Analysis Of Ashley Merryman's Essay 'Losing Is Good For You'
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In the editorial piece “Losing is Good for You,” Ashley Merryman indicates that America’s need for immediate gratification and satisfaction has made the act of receiving a trophy almost meaningless. In a day and age where society surrounds the idea that nobody should ever feel lesser or different, there comes to be a lack of value to things that once held meaning. Nowadays you can get a trophy or ribbon or some form of acknowledgment simply for showing up, and whereas that is a good natured move, it really leads to problems down the road. Ashley Merryman, who has spent years studying the effects of praise and rewards on children's states, “Awards can be powerful motivators, but nonstop recognition does not inspire children to succeed.” The problem nowadays is that there are more people who are concerned about making kids feel good, rather than people actually trying to help them improve themselves. A trophy used to be a rare thing to get, you had to actually give effort. But now, anyone can and will get the same trophy, no matter if you’re a winner or a loser. It really…show more content… The problem shown is whereas you make a kid feel good just for showing up, you make the kid who actually gave effort feel like there was no point in trying when he’s the one who affected the team the most. In the long run it seems that participation trophies do just what they’re meant to do; make everyone feel the same. Author Jean Twenge who studied an increase in narcissism and entitlement in college students warns that when living rooms are filled with these participation trophies it creates a “I only need to show up” mentality. People who grow up getting rewarded for showing the most minimum amount of effort, continue life just doing the necessary work and never more than what’s expected. But hey, at least they felt like winners while they did C