The following is part of Point / Counter-Point discussing our culture’s approach to self-esteem and how we are affected.
Some days you just don’t feel your best. For most of us, this feeling passes and the sun comes out tomorrow, right?
Unfortunately, not all of us can overcome these moments.
Griffins claims that our culture puts a lot of emphasis on building self-esteem by giving kudos for basically breathing.
His argument is that this makes people soft and less driven by not appreciating them for their success.
Maybe that is true, but has he ever stopped to think that perhaps that extra boost is the catalyst someone might need?
Sure, we shouldn’t give people an award for walking onto the field of their particular sports endeavor, but we should at least acknowledge hard work and effort.
A little bit of encouragement might be just what someone needs to give them that desire to improve and accomplish more than they thought possible.
What if that participation award was something that gave a child the courage to try again and realize that even though they weren’t the best, they still matter?
People need to know that they matter.
You could be the one who changes or even saves a life by telling someone who needs to hear it that they mean something.
Let’s face it, if you can’t see yourself positively, how will you be able to live up to your full potential?
Sorry Kevin, but we are special. Because there’s no one out there who succeeds like you do or fails like you do. No one who shares your traits or your that are unique to you and you alone.
That phrase isn’t about narcissism or a disconnect with reality. It’s about celebrating people as individuals. It’s about understanding that everyone has different strengths and weaknesses, which we can choose to encourage or discourage.
It’s about knowing who needs you to pick them up when they’re down, and when they need you most.
Reule, a junior journalism and public relations major from Charlotte, is an opinion writer.