“Be grateful for luck. Pay the thunder no mind; listen to the birds. And don’t hate nobody.” —James Hubert “Eubie” Blake (1887-1983) American pianist and composer
By the way, I have never had an issue with participation trophies. It’s not like anyone is confusing them for the winner’s trophy, and nobody takes them for anything more than a nice memento of the particular event or season they participated in. The whole attitude of, “Of you’re not a winner, you get nothing,” is silly in my opinion.
As with many ‘quick draw’ mouths, kid only looked at the surface of the subject. Hope this lesson sticks with him when other opportunities arise.
Plainwell gave good advice. One way to make friends is to be thoughtful of what one says. A ‘snark’ doesn’t only affect the target but also those who observe it.
I have nothing but awed respect for anyone who even attempts a marathon, iron man, birkie, triathlon, etc. The amount of dedication necessary just to try it is off the charts as far as I’m concerned. Same goes for things like learning how to play a musical instrument well enuf to perform in public. I’m content just to muddle along in comfortable mediocrity and admire the accomplished from afar.
I think Miss Plainwell blows it in the second panel, when she fails to point out that the medal is not given for participating, but for finishing. Big difference. Even if you are DLBF in a marathon, you have actually done something. “Participation” trophies are just for showing up, and it’s something the kid should understand.
There’s winners and there is non-winners, the most important things are, did you do your best and did you do it the right way. Some of these things nowadays where scores are not kept and everyone is a winner is not how things work in the real world.
Ms. Plainwell might have finished in the top 10%. But not necessarily, since everyone who finishes gets a finisher’s medal — not just those who finish in the top 10%. Even the runner who finishes last gets one. That’s why it’s called a “finisher’s medal.”
Admittedly, her statement in the 2nd frame is somewhat ambiguous. I think she means that only about 10% of those who try to run the Boston Marathon (send in the necessary paperwork, etc.) are good enough (i.e., fast enough) to be allowed to run the course that day. That’s the “about top 10 percent” that Ms. Plainwell is in — and that’s just one more reason why she is so impressive.
Richard S Russell Premium Member about 1 month ago
“Be grateful for luck. Pay the thunder no mind; listen to the birds. And don’t hate nobody.” —James Hubert “Eubie” Blake (1887-1983) American pianist and composer
WelshRat Premium Member about 1 month ago
The world is made more fun by snark.
Bilan about 1 month ago
The Boston Marathon is one of the few things, besides playoffs, where you’re a winner just to be invited.
diazch408 about 1 month ago
Cool lesson, Miss Plainwell.
Doug K about 1 month ago
Aw … no snarky comments? … Is sarcasm okay?
Charles about 1 month ago
Participation trophies were always a stupid, counterproductive idea.
El-Kabong about 1 month ago
Go to college and get a participation degree, kid.
cdward about 1 month ago
By the way, I have never had an issue with participation trophies. It’s not like anyone is confusing them for the winner’s trophy, and nobody takes them for anything more than a nice memento of the particular event or season they participated in. The whole attitude of, “Of you’re not a winner, you get nothing,” is silly in my opinion.
William Robbins Premium Member about 1 month ago
Aren’t comics pretty much snarky comments?
sandpiper about 1 month ago
As with many ‘quick draw’ mouths, kid only looked at the surface of the subject. Hope this lesson sticks with him when other opportunities arise.
Plainwell gave good advice. One way to make friends is to be thoughtful of what one says. A ‘snark’ doesn’t only affect the target but also those who observe it.
Ceeg22 Premium Member about 1 month ago
I’m impressed that she’s back to work the day after!
DaBump Premium Member about 1 month ago
So hard to resist that reflex.
jconnors3954 about 1 month ago
Mean is mean.
The Wolf In Your Midst about 1 month ago
“If you didn’t win then why did you even try” is a far too prevalent mindset.
Jhony-Yermo about 1 month ago
YaY! For Ms Plainwell. Excellent. 26.2 and in the top 10%. YoW! Way to go Ms P. !
The Brooklyn Accent about 1 month ago
Without snarky comments, I’d get to read GoComics in a lot less time each day.
Uncle Bob 30 days ago
Well played, Ms. P!!!
eced52 30 days ago
Amen, Miss Plainwell. Top ten percent in a marathon is very commendable indeed.
alexius23 30 days ago
During my teaching days I participated in the American Birkebeiner, a 31 mile cross country ski race. They gave out participation medals.
Richard S Russell Premium Member 30 days ago
I have nothing but awed respect for anyone who even attempts a marathon, iron man, birkie, triathlon, etc. The amount of dedication necessary just to try it is off the charts as far as I’m concerned. Same goes for things like learning how to play a musical instrument well enuf to perform in public. I’m content just to muddle along in comfortable mediocrity and admire the accomplished from afar.
puddleglum1066 30 days ago
I think Miss Plainwell blows it in the second panel, when she fails to point out that the medal is not given for participating, but for finishing. Big difference. Even if you are DLBF in a marathon, you have actually done something. “Participation” trophies are just for showing up, and it’s something the kid should understand.
B.comics.61 30 days ago
Not very authentic. The huge Bank of America logo should be visible.
EXCALABUR 30 days ago
There’s winners and there is non-winners, the most important things are, did you do your best and did you do it the right way. Some of these things nowadays where scores are not kept and everyone is a winner is not how things work in the real world.
socrates 29 days ago
Ms. Plainwell might have finished in the top 10%. But not necessarily, since everyone who finishes gets a finisher’s medal — not just those who finish in the top 10%. Even the runner who finishes last gets one. That’s why it’s called a “finisher’s medal.”
Admittedly, her statement in the 2nd frame is somewhat ambiguous. I think she means that only about 10% of those who try to run the Boston Marathon (send in the necessary paperwork, etc.) are good enough (i.e., fast enough) to be allowed to run the course that day. That’s the “about top 10 percent” that Ms. Plainwell is in — and that’s just one more reason why she is so impressive.