[Ansteorra] Cookies and merit badges

[Chris Backus]

It's the difference between doing something because you love it or for other 
reasons that are seen as noble, or for doing it to the intense level often 
needed to win the recognition for it, but then, because you've got the 
recognition and continued efforts are less obviously rewarded, doing less of 
what you were recognized for.

The merit badge thing is that you're rewarded for each step, keeping those 
who are motivated by obvious public recognition and status doing more 
aspects just to receive the awards.  You rack up awards like merit badges on 
a sash (especially since we can wear ours too), not because you're just 
interested in everything, but because you need that feedback.

Also, awards substitute for knowledge of someone.  So ultimately, someone 
could be a better historical martial artist than I am, but because I wear a 
WS, I'll get attention from students that he just won't get until they 
really know him and many people never go past that.  You might even say that 
since we both have 24 hours in a day, that if he took the time I took 
pursuing other things necessary to be recognized while he concentrated on 
perfecting his art, that he's *likely* to be a better martial artist than I 
am, but won't be recognized because he's one dimensional.  People don't 
generally use their time ideally, but for those who really are maximizing 
their effort, this would be a pitfall of our system.  It's too easy to read 
the shorthand and not take the time to learn who is really about what.

It's a tough line to walk, because I know I'm drawn to recognition, but I'm 
also drawn to doing the job embodied by some awards.

I have a WSA, but I hope to always work towards being a Don.

Hawkins

P.S.  I like chocolate chips  ; )

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Jean Paul de Sens
  To: Ansteorra List
  Sent: Sunday, May 21, 2006 8:22 PM
  Subject: [Ansteorra] Cookies and merit badges


  Due to the long drive home this afternoon, Gilyan and I landed upon the 
subject of "cookies and merit badges" and wondered at the negative 
connotation associated with such things.  So we're wondering:

  What's wrong with merit badges?  What about the system is offensive and/or 
wrong?

  Jean Paul

  P.S., please try to keep the "I like chocolate chip" responses to a 
minimum as I'm genuinely curious about this question.




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