"A" is for average, right?

"When did earning an "89" become not good enough?" 


This was the sub-headline of an article written by Kelly Villano of the Hillsborough Patch.  After our discussion in class about the need to be first in American culture, I did some research. I found this article. 

This graph shows GPA trends from 1920-2006.
 (Courtesy of gradeinflation.com)

In it, Villano argues argues that the pressure in our society to be #1 has stemmed from "a culture of 'Keeping up with the Jones’ taken to the extreme." All parents want their children to be the best,  sometimes putting huge amounts of pressure on them in school and other activities. While my parents don't put tremendous pressure on me, I find I put this pressure on myself.


Villano then says, "now a 'B' has become the new “C”. I find this to be completely true. I wouldn't be happy with a "C" in a class.  A "C" isn't good enough to me. I find it very frustrating when teachers say things like, " a 'C' is average, you should be happy with it." Not only do I think a "C' isn't average anymore, but frankly I don't want to be average. I strive to be the best because the culture I grew up in says that's what I should do. This culture has become a part of me.


I know that this is the case with my students around New Trier and in this community.


Do you think this pressure will be beneficial for us in the future? Do you think this pressure will continue to build as it has over the last century?