Procrustes Syndrome: Why Do We Hate Those Who Stand Out?
We are in a very competitive society in which more and more is demanded of each person. Both at work and in other vital aspects, we are asked for excellence, originality, creativity, efficiency and high proactivity. However, on the other hand, there is tremendous pressure towards uniformity, often being despised those who excel in some talent or ability
This sometimes means that those with the best abilities are not hired or are ignored, harassed and humiliated. This is Procrustes syndrome which I will explain in more detail below.
The so-called Procrustes syndrome refers to the tendency that some people, companies or even societies have to reject those with characteristics different from their own. for fear of being surpassed or questioned by them There is a tendency to try to maintain a constant uniformity in which divergences are frowned upon and/or punished.
Thus Attitudes of discrimination and even a certain level of harassment are established towards the person who stands out and who is considered to be able to threaten one’s position or esteem. Their ideas are ignored or distorted, attempts at proactivity and creativity are criticized. If the relationship with said person cannot be avoided, the aim is for the person to maintain limits that do not exceed the possibilities of the person who rejects them, putting pressure in such a way as to obtain a certain homogeneity in the capabilities manifested behaviorally.
Often the contact between both subjects is intended to be correct and apparently not manifest any type of conflict directly, although relationships tend to deteriorate over time
Normally it is given to people who may be superior, but sometimes it is also rejected to people who are considered to have lower capacities than their own (in this case they are intended to be modified so that they adapt to the person’s vision of the world. with this syndrome).
What type of people manifest it?
Procrustes syndrome usually occurs in people with a high level of frustration and a low sense of control, having low or labile self-esteem. On occasions they have suffered humiliation and different stressful and traumatic events that have caused them to doubt their own ability, so people who perceive themselves as superior or have the potential to be so are aversive to them.
Also The opposite case can occur, a person with exaggerated self-esteem to almost narcissistic limits where they see that others stand out and are more taken into account than themselves.
Whoever exercises this attitude can carry it out both consciously and unconsciously. While the former would directly try to cause harm to the outstanding person when they are threatened, the latter would tend to think that her point of view is correct and that it is others who must adapt to it.
Origin of the name: the Greek myth of Procrustes
In order to understand this syndrome more easily, it may be useful to know the origin of its name, which is closely linked to the characteristics of the syndrome in question. We find this origin in the Greek myth of Procrustes.
Procrustes, also known as Damastes, is according to Greek mythology one of the sons of the god Poseidon. This being welcomed travelers into his home and provided them with great hospitality, with friendly and willing treatment, proposing that they spend the night in his home.
However, when the guests fell asleep, Procrustes gagged them and checked whether their size differed from that of the iron bed on which he laid them. In the event that the person in question exceeded the size of the bed, Procrustes began to cut the elements that protruded from it. If, on the other hand, it was shorter and did not occupy it entirely, he would break its bones with a mallet in order to stretch it. In short, he always made his visitors conform to the measurements of his bed.
This would come to an end with the arrival of Theseus who proposed to him to see if Procrustes himself complied with the measurements of his bed and, after observing that it was larger, he would proceed to apply the same punishment that Procrustes provided to his guests, cutting off his head and killing him.
This myth reflects the pressure for uniformity which is characteristic of the syndrome with the same name, as well as the initially affectionate and welcoming attitude that many people who manifest this syndrome bring to their interaction, without apparently any type of discomfort or conflict.
Areas in which it is observed
Procrustes syndrome can be seen in virtually any setting, and can have serious effects on both the person and the person who may stand out. Some of the areas in which this syndrome is visible are the following.
Academic field
In the academic field, who stands out? is often poorly considered, both by some of their classmates and sometimes even by the teachers themselves. In fact, even in childhood many gifted people strive to obtain average grades (we are talking about cases in which this is done consciously for this reason and not because they consider learning unstimulating), especially in the case of girls. due to issues related to gender stereotypes.
On some occasions, Procrustes syndrome has been seen in cases in which different students and professionals have publicly criticized and humiliated others, because they may have felt inferior in abilities or see their prestige jeopardized if the other stands out. This can occur even in the teacher-student relationship when the former has low self-esteem.
An environment is created that can lead to harassment and limitation of capabilities, with the attacked subject not being able to reach their maximum potential and causing damage to both the training being carried out and the subject attacked by the person who manifests Procrustes syndrome. which can be influenced both in the short and long term.
Labor sphere
This is the sector in which Procrustes syndrome can be most evident, especially in the business sector, as there is great competitiveness in the market and it may be possible that other people who are more prepared or have better capabilities are more suitable for the position itself.
In this area, we will try to ensure that the person who excels does not do so, undervaluing their contributions or even appropriating them, establishing an excessive level of control over the subject in question and in some cases rumors spread regarding his person or his work in order to discredit him. In some cases in which the person who feels threatened has the power to do so, he or she may not hire or promote the most efficient people but rather others who are more dominable and who may pose less of a threat.
For the company in question, Procrustes syndrome represents obvious damage, as it does not allow the company’s capabilities and resources to be enhanced and represents an added difficulty when it comes to expanding and enjoying success. Teamwork is difficult and a climate of tension is created that is clearly detrimental to the health of both the subjects involved and the institution they represent.
personal sphere
Procrustes syndrome is not only limited to the professional or academic, but can also extend to the personal. In these cases family, friends or partners are going to be constantly criticized and the failures or discomfort that the person seen as a threat may feel (in this case towards self-esteem when considering that they may be better than the individual themselves) will produce a certain level of joy and satisfaction (although sometimes it may be clouded by the guilt when done unconsciously).
There may be a tendency to avoid people who are considered superior in some characteristics. For example, people with Procrustes syndrome They will avoid potential partners who are more attractive or intelligent than them If it is not a close person, there will be a tendency to isolate them, abandon them or reduce their self-esteem so that their abilities are also reduced.
In this case, both the person with Procrustes syndrome and the victim will be affected, causing a toxic relationship if it occurs and generating suffering for both parties.
