My thoughts about “downgrading”

Today, I would like to briefly describe a trend that persists and is constantly extending even further (at least that’s the feeling I have): "downgrading." Wondering what that means? Another way to put it would be "the path to mediocrity"—and away from the meritocracy.

Let me explain by taking a look at our youngest and their first points of contact with society in kindergarten or (primary) school. Educators are taught not to count points in games, or that there should be no winners. So I ask myself, how will children develop ambition and determination and learn to celebrate success? I understand, and think that it's a good thing, that—athletically—not so gifted children also have a chance to actively participate in a game and stay motivated, but are they or also their more talented classmates of the other team not allowed to win then?

Another example is the ongoing discussion about the grading system in Austria. How often is homework not designed according to the best in the class, but according to what is reasonable for the masses, so that the work does not have to be repeated and parents do not complain (and/or so that the grades are properly distributed, a point brought up also in the discussion about the centralized final exams of high school here, the so-called “Zentralmatura”).

And what happens after kindergarten and school? You find yourself at the serious side of life, also called professional life! It starts with a tough application process and increasingly via internships where, in both cases, several to lots of applicants compete for a few open positions. Who will prevail? Mediocrity no longer counts, but the best prevail and get the job.

Let's take a look across the pond toward the West, or across a huge continent toward the East. Firstly, let’s talk about the US: There are already spelling bees in kindergarten and the best get scholarships for high school and college. It doesn't surprise me that the US leads the rankings of the best universities and most successful companies, and is the world's strongest economy. 
The same is true for people of the Republic of China: Children are trimmed for discipline and performance—although it’s not clear whether this is for their best. However, talents—both in sports and when it comes to intelligence—are spotted early on and promoted in a targeted manner (once again, it’s an open question whether the end justifies the means there).
 
To bring the topic of leveling down full circle: I ask myself whether it really makes sense to stick with the average, or whether it is really that bad to take the best as benchmarks and always strive for achieving more? A couple questions that require some deep thinking, I’d say. What is your opinion on this?