57 Percent of Americans Say Only Kids Who Win Should Get Trophies

Reason.com ^

[353FMG]

If the losers insist of receiving trophies, the trophies should state that they LOST.

[rockinqsranch]

To me this is one of the most stupid discussions ever.

What are trophies for? They are for winning, not for participating in something one doesn’t win.

I never heard of a trophy for losing. If one needs a citation for proof of participation, then let such a citation be.

A trophy is an incentive to win, and an acknowledgement of success.

Wondering why people want to change things that work.

[TigerClaws]

I agree it’s stupid, but it’s a fundamental difference between the right and left. Capitalism vs. socialism.

It starts at this early level. Look at East vs. West Germany 20 years ago. Socialism creates third world conditions even with the population, education, IQ, race, etc. being otherwise similar and equal.

[varyouga]

50% are below average and are smart to take from the more successful.

It’s why a direct democracy cannot work

[Balding_Eagle]

I would have refused to answer the poll because the correct answer is

The whole school should receive trophies, not just those on the team.

[Spok]

Wow. What’s wrong with 43% of Americans??

[Amagi]

Sad indictment of the nation.
It should be 100%.
Life lessons not learned.
Everyone needs to appreciate excellence in others and strive for it in themselves.
If you're not cut out to be a professional athlete, enjoy the competition of sports, but learn to move on and take your talents into something else, and strive for excellence in that.
Become a champion in your life's work ...
... or, alternatively, live off the award of the beneficence of others, through the state.

[tumblindice]

Disagree. A few years later they come in last place in their high school baseball tournament and are disappointed because for the first time in their lives they don’t get a trophy for just showing up.

[Blue Collar Christian]

I’m OK with the kids on losing teams getting trophies, as long as the inscription says they are losers.

[southern rock]

Disagree. A few years later they come in last place in their high school baseball tournament and are disappointed because for the first time in their lives they don’t get a trophy for just showing up.

Really? You think HIGH SCHOOL kids will be disappointed because they got participation trophies when they were 5 or 6?

Let's get a grip. I'm my experience 7 yr. olds no longer care. It's just a nice gesture for the younger kids to encourage them.

[polymuser]

Sorry, I failed to imply the outcome reflected the input. Let me reframe it:

Susie worked 3 weeks and made a good project.
Johnny worked 3 nights and made a crappy project.
Both got the same ribbon.