Does American society place too much emphasis on winning.?

Question

Does American society place too much emphasis on winning.?

Answer 1

No it does not. They give participation awards to teams who lose. They reward people not for winning but for trying. That is why we see so many underachievers.

Answer 2

This is kind of a trick question.  Every society places an emphasis on winning.  However, from a functionalist perspective, some societies place the emphasis on the WHOLE GROUP or nation winning.

American society places a lot of emphasis on personal winning.

Answer 3

Yes and no.  Let's start with no.  I say no because our social system is based on the idea of being rewarded for being better than others at something.  It gives people the will to push themselves to excel.  When you reward people for mediocre effort, then you are reinforcing the idea that hard work is not important and people are entitled to things for simply showing up.

I also say yes, because in many ways, people are not suitably chastised for cheating or not playing by the rules.  It's almost assumed in today's world, by many, that do whatever you have to in order to get ahead and all is well as long as you don't get caught.  Thankfully, cheaters in Major League Baseball and other major sports have been getting taken down a peg or two, so perhaps there is still hope.

Answer 4

Yes, American society does place too much emphasis on winning things.  Americans are so worried about losing something, and looking like a looser.  People have such an anxiety of losing, because no one wants to lose at anything.  Losing feels upsetting, and makes you feel worse.  Losing is something that hurts your feelings about everything you can think of.  Theres a lot to explain about this topic, and it's difficult to explain.  I think you understand what I'm saying.

Answer 5

Yes

Answer 6

Yes.  (atleast in some sports)

Answer 7

In a way, yes. The whole economic building blocks of the grand ol US herself is based on winning. Capitalism is all about getting ahead, and succeeding. God I love this country.