The Tall Poppy...

I've had a lot of jumbled thoughts and a converging of ideas lately. I've been reading a book by philosopher Slavoij ZIZEK called Violence and although I know I will have to re read it a number of times to get a handle on it I did manage to pick up the general idea of 'systemic violence' he was trying to bring to the fore. In very simplistic terms he speaks about a type of violence that is not the subjective type that we see being carried out in immediate, visible, physical terms but that which occurs within dominant systems maintaining their normal or smooth (peaceful?) operation. It remains hidden because it manifests as a requirement for the status quo. A 'necessary evil' that although unpleasant is tolerated by the majority because to stop or prevent such violence would appear to unravel the fabric of the societal system. This idea seems to fit when applied to the dominant free market capital system and to contemporary media and entertainment systems.
While thinking on this I have been reminded of the history and culture of my own country, Australia. Particularly about that aspect of Australian culture we obtusely refer to as the 'tall poppy syndrome'. There seems to be an undercurrent of this 'cultural aspect' in the anglo Australian story. To illustrate this I site the Rum Rebellion by Macarthur on Bligh in early colonial Australia. Later upon the goldfields a similar revolt on the establishment occurred in the form of the Eureka Stockade. I Don't underestimate these dissident uprisings simply because they were crushed by the government at the time. Their symbolism in the Australian psyche remains to this day.
Likewise the ironic heroic Australian figure Ned Kelly seems to fit this symbol very well. Even though branded a common thief and robber and hunted by the establishment he is not remembered this way. Instead the romantic story of the harassed and victimised Kelly fighting for deeper ideals of justice against opression prevails.
Today even in our contemporary liberal society the undercurrent of the tall poppy syndrome exists faintly in the background. Like a feeling or an instinct rather than the concious argument. Even though it is looked upon as a negative aspect, tarnished with ideas of jealousy between the haves and have nots. Tall Poppy Syndrome stands in defiance. Recognising the systemic violence for what it is. Recognising that a resistance is somehow required. That there is an imbalance and an injustice. That remaining silent as the system smoothly rolls along is wreaking unseen violence on the vulnerable.
So (Aussies) when you are criticised by those with power and wealth after you have criticised that wealth and power. Remember you are simply reflecting your cultural Australian roots, desiring to set right what you feel is wrong.