Participation Trophies Send A Dangerous Message Summary

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In the passages, “Participation Trophies Send a Dangerous Message,” and “Participation Trophies Send a Powerful Message,” they both discuss the effects on commending children. One passage discusses the harms of over-praising, which could lead to someone making a negligible effort for equal acknowledgment. While the other passage talks about the importance of rewarding to induce a child’s self-confidence. First, the author talks about the importance of building a child’s self-esteem. It is fundamental to instill self-esteem in your youth so they can feel important and part of something. It is also a way to encourage them to keep showing up and participating. According to the text, it says, “Any kind of honor can make a young kid feel as if …show more content…

Additionally, constant praise diminishes the achievement aspect of being praised for true hard work. The author stated, “Trophies used to be awarded only to winners, but are now little more than party favors: reminders of an experience, not tokens of true achievement.” Moreover, the author was trying to get across was rudimentary things are to be expected and should not be rewarded. According to the text, it says, “We begin to expect awards and praise for just showing up.leaving us woefully unprepared for reality.” Also, an example is when the author talks about equal praise. For this reason, if someone is getting the same recognition for doing the least amount of work, why would someone do more work for no reward? The text states, “Regardless of individual effort or superior skills, all who participate receive equal acknowledgement.” To add to that, the text stated, “.participation should be recognized, but celebrated with words and a pat on the back rather than a trophy.” In other words, group recognition is just as important as individualized

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