My first blog is inspired by the articles written about Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison and his reaction to the trophies given to his two sons arising from their involvement in school athletic activities.
After considering the matter and reviewing the experiences with my two children, I now understand the position taken by James Harrison.
Both of my children participated in sports. One of the things that the children cherished having played in a sport was a souvenir that they had participated. The acknowledgement was often in the form of team or sporting event apparel such as a tee-shirt. I remember the children wearing their souvenir apparel regularly. It provided them with a feeling of belonging and self-esteem.
In the case of the children of James Harrison, the powers that be decided to give the children trophies as a souvenir for their participation. It is not the giving of the souvenir that is the issue. It is the form of the souvenir and the traditional view of the meaning of a trophy that lead to the difference of opinion.
I believe that the traditional understanding of the significance of a trophy is the root of Mr. Harrison’s concern. The Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary defines a trophy as being a decorative figurine or cup awarded for success or achievement. A successful army would take the captured weapons of the defeated army as a trophy of the victory. Hunters would take the horns of an animal killed in a hunt. The inference is that the prized object is taken by the victorious party.
It is the symbolism and traditional meaning of a trophy that does not dovetail with the use of the awards received by the children of James Harrison; they are a souvenir of participation. There are members of society who would like to consider that all children that participate in events are ”winners“ so as to avoid the negative emotional impact of not being the best at the contest. However, it could be argued that the use of a trophy to positively acknowledge participation conflicts with the definition of a trophy. Had the boys been given tee-shirts that they could wear to signify their participation, it would have likely have provided positive reinforcement of having participated.
When considering the question as to whether James Harrison was wrong, the answer is in two parts. Mr. Harrison obviously disagreed with the use of the trophy to show an acknowledgement of participation. On that point, I believe he was right. In suggesting that his sons should return the trophies, I believe he was wrong. The system has adopted a trophy not only as an indicator of success but also an indicator of participation. It is just another confusing change in what we believe is the traditional use of a trophy.
I believe that Mr. Harrison realized the issue and made the right choice. I believe he should be commended for his decision.