The most difficult lessons rarely come from strangers—they come from the people we expect to support us the most. In moments of growth, achievement, and ambition, it is not outsiders but those closest who stand in the way. Instead of encouragement and celebration, we are met with doubt and criticism—a sentiment all too familiar in Filipino culture and a harsh reality that success is not always met with celebration but with resentment.
Too many have come to believe that the only way to succeed is at someone else’s expense.
This phenomenon is known as crab mentality, the ruthless tendency to undermine the success of others as they begin to rise, like crabs in a bucket, dragging down the one that tries to “escape.” This is not just an instance, but a widespread issue in academic spaces and personal relationships. I have witnessed classmates who have downplayed the hard work of others by claiming “sipsip lang ‘yan,” peers accused of succeeding through favoritism instead of merit, and “friends” who grow distant or throw shade every time there is progress. It is a toxic and vicious trait that kills progress.
(They’re a people pleaser.)
While many often brush it off as “something part of the culture,” crab mentality does more than hurt feelings—it suffocates ambition. It discourages individuals from striving, dreaming, and daring to stand out. After all, what is the point of striving for success when it places a target on your back? Why work hard when those around you are just waiting to tear you down?
At its root, crab mentality thrives in inequality because opportunities are scarce, competition is intense, and many grow up believing that success is reserved for only a few. When one moves forward, others feel left behind. This reaction stems not from hate, but from fear of being overlooked, feeling inadequate, and being left behind. Over time, it creates a dangerous cycle: achievers are mocked, efforts are downplayed, and failure is quietly wished upon them. What should have been a source of inspiration becomes a breeding ground for bitterness and resentment. It becomes normalized to the point that it is excused, even though it holds everyone back.
Yet crab mentality is not innate, and it is not inevitable. It can be unlearned, both individually and collectively.
Crab mentality persists not because Filipinos lack kindness, but because we have learned to confuse survival with sabotage. Too many have come to believe that the only way to succeed is at someone else’s expense. If we are to break free, change begins with self-awareness. Before criticizing, we must ask ourselves: Is it really about them, or about me? Am I offering meaningful feedback, or am I masking envy and resentment as concern? Honest self-reflection allows us to regulate our emotions and break the cycle.
We must normalize celebrating each other’s victories, as there is enough room at the top. Progress flourishes in spaces that value collaboration over competition, where individual growth is seen as a collective victory.
Another person’s achievement is not a threat, but an opportunity to grow, learn, and be inspired. If it is truly our own people holding us back, then we must make the conscious choice to encourage one another and push each other forward.
Filipinos are among the most talented and hardworking people in the world—something proven time and time again when given the right tools and opportunities. Imagine how much more we can achieve if we spent less time dragging one another down and more time building each other up.
Crab mentality has held us back for far too long. It is time we help each other climb out of the bucket together.
This article was published in The LaSallian‘s January 2026 issue. To read more, visit bit.ly/TLSJan2026.
