Life isn't fair

I can't count how many times my mom told me that. After I had whined to her about some injustice, her response was matter of fact, and always caused me to storm off in a huff. As the years went by I discovered more and more that she was right. What has come as a suprise is how bent people are on making life fair.

American's love justice. We have crime shows that highlight criminals getting what they deserve. We also love to make everybody equal, in an election, a reality TV show, or in the classroom. Every kid gets a prize, or participation award. Honors like valedictorian, champion, and best, are eliminated. Everyone deserves the same chances to succeed, to win, or to get ahead.

I'm not saying there's anything wrong with giving opportunities to everyone, but there is a limit. If everyone is equal, there is no striving for better. There is no motivation to improve. Instead we stay stuck in mediocrity. Competition is good, and no matter how hard we try, there will always be someone smarter, faster, stronger, better-looking than me.

The secret is balance. I am by no means an expert, but I have learned that there is a difference between the drive to improve and envy. I will always be growing and changing, but I must realize that things will never be "fair."

'till the cows come home,

Ellie