I didn’t say I didn’t understand the difference between the two at a young age. I’m just saying kids see getting something as “winning” in someway. It was rare when I was a kid to get a trophy, sometimes even for taking 1st place. Ribbons seems to be the popular award back then, probably due to cost.

In his defense, it is hard to switch your behavior .....

You disagree that kids discontinue playing sports because its a natural progression of their interests? I didn’t quit wrestling at a young age because I wasn’t encouraged enough or given enough effort medals or boosts in confidence, I quit because I had interests in other things (other sports being one of them —- and…

I never said they are the same. The concept of receiving an award for participating is nearly the same for a young kid. They are receiving a trophy or a medal, just like the other kids who won. I won and lost tournaments as a kid, and there was little difference between most 1st place or 3rd place medals and trophies.

It means some kids are better than other kids. It’s called the reality of life. I didn’t say they didn’t “deserve” to be on the field, as much as I meant they aren’t as talented as other kids and their playing time suffers because of that. Let’s not turn this into something it wasn’t mean to be pal. I commend the kids…

I would say those kids that “give up” are a natural progression of their interests, and has little to do with whether they were given acknowledgement for trying at a young age. It maybe doesn’t diminish their want to win, but it doesn’t teach them any sort of real life lesson about how things work. I understand the…

You know what made me try harder as a kid? Losing. I thought the embarrassment of losing was enough motivation.

I think most kids prior to participation awards turned out fine without everyone needing to show their “appreciation of their willingness to try”. I don’t think kids often give up on a sport if they fail. Every high school sports team is filled with kids who probably have no business being on the field, yet they still…

Yea, clearly that’s what I was saying. I shared my experience with Islam and how I perceive the women I know dealing with similar issues, so however you want to spin it feel free.

I would say that culture and religion are pretty closely related when it comes to both Ethiopian and Somali communities, would you not?

She does have a choice. The only person denying her that choice is herself. Every person is subject to the opinion of others, regardless of religion. Like I said, many Muslim women I know wear “normal” clothes, and aren’t shunned for doing so. You can choose to use the religion as an excuse not to exercise (or wear…

Sorry, it’s a personal choice depending on the region or country you reside. Plenty of Muslim women in America choose not to wear a hijab. You say “fuck you” to me, and then say they wear a “tent” over their bodies, and I’m the ignorant one?

I’m stating our culture of exposing as much of our bodies while working out is the opposite of the culture of Islam, which is why most of these women do not exercise. I’m not saying that’s what I believe, or whether is right or wrong, but it’s the massive difference between the two cultures (how overly sexualized…

My version? There’s a massive difference between exercise in America vs Africa/Middle East. I don’t think there’s an LA Fitness every 20 miles in Africa. The majority of Americans work out at a designated gym (I understand there are other ways, but I’m trying to focus on the most popular venue).

How are they not allowed to see if it’s something they like? If you mean by not having access to “normal exercise equipment”, as not being allowed then I would agree. I agree that it’s not promoted in the culture, but it’s not like they shun you from the community for exercising (my wife’s mother is Muslim and…

It is completely a personal choice. The majority of young Muslims I know don’t wear a hijab or burka, and many other their parents are the same. They aren’t shunned by their community. Sure, there’s the few older strict parents who talk shit behind their backs or see them as “bad children”, but it’s not like they…

I believe the “running is for idiots” part was to provoke all runners to the defensive.

I find it ironic that we live in a society that looks down upon a religion for wanting their women to cover themselves (pure personal choice within the religion), while we promote sex within every aspect of our daily lives. Is this not in someway oppressive and misogynistic?

I’m sure seeing half naked women walk into Club Aqua downtown equally freaks out them. Cultural perspective can be an amazing thing.

Let’s not take an obviously “meant to provoke” comment to serious.