Let me explain what I'm talking about. As of awhile now, at least going back several decades, it's starting to seem like the innovation and ambition that at one time made America a powerful country, is gone and nothing but a candle's flame now. One such problem I think we have, is the "so long as you had fun" mentality.
Say you're in a race for a Triathlon, you don't do so hot, and you don't place highly, but you get a medal and a trophy for "participation." I believe this sort of mentality is making this country weaker, we're telling our kids and they're telling their kids that so long as you try your best and have fun, that everything will be given to you because you tried. Instead of actually going out and working hard and practicing and getting back out there, and getting what you want through determination and effort, you can instead put in less of that and get the same result because we don't want anyone feeling excluded or down and out.
So, do you all think that we and most likely many other countries have an issue with rewarding participation instead of actual hard work and diligence?
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I blame parents' groups ending dodgeball. When I was a kid, there were winners and losers. It was great when you won, and it sucked when you didn't. Then, one year, parents got together and said they were tired of consoling their little perpetual losers. Rather than teach them to win, they decided it was better (easier) to just get rid of the things that told their little bundle of joy, maybe he or she wasn't the best. The first target was dodgeball. After all, it teaches predatory behavior and the strong overpowering the weak, right? Now most of you in the current generation are pansies that can't take any responsibility for your own failings, which are adding up, cause you are number 1 after all...