America Cannot Participation-Trophy Its Way to Another 250 Years

If the United States is to survive another 250 years as a Democratic Republic, we have to put an end to the “no losers; feelings are what count the most” nonsense. It will not work. Ask yourself a simple question. Do you think the Chinese are handing out participation trophies or taking mental health days rather than going to work?

The Messages Young Americans Are Hearing

It is one thing to constantly read how our younger folks have more favorable feelings about socialism than capitalism, are not especially proud of being Americans, or do not consider the country to be all that great. All of this is as much an indictment of our education system as it is a failure in ordinary parenting. 18- 29-year-olds have been bombarded since their birth with negative messages (not facts or actual balanced information) from the Unholy Trinity—academia, legacy, linear corporate media, and the world of entertainment. Given what we as a society have not just allowed and tolerated, but affirmatively promoted, it would be remarkable if they thought or felt differently.

Here are some numbers. Only 20 percent of this age cohort believe China is an enemy. A mere 27 percent view them in a negative way. That compares to 61 percent of those older than 65. This change among younger Americans is not “intellectual growth.” It is substituting a pretend world for the real world.

A Society Turned Upside Down

We will continue to highlight how these institutions are no longer worthy of any sentiment other than contempt and disgust. Today, let’s talk about some of the societal pressures the bad guys use to further their agenda to move us to a socialist form of government and life. The second (how we live our daily lives) is at least as frightening as the first (our form of government).

Those of us who are older grew up at a time when our parents were telling us to stop feeling sorry for ourselves, take responsibility for our lives, and not allow our emotions to blur our judgment. One not need be an expert in social psychology to observe this has been turned upside down. Now, we have trigger events, safe spaces, and those disgusting participation trophies.

Flattening Everything

In the name of not allowing anyone to feel like a loser, we flatten out everything under the sun. In athletic competition, getting caught up in trying to win gives way to “let’s all have fun” (and losing is not fun). In academia, if little Johnny decides not to study and gets a 45 on the test, it is no biggie. No, little Johnny gets to take the test as many times as he wants until he scores a grade that makes him (and his helicopter parents) feel good.

I am all for making sure little Johnny gains the knowledge to pass that test with flying colors. At the same time, he needs to understand that once you step outside the progressive bubble, where all that counts is narrative, actual performance and outcomes will take precedence over bruised feelings. In my world, you are not punishing little Johnny when he suffers negative consequences for not studying. You are simply bringing life to the constant “life is about choices, and choices have consequences” blather that we constantly hear from the very folks insulating others from any actual negative consequences—save those imposed for failing to toe the progressive line on every item under the sun.

The Two Americas

Much has been written, some of it by me, on our two Americas. There are people who want the whole country to be more like California, Illinois, and New York. There are others who prefer we become more like Florida, Montana, and Texas. In the same way, there are those who believe vigorous competition brings out the best in us and those who cower in the fear they might lose. The second group has no trouble changing the rules, even mid-game, to have the outcome not be one-sided. The hard truth is this. Sometimes, achieving excellence includes kicking the other guy’s butt. In other situations, you face living with the other side of that coin. You are the one whose butt gets kicked.

Victorious and Defeated

Here is an idea. Instead of thinking in terms of winners and losers, let’s start talking about the victorious and the defeated. You can be beaten without being a loser. It is okay to feel good when you are on the successful side and bad when you are not. Understanding that this is all part of life is called becoming mature.

We need to start distinguishing more between feeling bad about not succeeding at something and being overwhelmed by it. For those overwhelmed, my opinion is that we do not need to “affirm” those sentiments. It would be much better to help them understand that this is living in the real world, and here are some coping mechanisms to help deal with the situation. Instead of promoting weakness, dependence, and fragility, let’s spend more time attempting to produce strong, independent, and resilient individuals. This used to be called tough love.

Common Sense

Common Sense: Let’s recommit to striving for excellence. Let’s stop spending so damn much time making sure nobody feels bad about anything. Finally, let’s tell the feelings police their time in the driver’s seat is coming to an end. Our survival as a democracy depends on it.