As destructive behaviors go, crab mentality harms not only individuals but society as a whole. Among Filipinos, this infamous mentality can be traced back to colonial-era Philippines, where the colonizers pitted the people against each other to maintain control. Tragically, Filipinos came to perpetuate crab mentality themselves after decades of internalisation, leading to unhealthy competition and distrust.

By definition, crab mentality is when someone tends to pull down people around them who they consider to be better than themselves in any way, shape, or form. Instead of working together for the common good, people engage in behaviors by pulling each other down to keep themselves ahead. They criticize and belittle others’ successes, creating an environment of negativity and toxicity.

Here are some examples of Crab Mentality across different contexts:

• Physical health – if you start improving to get yourself healthy and fit for personal reasons, people who aren’t able to do the same might try to discourage you from continuing to do it.
• Mental health – instead of being compassionate and giving someone the help they need, people might choose to bring you down even more for “not being strong enough”.
• Social interactions – if you start to open yourself up to more people and engage in hobbies, people who’ve been with you might discourage you from doing so using lines such as “You shouldn’t do it because they’re bad,” etc.

I have had my own experience with crab mentality. One time, I was able to get a high grade on my school project and this person started to belittle me for getting a good grade instead of being proud. Others went as far as to spread malicious rumors about me after that.

When you think about it, crab mentality runs counter to humanism. Humanism promotes empathy, compassion, and respect for human dignity. It advocates for a society that works together to achieve progress and improve the quality of life for all. Humanism encourages us to recognize the value of each individual and work towards their flourishing. It seeks to create a society where everyone can reach their full potential and live meaningful lives. By embracing humanism, we can break free from the destructive cycle of crab mentality.

One of the underlying causes of the crab mentality is the scarcity mindset, where individuals believe that there is only a limited number of resources and opportunities available. This mindset can lead to competition and envy, as individuals feel that they must compete with others to secure their success.

However, this mindset is based on a false premise. In reality, resources and opportunities are abundantly available, and everyone can achieve success and live fulfilling lives. By working together and supporting each other, we can create a society where everyone has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

Another way to overcome crab mentality is to promote a culture of gratitude and appreciation. When we focus on the good things in our lives and express gratitude for the blessings we have, we are less likely to feel envy or resentment toward others. Instead, we can celebrate their successes and feel genuinely happy for them.

We can build a society where success is celebrated, and individuals are supported in their endeavors. We can foster a culture of collaboration and cooperation, where people work towards common goals for the betterment of all, instead of trying to put someone down just because we feel like their presence is discomforting.

Furthermore, education and awareness are key in addressing crab mentality. By understanding the harmful effects of this behavior and the benefits of collaboration and empathy, individuals can learn to recognize and overcome their tendencies toward crab mentality.

In summary, crab mentality is a destructive behavior that impedes progress and societal development that can be overcome through the promotion of humanism, abundance mindset, gratitude, education, and the common good. By embracing these values and working together towards a common goal, we can create a society where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and live a fulfilling life.