What is good about our culture’s strong emphasis on winning? Are there ways in which this value can cause harm? Did your Parents/family emphasize winning and/or competition?

The good about our cultures strong emphasis on winning, Us as Americans we were born to win, no matter what it takes and you learn that from a very young age, especially when it comes to the olympics, because its not just good enough to be in the Olympics, you have to win, and win GOLD. Usually, no-one ever remembers who came in Second, especially if you came in third or even if you didn’t even place people will just be like.

(If they see you with your Olympic gear on in public)

Them: Hey, you were in the Olympics?

Olympian: Sure was it was such an exciting experi-

Them: I bet, how many medals did you get?

Olympian: Well, none but like I said-

Them: Oh, well it was nice talking to you, congrats I guess.

I figure the conversation goes something like that, that’s one thing about Americans as well were Feeble if we’re not impressed with somethings than we just completely write it off. Even if its something we wouldn’t even be able to do even if we trained for four years. I’m not saying everyone is going to be like that because thats just not true. Many people appreciate Olympians win or lose but there are always those people who are like you didn't win anything I don’t care, and I’m sure most people wouldn’t be like that to someones, even if they didn’t care. That’s just the stigma of being an athlete in America, not just for the Olympics but for all sports at all times during the year. How does the Olympian feel after a conversation like that, they trained their whole life for an event they couldn't even place in; and to come home and not being appreciated for even going and having a chance at winning a metal. My mother was never really into sports until I got involved in them, but she’s always been very honest with me even if she thought I wouldn’t like it. She’d be like Oh,Yeah their better than you or I know you can do better than that stuff like that, but she always compliment me as well so it wasn’t like she just kept bashing me. She was very consistent with what she had to say and making sure she didn't down my spirits even if coaches or even other players tried to, or make sure I wasn't getting to arrogant as well which is what not just what I needed, every kid needs even if you don’t play a sport. My mother has never really been about Winning but she's kept that competitive drive enabled in me, throughout my whole life and I appreciate her for that as well.