I, Prodos, of Melbourne, Australia, on this day, Black Friday, the 13th of August 1999, hereby declare the so-called "Tall Poppy Syndrome" to be dead (if indeed it ever lived).

This destructive myth - which has for decades been promoted by our academics, commentators and journalists - as an article of faith - without evidence - without ever having been tested - in order to undermine the characteristic confidence and forward-looking, benevolent nature of Australians - this myth which claims that we - as a people - resent or envy achievement and success, that we are "a nation of knockers" and that this should be treated as a defining characteristic of our culture is an ignorant, wrong and thoroughly vicious misrepresentation.

The "Tall Poppy Syndrome" has never, ever been substantiated by evidence. It has no substance. It does not and has not ever existed. Australians enjoy, appreciate, admire and aspire to success and achievement in all fields.

Australians judge individuals on their character and not on their wealth or lack of it or on their race, class or heritage. We are a freedom-loving creative, enterprising, individualistic, benevolent people of outstanding character.

Let no-one ever again doubt this.

signed and sealed by prodos