Unjust Justs

Our driver down in Australia argues that if we keep thinking of ourselves as “just” drivers, we can’t expect to be treated any differently

There’s a well-documented theory about Australian culture that says we have a tendency to engage in cultural cringe. We like to celebrate people to have a go and be successful but at the same time not get too big for their boots.

We also like to appropriate successful Kiwis, just as long as they don’t get too carried away with themselves. Russell Crowe, for example, is a celebrated Aussie actor… until he has a dummy spit. Then he’s a Kiwi.

However, I’m constantly amazed at how often people use the word “just” when referring to their job. Maybe it’s a blue collar thing; maybe it’s that Aussie not-wanting-to-blow your-own-trumpet thing. But I’ve never heard anyone say, “I’m just a CEO.” Except maybe if they’re in a court of law.

But I’ve heard plenty of people say I’m “just” a cleaner, or I’m “just” a mechanic, or even more concerning “I’m just a teacher”. And I’ve lost count of the times I’ve heard the phrase “I’m just a truck driver”. It’s like we’re kind of embarrassed to admit it. Like the dog catching you on the loo, you end up inexplicably embarrassed and self-conscious, even though you know it shouldn’t matter.

Why apologise?