The Truth About the ”Crabs in a Barrel” Mentality

In this episode of The Ask MRS HR Podcast, Dr. Thelá Thatch and producer Octavius Johnson have a deep conversation about self-love, community survival, and the misunderstood “crabs in a barrel” mentality often used to describe Black communities.

Many people believe that when someone in the community tries to advance, others pull them down out of jealousy or sabotage. But what if the reality is more complex? Dr. Thatch and Octavius unpack how generational trauma, survival mode, and unintentional attachment can create cycles that hold people back—not out of malice, but out of desperation.

This conversation challenges the way we think about community, support, and success. If we truly want to uplift each other, we have to redefine what it means to climb together.

📢 Do you think the "crabs in a barrel" analogy is fair? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

Here's how you can contact Octavius Johnson:

Instagram: @kangenpark

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePark2020

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kangenparkuniversity

Need HR help now? Visit MRSHRinaBOX.com for a DIY HR Solution.

Instagram & Twitter: @askmrshr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThelaThatchConsulting

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thelathatch

Check out Dr. Thelá's book The Diversity Dilemma: https://diversitydilemma.com

#AskMrsHR #CrabsInABarrel #CommunityGrowth #SelfLove #LeadershipMatters #HRConsulting #CareerGrowth #DiversityEquityInclusion #BlackExcellence #BreakingBarriers #SuccessMindset