The Decathlon as example of respect for generalization

[acroyear]

Uncertain Principles: Olympic Comments:

I had similar thoughts about the decathlon, but it seems like they are just really good at all ten events, not really really good, or some of them would also be medaling in all ten of the individual events, and some track and field person would have 10 individual golds and would have Phelps beat in the count. I know nothing about the sport, but I suspect the decathletes get beat in the individual events, which they are really good at, by specialists who are really really good at them.

So is it better to be really good at ten things, or really really good at two? Who knows?

That's been a debate in American education for decades. See the story "The Animal School" (lots of variations out there) for a metaphorical view about what happens when all students are forced to show competence at all skills and how they gain mastery in none, including the one they know they're naturally talented at.

In "real life", I find there's still a lack of respect for the "good at all, but best at none" children, including myself as I was growing up, in the educational system.

In athletics? In the general climate, probably not, 'cause you don't get any attention unless, like Bruce Jenner, you win.

As a role-model source, however, I would like the decathlon to have more coverage and respect for the achievement, for showing growing children that one doesn't need to specialize too early or too absolutely, in contrast with the NBC athlete profiles, and in *sharp* contrast with athletics and sports in China and the way the Soviets used to do it.

Not being "the best" at anything can be one hell of an esteem killer if one is not shown how successful and fulfilling a broad, "renaissance man" life can be. The decathlon can be a good example of that in sports terms that kids might be able to relate to.

Comments

[thelongshot.livejournal.com]

Actually, during the Men's all-around competition in gymnastics (which is a similar thing) there was a lot of lamenting that there are fewer gymnasts who are good all-around competitors anymore. Considering that you have to be good at six apparatuses with the men, I can see that being a problem.

As one who never was one of the best at anything but pretty good at a few things, I can also understand.

[dacuteturtle.livejournal.com]

I see something about generalization vs. specialization in my own field. I am an excellent generalist, but no one advertises for generalist. The business world is geared for specialists. The crazy thing is, those people in the know desperately want generalists. They are hard to find.