It's a long debated topic. Something that has been happening for years, and will likely continue to happen as our culture becomes more and more easily offended.

Should kids get trophies, or other rewards, just for participating?

This isn't just an issue in sports. It's in pageants, science fairs, talent shows, and everything else under the sun.

So here's the problem: we are building a culture... And not a good one.

Giving kids participation trophies or rewards just for being there, teaches just that... All they have to do is be present, not actually try. It shows them that it doesn't matter how much work they put in, they will always get what they want.

If they don't have to try, why would they? Why put any effort into actually learning the information for the science fair, when they can just throw something together and get a "great job". Why work hard to learn the rules and get in shape for a sport, when they can sit on the bench all season eating cookies and get a "good work" at the end.

And what does this do to the kids who actually try hard and succeed? It puts them on the same level as those who don't do either of those things. It forces those kids to feel as if their effort has no real importance.

Yes, some kids will still try. Some will exceed the normal expectations, trophies or no trophies. But, the majority won't care. They will realize that they can get by with nothing, and take advantage of that. It's human nature and it's not their fault. It's the adult's fault for allowing this trophy culture to continue.

They won't be able to just show up and pass their classes. They won't be able to just show up and get accepted to college. They won't be able to get by on nothing in high school sports. There are no participation rewards at work.

This builds nothing but a generation that feels entitled. A generation that is not prepared for the real world. A generation that is deeply offended by everything that they don't agree with. A generation in need of "safe spaces" to escape from real life.

A generation like we have today.

What a shame.