Illustration from noobsknack.deviantart.com
If you’ve ever come across crabs on a beach, you’ve probably noticed how nimble these creatures are. They can disappear into the sand just as quickly as they have appeared. They have eight jointed legs that bend sideways,
moving fast by flexing the second joint of each leg. Although they can move forwards, they move much faster sideways and allow them to escape perilous situations.
However, there are times where you don't want to be
a crab.
If you go to a supermarket or a seafood restaurant, you’ll notice that crabs are put in a large unopened container, usually in a bucket, basket, or even a barrel. Knowing a crab's agility, it would be
logical to put a lid to obstruct any escape route. But in reality, there is actually no need to do so. Individually, a crab would be able to find a way to escape. But in a group, there is no way for a crab to escape. This is because
crabs grab each other and drag themselves down when they notice one trying to get away.
This behavior is known as "the crab mentality." It is often used as an analogy for human behavior, describing how society will try
to drag down an individual who is striving for success.
This concept is explained in a short segment of The Boondocks, available below: