Well guess what, I was highly competitive throughout my entire childhood in a myriad of equestrian events, thanks largely to an awesome organization called United States Pony Clubs. I LOVED winning, and I competed internationally. USPC often gave participation ribbons to low-scoring teams at the end of its big competitions, called rallies. And guess what: WE ALL KNEW THEY WERE BULLSHIT.
They were always hideous, either orange or neon-something or tacky rainbow, and worse, they meant you lost. Getting a tiny, hideous ribbon didn't lessen the sting of losing an event you'd prepared for for months.
In retrospect, these abominations did serve a purpose, as a memento of the rallies we had shed blood, sweat, and tears to attend. Months of practices and literally days of practical preparation-- bathing horses, cleaning tack, packing feed, cleaning trailers, memorizing rules for written tests, labeling grooming kits, dry cleaning jackets, etc. etc. and more etc.-- were all commemorated by the crappy ribbons we shoved to the bottom of our tack trunks or reluctantly pinned behind blues on our barn bulletin boards. But none of us thought we were winners when all that work didn't result in a good finish.
So, if you think this generation is entitled and delusional, fine. But it's not because of the fucking participation ribbons, promise.
