palms behind his back, but the crab has both of his claws in front him in order to get more of his food and so with people asking for hand outs, it's with both arms streched in front of them with both palms cupped together in order to receive more and not just in one palm from the left or right of him/her! Nah! I'm probably way off huh? So never mind what I said here! Sounds stupid! Or maybe not! I really don't know either way! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Jake Posted September 14, 2011 Popular Post Posted September 14, 2011 I haven't really caught on as to what "crab mentality" means! Does it have anything to do with when one moves from side to side with two out streched arms and palms open towards who's at the right or left of him/her? A crab can't move backwards with arms and palms behind his back, but the crab has both of his claws in front him in order to get more of his food and so with people asking for hand outs, it's with both arms streched in front of them with both palms cupped together in order to receive more and not just in one palm from the left or right of him/her! Nah! I'm probably way off huh? So never mind what I said here! Sounds stupid! Or maybe not! I really don't know either way! I believe it came from a story when a fisherman was asked why doesn't he put a lid on top of the basket full of crabs. The fisherman simply walked over to the basket and showed the customer the answer. As one crab crawls over theother crabs to gain freedom, the other grabs will pull him down. The cycle is repeated over and over again. Crab mentality can be applied in just about any culture or society. Jealousy is the prime motivation against someonestriving to get to the top. I believe one of the few work environment that prohibits crab mentality is the US military. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Art2ro Posted September 15, 2011 Posted September 15, 2011 (edited) I'm not contradicting, but if put in that way, those crabs don't have a chance in hell crawling out of that fisherman's basket, because they have nothing to cling on to! It doesn't seem like a practical scenario to apply to people, because people in general have hope and faith among their fellow men and women when the chips are down or in a corner trying to fight their way out no manner what the cost! Ring any bells? Pearl Harbor, WWII, Viet Nam, Korean War, 9/11 etc! Edited September 15, 2011 by Art2ro Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forum Support Old55 Posted September 15, 2011 Author Forum Support Posted September 15, 2011 I agree Steve, many times jealousy is the prime definition of "Crab Mentality".Do you think family-tribal traditions of sharing comes into play? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve & Myrlita Posted September 15, 2011 Posted September 15, 2011 I agree Steve, many times jealousy is the prime definition of "Crab Mentality".Do you think family-tribal traditions of sharing comes into play?I would have to say no. I believe it's the "If I can't have it, no one else will either" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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