What do awards even mean anymore?

Yesterday I heard the news that Big donny trump had been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize, which had me scratching my head - what even is merit anymore? Seriously, if Mr Orange Face can be considered for one of the world’s most prestigious recognitions for peace, then how about we nominate my favourite steakhouse for best vegan restaurant? It’s a joke, and an insult to those before him who were genuinely worthy of such a prize.

But more importantly, in the off chance he was to actually receive the prize, it makes you ask: when rewards can be handed out that easily, what do they even mean anymore? We’ve all seen this in everyday life, not just Nobel Prizes. It’s karate gradings, tournaments rewarding 4th and 5th place, Certificate of Achievement this and that. You’ve probably met someone overly proud of their black belt status but moves like they’ve never even thrown a real punch. Why? Because these days, anyone can get a certificate or medal. Just pay the fee, attend the weekend seminar, kiai loud and hard, and kaboom - there’s ya credentials! No grit, no challenge, no actual skill. Just a certificate and a belt you can buy on eBay.

Awards for everyone!

It’s symbolic of something deeper that’s rotting in our culture. We’ve become so damn obsessed with recognition, not reality. People are more interested in looking accomplished than being accomplished. We want that flashy medal, not the mastery, the applause, and not the practice. At the end of the day, whether it’s a Nobel Peace Prize, a black belt, or a Karateka of the Month McDonalds Award, it’s just a piece of paper or a shiny token. Real value doesn’t lie in the award, instead lies in the person behind it. Because the truth is, people can see through it. Just like in karate, you don’t need to know much to spot a poser. One’s movement, their stances, elbow position (and the list goes on) is more than enough to give them away. It’s the same with life too. You can tell who’s full of shit and who’s earned their place. No certificate however prestigious can fake one’s character.

So, let’s stop idolising awards and start valuing truth. Real value doesn’t need to be printed on paper. It lives in what you do, not what you hold up for show.

It's ok brudda, I know how you feel.