When is competition valuable?

And, ooooooh doggy, doesn't it ever make some people angry when you don't want to join into the societally sanctioned competitiveness.  When you decide that you don't see the point in “keeping up with the Jones,” or clawing you way up the mythical “corporate ladder.” 

the problem is many people dont know how to curb their pride and greed.  oftentimes, the 2 go hand in hand.  that's what it all boils down to in the end.  that, I believe is the true root of all evil.

Dearest one

'' I am passionte about not liking it ''

Loved that!
and thanks for a delight-fully truthful post, its sad that children are sometimes made to feel they have to do '' better'' and if they are unable to reach that standard then they may see that as a refelction of who and what they are, if they have a parent who is wise they can balance the said goal, wish, dream, with sharing, kindness, mildfulness and gratitude.
I think this is important as awareness of what is achieved can always be approached in a positive and compassionate manner.
Again balancing self worth with respect, care and wanting the same for others.
I have witnessed many situations where many use there own competitive habits within the roles/positions etc and this cascades down through many frameworks…

Well I suppose to bring change in anything one needs to understand why it happens and shed some healing light on it….

Thanks for a great post….

Check out Carla's blog on the subject. She posted a wonderful article
 “The Case Against Competion” by Alfie Kohn. 
http://carlasanders.gaia.com/blog/2008/7/when_is_competition_valuable#comments


I already posted this comment on Carla's blog, but I hope no one will mind me posting it here too.  it seems so appropriate with the soccer picture above and what you said about kids and sports. 

My beautiful spiritual grandson, Alex, now 8, ended his soccer season and won the MVP trophy.  When he showed it to me, I said “Wow! MVP!.  He just looked at me and said, “what's MVP, mimi?” 
“Don't you know what MVP means?”
Alex said, “No, they just gave me this  trophy and said 'stand over here' and  then somebody from the newspaper took my picture and my friend's Dad said if you win MVP when you're big, they'll give you a free car.”  And he shrugged his shoulders and smiled.

yeah I've seen fathers *and* mothers scream at their kids and put a lot of pressure on them to win whatever competition it is their in.. be it baseball, football, talent shows, gymnastics… you name it.  it's as tho if their kid isnt the best then they're not worth anything at all.  I see that as all personal pride being taken too far, and it gets in the way of love. 

it just seem so easy for people to completely lose sight of what's truly important in life.  the superficial things like being the best or having the most money and material things simply dont cut it.  it's terribly sad.

heh I'm aware of that.. my own mother wasnt that way (nor was my father), and I'm not that way with my 15 year old.  :)  but then I'm also not that competitive either.