Quote:
Originally Posted by matthewdenny
Our competition season recently came and went with the Buckeye Regional in Cleveland (Congrats to the Winners). During the course of the competition I witnessed a culture in my team that both irritates and befuddles me. It has been constant since our inception as a team in 2012. Until this year though I didn't recognize it for what it is: Cynicism.
Almost all members of our team exhibit this quality. They never allow themselves to be excited about pretty much anything... ever. When other teams cheer and yell, they sit and observe. When theres mascots dancing with people in a corridor, they detour around. When people stand and cheer at awards presentations, they might give a golf clap.
I talked about this with my upperclassmen Friday night, and here's what I got from them (I will paraphrase their quotes).
-"If I don't get excited, I can't get disappointed"
I've thought about the nature of cynicism over the last few days, and I think it stems from the general feelings of hopelessness, mistrust that is prevalent in our student population. Being in rural Appalachian Ohio has (I infer from them) has a lot to do with this. Granted, at times it can be a bit depressing in an economic way, but I don't see it the same way they do.
MY question... how do I change this? I think the world can be an amazing place for a bright kid, and FIRST is the exact type of thing that they should feel safe to give in to vulnerability that comes with excitement. How can I overcome this culture of cynicism and let them feel free to enjoy the ride?
As a note: If you are on a team that has got a cold shoulder from someone on our team, I'm deeply sorry.
|
Have seen this...even from my own son, who lived, loved, and breathed FIRST for many years. (Robotics competitions at the college level sort of destroyed his enthusiasm for competition, unfortunately.) Our demographics are similar to yours....I believe that cynicism extends to almost every activity at school. I always wonder that they get through their day and do so well academically, with their poor attitudes. But - it is a FRONT - they are wanting to find some way to make themselves unique and feel superior, even though they feel completely inferior in most respects. By acting like they are rejecting the spirit of the competition, it puts them in a safe spot where they don't have to feel rejected if they do join in. It's maddening to us mentors to deal with their "I am above your petty enthusiasm" attitude, especially when they screw up the Chairmans Award video they were assigned (what happened to us this year.)
I believe it is really best to confront them about their attitude. Ask them to give you more than a flippant reason why they are doing this. Let them know that you feel it undermines the team's success. Tell them you know they have much to give to the team, but if they can't be positive, they should consider not being part of it.
For those of us who are coming from a tough spot already, a positive attitude makes all the difference in how we view our successes and failures and whether we grow from them or let them limit us.