The author, Ashley Merriman, states that rewarding children too much for behavior that doesn't warrant praise is not helping in the long run. So many parents fight for everyone in their children's classes, or on sports teams to get trophies just for participating. The logic is that no kid will feel left out, but id this practice really helping kid's self esteems?
The author, and myself, would have to scream "NO!" as a response to the previous question. If every kid gets a trophy for participation, there is no motivation to exceed expectations. The children who excel will not be recognized for their efforts, and those who do not meet the minimum expectations, but receive recognition regardless will never strive for greatness. All this system is doing is breeding a generation of average masses, and not exceptional individuals.
I thought is was interesting that the trophy industry is now worth $3-billion a year. While these companies may profit from the abundance of rewards distributed to todays youth, in the long run America will suffer from lack of potential leaders and entrepreneurs.
CONTENT: Merryman, Ashley. "Losing Is Good For You." Op-Ed. The New York Times, 24 Sept. 2013. Web. 24 Sept. 2013. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/25/opinion/losing-is-good-for-you.html?ref=contributors.
PHOTO: http://www.someecards.com/usercards/viewcard/MjAxMi0zMGZhMmYwOGYxM2Q4NGU5
PHOTO: http://www.someecards.com/usercards/viewcard/MjAxMi0zMGZhMmYwOGYxM2Q4NGU5
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