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?
-
Yes, we seriously have this problem at least in the public schools. Then once they graduate from college, they learn that we only really care about the winners. The winners in the school sports get signed into the major leagues. The winners of scholarships are the ones who usually go to college and become somebody. Oh wait...there's welfare for the losers so they can continue to be mediocre and live on the successes of the winners.