Should Everyone Get a Trophy?

Marie Gonias, Reporter

As a society, we have come to believe that you get rewarded for doing something, whether it was a success or failure. We are raised with the mentality that no one should be left out. Rewards might make you feel great, but receiving a trophy after an awful season can sometimes add to insult and injury.

Kids are being taught that no matter if they win or lose in life they should be given a reward. Even the kids that barely show up for practice, give 50% effort on the field, and show no passion for whatever their game or activity. This can lead to entitled attitudes.

Expecting a trophy for participation completely ruins the purpose of even receiving a reward.
Rewarding every team or participant for little to no effort, kids are set up for failure. They are given the idea that it is okay to “just show up,” and that “everybody wins.” On the other hand, it is heartbreaking to see a team that tried its best all season end up in last place. Yes, they did work very hard, but should they earn a trophy for that?

There is competition in everyday life. Some of us may even enjoy a healthy competition. After all, it is because of the desire to be the best. Some people approach the situation with the mindset that “if it doesn’t matter who wins or loses, then why do they keep score?”