‘Speechless’ Michigan Parent Says Some Kids Are Losers: Patch Poll

It sounds so bucolic and good:

Gather everyone together on Rochester’s North Hill Elementary School lawn for one last before summer break, play the games for the sake of pure enjoyment, and forget about winning.

Or is it more evidence of what author David A. Stewart calls “The Wussification of America”?

Yes, if you ask The FOX News, which recently declared in a headline that parents are “speechless” over a flyer sent home to North Hill parents asking them to set aside their urge to win.

“The purpose of the day is for our school to get together for an enjoyable two hours of activities and provide an opportunity for students, teachers and parents to interact cooperatively. Since we believe that all of our children are winners, the need for athletic ability and the competitive ‘urge to win’ will be kept to a minimum. The real reward will be the enjoyment and good feelings of participation.”

Bennett Staph, the “speechless” woman referenced in the headline, reportedly found the words to express her outrage on Facebook.

“The ‘urge to win’ will be kept at a minimum,” she reportedly posted, questioning, “What are we teaching our kids? Everyone isn’t a winner, there are winners and losers. The kids that win and get awards drive those that don’t to do better.”

The field day is scheduled for June 6.

All this raises the question:

• Do events like this wussify children? Or do you think less emphasis should be placed on winning? Take the poll and talk to us in the comments.