Ellington

Creative people have so many hurdles to overcome as they strive for success. Not only do they have to convince themselves that their idea and/or plan is with pursuing, but they also have to deal with the negativity of those on the outside. Let's face facts, when it comes to the unknown the only known fact is that nothing is guaranteed. What might appear the next big thing today may end up forgotten tomorrow. Again, uncertainty is the only constant.

But let's say that you have been blessed by the odds and come up with something truly remarkable. You have faith in it and know without a doubt that if it is given a chance, then success is inevitable.

If you reach your goals and see the fruit of your labor, for many the first thing you want to do is share with those who have been supporters along your journey. this could include close friends, relatives or even those who have been role models for you. Is there anything wrong with wanting to share the wealth? Not at all. However there may be dangers lurking around you that have to be identified and addressed. I call them crabs.

The crab mentality is nothing new. It's been around since the serpent's conversation with Eve in the garden of Eden and has only worsened as time has gone by. What is this condition? Let's first talk about the crab.

Most crabs, no matter where they are found in the world, are made the same way. They have a hard shell, four pairs of legs and a pair of pincers (or grasping claws). It is possible for them to exist together as equals for the most part, but don't forget that they are hunters. There is not a day that goes by that they are not looking of r new ground to claim or food. It is at this time that their instinctive jealousy kicks in.

Crabs can become so envious of each other that they will do their best to hinder another that seems to be making strides ahead of them. It is impossible for them to know if those ahead will save some of the bounty for them. They can only look at the present, and if there appeared to be competition they just knew they had to stop it, or at least slow it down.

By this time you can probably see where this illustrates what happens in the world of entrepreneurs and other creative individuals. We are fortunate enough to have the ability to reason out situations, unlike crabs. The unfortunate fact is that at times the selfish, animalistic quality they display creeps into out own behavior...

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Previous Comments

ID

104931

Comment

I don't understand why this happens. Especially when it comes to showing support to local businesses. We all have work to do with this. Changing our mindset, I suppose.

Author

c a webb

Date

2006-02-19T15:18:10-06:00

ID

104932

Comment

I learned about the crabs-in-a-barrel analogy at Tougaloo. You know how it goes - none of the crabs get out because they're all pulling each other down? It was compared to the black community, but I never thought to compare it to creatives. Thanks for the thought-provoking article.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-02-19T21:59:40-06:00

ID

104933

Comment

I've heard that analogy used in relation to women helping other women. Basically its used to explain to minorities WHY they are minorities. Because we are all horribly jealous and don't lend each other a hand. Its always been used that way. Who wants to bet some old white man came up with it?

Author

Lori G

Date

2006-02-20T07:00:40-06:00

ID

104934

Comment

Basically its used to explain to minorities WHY they are minorities. Because we are all horribly jealous and don't lend each other a hand. I remember a discussion on The View (also a good example of female competitiveness) where they felt that there would never be a female president in the U.S. because women here are too critical of each other. That's embarrassing when female presidents have been elected in other countries.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-02-21T20:30:53-06:00

ID

104935

Comment

Ali, I agree that the crab mentality shouldn't be there, but it really gets to me when so many prove it right. Think about how so many great ideas are birthed into our city and then snuffed out by the community as a whole not rallying around it. Being a minority, I hate stereotypes just like the next guy (i hope) does. But I hate it more when the stereotype fits.

Author

c a webb

Date

2006-02-21T23:20:16-06:00

ID

104936

Comment

Well, just for personal information, C.A., I was in Two Sisters Deli in the Medical Mall yesterday and I saw your art...and NOT ONCE did I think of pulling it off the wall and stapling some of my columns up there. ;) Mainly because it was MUCH BETTER than any of my columns, and.... I ain't got the crabs. :) But, you're right. We should all be helping one another. Not fighting each other. Ultimately I think people get confused and don't understand that the goal of all the "creatives" should be a large interconnected group of people who appreciate art of all forms and support it in the community at any opportunity.

Author

Lori G

Date

2006-02-22T09:11:38-06:00

ID

104937

Comment

OFF TOPIC: Is Two Sisters Deli owned by the folks at Two Sisters Kitchen?

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-02-22T11:58:26-06:00

ID

104938

Comment

No.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-02-22T12:13:30-06:00