What is the DETRIMENTAL effect of the "everyone receives a trophy" philosophy?

1. 83

   gmwilliamsposted 9 years ago

   What is the DETRIMENTAL effect of the "everyone receives a trophy" philosophy?
   
   

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2. 68

   Tusitala Tomposted 9 years ago

   Depending on who the trophies are for, I guess.  If they're for kids, why not let 'em all feel good.  If the trophies are for adults they're only objects of vanity.  Why give any at all?   Don't we recognize we're already great?
   
   Unfortunately we're all vain enough to want to be 'recognized' as outstanding in some area of our lives.  Our egos need the necessary stroking.   I guess it's a sign of maturity if we can give away our trophies, and perhaps even our medals, to our grandchildren or maybe to the local museum.
   
   But back to my original answer.  Give all the kids a trophy.  Or none of them.  Why give some of them a swollen head and the remainder an inferiority complex.

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3. 75

   tsmogposted 9 years ago

   Some thoughts are with all receiving a trophy may be more specific with children is it builds esteem and self-esteem. Even though the first may be family centric, the second is a variable by individual. Quite possibly with friends too simply being recognized as a participant, of which the friend did or did not participate.
   
   I am not familiar with trophies and such within the classroom environment. With sports in mind one does not know if the team itself has its own system of recognition more familiar with schools particular to high school. For instance who scored the most touchdowns or etc, who is voted the most valuable player and etc, and maybe collectively as coaches with their awards. Quite possibly the trophy concept begins with wearing the uniform.
   
   If one looks at both scouting programs as pre-adolescence / teens - girls and boys, as well as other programs - Awana and etc. discovered is the all participant recognition has a beginning point. They are a member of a group.
   
   Usually that may be recognized as having a uniform of some type. Therein enters delineation with family economics (With the sports example many times the school provides the uniform reused year-to-year). Following is an earning awards systems. The delineation does not prevent that from occurring, though may affect self-esteem. That may be more specific to within the organized structures for display of the 'trophy concept' - badges and etc.
   
   For example with personal experience when I joined the scouting program I was told I could have a uniform. But, it was conditional first with a shirt, scarf, and cap. And, too, it was my Christmas presents, although not given then.
   
   Some may begin with the cap only or some mixture. BTW that was with the Cub Scouts. With the later Boy Scouts I had to pay too with my allowance. In other words I had to save thus earned the recognition, although possibly not shared with all. That could have led to building self-esteem.
   
   We see the trophy concept here at HP with accolades. Bear in mind of recent years the focus has changed and is changing still. If one looks at how those are displayed at the profile the first five may be considered as esteem orientated for the business concept. The following is self-esteem orientated toward social. Maybe not.

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4. 64

   cat on a soapboxposted 9 years ago

   Hi Grace,
   My answer seems an unpopular opinion in today's world of esteem building and the "nobody should feel bad" concept.; however, the problem with this philosophy is that it fosters mediocrity, dumbs down true competition which is what contests are all about, and gives those who do nothing a false sense of accomplishment. Why make an effort if you're going to get a trophy for doing nothing? In cases with young kids and those who need self-esteem boosters, small trophies, ribbons, and  Certificates of Participation are a good bet for everyone. I just think they should be gradually phased out as real competition takes center stage.   Most mature people recognize that trophies and awards are for those who have truly accomplished something. above and beyond the norm, and we should learn to take it in stride w/o bitterness.  Should we do away with Olympic medals and military awards of valor because they are unfair?   It's true that vain people often use trophies as boasting points; however not all trophy recipients are vain. In fact, many are humble.

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      phoenix2327posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Your answer may seem unpopular, but it is a realistic one.  I completely agree with you.

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   2. 83

      gmwilliamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      NOT UNPOPULAR AT ALL.  IT IS GOSHDARN TRUTHFUL..  I AM ALL FOR TRUTH!

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   3. 64

      cat on a soapboxposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you!  Parents, educators, and group leaders can build confidence in kids by small-step challenges and gradually raising the bar. It should be more about the experience than the prize.

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