How to Address Narcissism in Culture — It Goes Deeper Than We Think

“Only the Young” 🎶🔥 — Taylor Swift’s political protest song written in January 2020 — feels even more urgent and relevant today.

At the time, it was highly controversial. Taylor faced push-back from family members and her management team for choosing to use her influence in this way. That decision should be celebrated, not punished.

As a mother and mentor to young teens, I am deeply committed to helping young people develop discernment — and the courage to trust their instincts and speak up when something they observe is fundamentally not right.

This matters even more in cultures where Tall Poppy Syndrome is normalised — particularly in Australia 🇦🇺, New Zealand 🇳🇿, and the UK 🇬🇧.

Tall Poppy Syndrome is a social pattern where individuals who stand out, succeed, or speak openly are criticised, undermined, mocked, or ostracised. It is fuelled by envy, resentment, and fear — and it creates toxic environments that suppress honesty, leadership, and innovation.

Crucially, this behaviour is not confined to adult workplaces. It is taught by osmosis to children — in classrooms, playgrounds, and peer culture.

It is profoundly unhealthy — damaging to mental health, creativity, and community.

A circuit breaker is needed.

We must teach children — and allow ourselves — not to second-guess the quiet nudges of instinct, heart, and intuition. To speak openly. To take action within our capacity. To stand by inner integrity, even when it risks disapproval.

Watching Miss Americana on Netflix documents the personal cost of Taylor Swift’s decision to take a stand. It’s worth watching — especially with young people — as an example of courage in the face of potential career, identity, or tribal loss.

While writing this, I realised something important:

Tall Poppy Syndrome is cultural shadow narcissism.

A narcissist is a light that was never allowed to spark. As a result, this archetype survives by snuffing out the light in others — feeding wounded worth by pulling others down.

That is not strength.That is cultural bullying.

Normalised. Excused. Even condoned by institutions and adults as “just how things are”.

It should not be tolerated.

If we genuinely care about our children’s future — when we are no longer here to protect them — then we must refuse to breed this behaviour any further.

This conversation is especially relevant today, as narcissism has been legitimised and empowered through leadership models that reward domination, ego, and cruelty.

Each of us has a role.

If it shows up in front of you, say NO. Name it.Shut it down.

This is unacceptable.

🙏🏻✨❤️