Post: #1

As much as it pains me to praise a Pittsburgh Steeler, James Harrison gets it. His sons received participation trophies for some event, and when he found out he made them give them back until they earned them. Such a breath of fresh air from the National Group-hug circle jerk that we have become accustomed to.

Link

Quote:James Harrison returns trophies, says his sons didn't earn them
By Ryan Wilson | CBSSports.com
August 15, 2015 10:42 pm ET

When it comes to hard work, Steelers linebacker James Harrison is old school. We've seen it countless times, whether it's in the weight room, on the volleyball court or even while cutting grass.

Not surprisingly, this old-school mentality extends beyond the workplace and into Harrison's home. And here's the proof, via his latest Instagram post:

"I came home to find out that my boys received two trophies for nothing, participation trophies! While I am very proud of my boys for everything they do and will encourage them till the day I die, these trophies will be given back until they EARN a real trophy. I'm sorry I'm not sorry for believing that everything in life should be earned and I'm not about to raise two boys to be men by making them believe that they are entitled to something just because they tried their best...cause sometimes your best is not enough, and that should drive you to want to do better...not cry and whine until somebody gives you something to shut u up and keep you happy. #harrisonfamilyvalues"

The man makes a great point. In related news, here's to hoping someone in the media asks Harrison if Mike Tomlin passes out participation certificates at the end of every season.

Post: #2

Inspirational. The man is a great father. He's absolutely right. Participation prizes cheapens the prestige and pride of winning something for real.

Growing up, I always played at the local state festivals for piano, organized by the state federation of music teachers. They say you either won, or you got an honorable mention, or got nothing. There would be multiple winners, and they were essentially glorified, multi-tiered participation awards. It was winning scholarship competitions where I got a distinct and objective first or second, even third, or performing with an orchestra, or getting a place at the Gina Bachauer Competition, that meant something to me.

Prizes are meant for people who deserve it. Sometimes even a combination of talent and hard work isn't enough, because you are outshined by others. Too bad. The world is only interested in seeing the most gifted athletes clash on the field, the best actors under the best directors on the screen, the best artists in the museums, and the best musicians on the stage. Bullshit like multiple valedictorians and pity prizes only serve to create a smokescreen that makes it harder for someone to stand out.

It demotivates people who might push on to be the very best, but are mollified by the fact that they got some cheap plastic hardware. It's absolutely equivalent to subpar women on Tinder or OKCupid getting inboxes full of thirsty messages. It's cheap, and makes them think "See? I'm good enough." It's the lack of all validation but earned validation, and the shock of disappointment and embarrassment from having your flaws highlighted by superior/talent, that makes you hit the studio room, or the court, or the field, and push yourself to be great.