So when did competition turn into NOT competition? When did it become okay for everyone to get something? last time I looked, wikepedia definted competition as: Competition in biology, ecology, and sociology, is a contest between organisms, animals, individuals, groups, etc., for territory, a niche, or a location of resources, for resources and goods, mates, for prestige, recognition, awards, or group or social status, for leadership. Competition is the opposite of cooperation. It arises whenever at least two parties strive for a goal which cannot be shared or which is desired individually but not in sharing and cooperation.”
Interesting. So it pretty much states competition arises when two CANNOT share the same goal. Therefore, when did it become okay in competition for EVERYONE to get something?
When I was little, you knew which dance competitions were hard. Which you were going to have to WORK to get those “gold” medals. YOu knew which ones you could walk away with easy golds, but did you ever feel good? Not really…because you know that a “gold” at such and such was really a “bronze” and a big name. Certain competitions had first, second and third, and honorable mention. You didnt place? You got a great big “Congrats! Try again next year” and boy did you try again. Because THAT was a genuine, earned medal.
But then, some cranky parent, who probably lost a lot as a kid, started complaining. Because her not-so-talented Susie didnt get a medal. She didn’t get first, second, or third….no siree….she didnt even get an honoroable mention. And her self esteeem suffered. Susie cried. Mom got mad. Studio Owner got a mouthful. And the next thing you know, competitions are “adjudicated” and everyone goes away with “something.”
This is why we have a crisis on our hands. This is why kids dont listen is class, why they expect everything to be handed to them. Long gone are the days of earning something, now its EXPECTED. We dont work for what we want. We cry, throw tantrums, have mommy or daddy complain, and Voila! Instant solo, medal, trophy…etc etc etc. We are raising a bunch of spoiled brats, kids who have NO idea of what the satisfaction of hard work actually feels like. I actually had a student turn to me one day after being reprimanded for doing a step continually wrong and say “Who cares? Mom thinks I am cute no matter what I do.” She was 16. Embarrasing.
I think it is unnecessary to make sure everyone leaves happy. I guess on the flip side, in the time when there are more competitions than ever, more choices, its easy to say, give everyone the biggest best trophy ever! then theyll want to come back! But wouldnt you want to be know as the competition with character? Integrity? The one everyone wants to win at because it really means you are truly a technical artist?
And OMG. Do not get me started on the awards system. I Had a student one of my first years as a teacher, who ran offstage. She got a bronze. She refused to go onstage for her award..as bronze was REALLY BAD. Of course kid, you ran offstage…what did you think? high gold? High Silver was a norm. then gold, high gold….MAYBE a platinum somewhere….and oh man, that Platinum was just like the holy grail. You WANTED it. Now, people get upset with silver. So it changed to…gold. high gold. Platinum. Diamond. Really? Diamond? And NOW..its even more crazy. Its more like, Platinum. Titanium. Super Sparkle Princess Award. What the hell? Come on competitions. Give out Bronzes. We will respect you for it. And If any student gets mad…and the teacher leaves beucase it was “unfair” well….then they are the ones feeding into it. I always tell my kids, “you may be the best in this room at this given time, but go anywhere else, and there will always be someone who can kick your rump.” While it may be harsh, its the truth. and quite honestly, kids could use a little bit more truth, and a little less sugar coating.