On Handshakes, High-Fives and Standing Ovations

So when did we start getting rewarded for nothing? I mean seriously? Back in the day we were only rewarded or got a pat on the back if we did a good thing, something special. Hell, sometimes we didn’t even get that. After all, why congratulate a guy for something he’s supposed to be doing anyway?

Nowadays we have trophies for simply sticking with the team and not quitting. That’s funny stuff right there. And earlier today I posted about my disdain for little leaguers high-fiving their opponents after getting a home run hit against them. Sorry but my mind can’t comprehend that concept. When a guy hit a homer off me I wanted to kill him, not tell him how great he was.

You know another thing that bothers me a little? Basketball players who slap a teammate’s hand after he misses a free throw. After a make? Cool. After a miss? I sort of wish they’d just leave the shooter alone to stew in his failure.

One last thing. Remember when a standing ovation was reserved for a major event? Maybe when a big record was broken or in recognition of a great Broadway play or some other big milestone. Now? Hell, Kimmel and Fallon and those guys get standing ovations just for walking onto the stage every night.

Bottom line? When we award trophies and standing ovations for something average we render them meaningless.

And if it’s not earned it’s irrelevant, right?