Pedestaling: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from 'pedestal', which originally means the base or support of a statue in Latin.
• In the 19th century, 'pedestaling' began to be used metaphorically to describe elevating a person’s status beyond normal.
• The concept is linked to the root 'ped-', which means foot, suggesting something that stands tall above the ground.

Psychology

• The phenomenon of pedestaling can create unrealistic expectations and pressure on the person being elevated.
• When individuals are pedestaled, their mistakes are often overlooked, leading to potential disillusionment when they inevitably fail to meet those expectations.
• In relationships, pedestaling can create an imbalance, where one person feels inferior and the other feels excessively burdened by their supposed superiority.

Cultural Context

• Frequently observed in media, celebrities are often pedestaled, making them symbols of perfection and setting societal standards.
• Social media can amplify pedestaling, where influencers are seen as ideal and unattainable, affecting followers' self-esteem.
• In many cultures, leaders or elders may be pedestaled, affecting how their decisions are perceived, whether positively or negatively.

Literature

• Many literary works explore themes of pedestaling, highlighting the downfall of characters who are placed on pedestals.
• In classic tragedies, heroes often face their demise due to the unrealistic expectations set upon them, showcasing the dangers of pedestaling.
• Modern novels frequently critique the tendency to pedestal individuals, calling attention to the flawed nature of human beings.

Social Dynamics

• Pedestaling can lead to toxic dynamics in groups, where one person's elevated status can cause jealousy and resentment.
• It can also inhibit genuine communication, as the pedestaled individual might feel isolated due to others' perceptions.
• Understanding the implications of pedestaling is crucial for fostering healthier relationships and communities, emphasizing equality and authenticity.