Has New Zealand gone soft?

[Meekey_Mouse]

I think it's very important that the help from the parents is there... But just at the same time that the parents don't give the kid every thing.

My parents encouraged me 100% in horse riding, but I knew if I EVER threw a hissy fit like some of the other kids, the gear and horse would be packed up before I knew it and we'd be on our way home. Taught me that if I wanted to get any where, I had to be determined and do it myself.. I'd get up at 4AM for shows, put the kettle on for mum, plait the horse, load the gear, put the horse float on, go back inside and get mum outta bed with coffee ready to go... From when I was 13yrs old

[Skyryder]

While I acknowledge that the will to win is important for some it is not for all. Those that believe that winning is the be all to end all fail to understand there are no winners without losers


Skyryder

[Ixion]

Civilised society is marked by cooperation, not competition.

[MadDuck]

Civilised society is marked by cooperation, not competition.

What bollocks !

[Skyryder]

Civilised society is marked by cooperation, not competition.

Absolutley. The nature of man is that of one who need to live in a society where the indaviduals co-operate with each other to the betterment of the society.


Skyryder

[MadDuck]

A society that lives on co-operation and no competition would signify a society throwing flowers around and hugging each other. Maybe you need to head back to the hippy days of the 60's.

A healthy society has people that are willing to challenge and ask questions, take on a challenge and win or lose, learn to spell and be educated, succeed when others cant be arsed getting off their butts to do anything useful to add to that society.

We have lost that. You participate you get a pretty little certificate even if you came last....wtf!

[Skyryder]

What bollocks !

Mankind is not equiped as a solo gather/hunter. His success has been developed with the principles of co-operation within the family unit, tribe, clan and nation. The slow progress of technical development has been acheived with co-operation. Competition may improve an idea after development but competition does not invent. Co-operation does. That may be in the way of finance, technical support, etc.

Skyryder

[Skyryder]

A society that lives on co-operation and no competition would signify a society throwing flowers around and hugging each other.

I fail to see the releveance of hugging and throwing flowers at each other as a sign of co-operation.........love yes.

Societies co-operate. That's how they function. Some laws are enforced to ensure that co-operation. Road rules would be one that comes to mind. We need to co-operate with other road users. Imagine the roads if competition:was to occur.

Skyryder

[Bikernereid]

I think it's very important that the help from the parents is there... But just at the same time that the parents don't give the kid every thing.

My parents encouraged me 100% in horse riding, but I knew if I EVER threw a hissy fit like some of the other kids, the gear and horse would be packed up before I knew it and we'd be on our way home. Taught me that if I wanted to get any where, I had to be determined and do it myself.. I'd get up at 4AM for shows, put the kettle on for mum, plait the horse, load the gear, put the horse float on, go back inside and get mum outta bed with coffee ready to go... From when I was 13yrs old

+1. I was very lucky that my folks trapsed me round for music lessons, athletics comps etc. I was always encouraged to have a go and to try my best. Luckily I came from sporty and competitive parents who also were sensible enough to explain that noone can be excellent at everything and that team participation is also extremely worthwhile. I also benefitted a lot from a very supportive school sports teacher who was a very positive influence.

I am still extremely competitive and I think it is a good trait which has also fostered a get off your arse and go for it attitude which seems to be lacking in a lot of the youth today. So many kids seem to think that they are entitled to everything without having to earn it or work towards it. I think that the PC brigade and the politicians have a hell of a lot to answer to regarding the state of a large majority of todays youth.

[rustycharm]

This is true. Having winners means having losers. This is bad for the losers self esteem.
We must bring winners down to the level of mediocrity to avoid hurting anyones feelings

Nice ... that could be a labour election billboard

[Winston001]

Civilised society is marked by cooperation, not competition.

Say whut?? Ah...ok....a sound bite for fellow travellers.

Absolutely. The nature of man is that of one who need to live in a society where the indaviduals co-operate with each other to the betterment of the society.
Skyryder

Oh puleeesse.

Primarily man is selfish and out for himself. That is how any creature survives - look after number one.

However, one way of looking after yourself is to come to an agreement with others to work together. That way the sabretooth has a tougher time when he's feeling a bit peckish.

This co-operation is useful, enjoyed for its benefits, but it is born out of self-interest. Within the group, there are additional benefits. Trading your skills for work by others benefits everyone. If you are good enough at it, you'll find a margin where the total benefit for you is greater than the individual benefit to others. Bigger cave, more food, less work - that is exactly what any of us are trying to do daily.


All of which does not explain Goldwings.

[awayatc]

Civilised society is marked by cooperation, not competition.

Every society has leaders, who want the rest to obey and follow and serve.
Nanna state has taken it upon itself to be the allknowing and allmighty leader.....and consequently breeds a generation of mediocre servants....

It's in our nature to compete, be better, faster, first, smarter, prettier.....
Scary to see that people believe we should just vegetate somewhere in the unseen and unheard "middle".....

I want to be in front...and hope my kids want to overtake me.....

I have failed as a parent if they turn out meek sheep...

[Trudes]

Reading this reinforces for me why we have different political parties with variations of political ideaologies..... some social democratic views, conservative views, liberal views and some socialist views, it's what makes the world go round, awesome!
Anyway, I reckon you can't win 'em all, but as long as you win sometimes and are good at something that gives you some satisfaction, then what more could you ask for?

[Grahameeboy]

No arguments here re training. But Im seeing kids giving up because its become "too hard"

Look at it inwardly.....if Kids are being trained to win and the don't...because the reality is that not everyone can be winners...then you will get the same effect i.e. "Too Hard"...peer pressure and all that.

Better to be a participant than not all all.

I have played a load of sports in my time, represented my County...played minor league football...I just enjoyed being a part of it..winning was great but losing was still fun...the important thing was I was taking part...I was a winner

[Grahameeboy]

Every society has leaders, who want the rest to obey and follow and serve.
Nanna state has taken it upon itself to be the allknowing and allmighty leader.....and consequently breeds a generation of mediocre servants....

It's in our nature to compete, be better, faster, first, smarter, prettier.....
Scary to see that people believe we should just vegetate somewhere in the unseen and unheard "middle".....

I want to be in front...and hope my kids want to overtake me.....

I have failed as a parent if they turn out meek sheep...

Do you really think so?