The Participation Problem By Dr. Nathaniel Keene, PhD in Social Theory and Creative Economies (Institute of Transnational Studies, Adelaide)

In the classrooms, sports fields, and auditoriums of late 20th-century America, a seemingly innocuous phenomenon took hold: the participation trophy. Born of good intentions, these small tokens of inclusion were meant to encourage children by rewarding effort alongside achievement. Yet, as these children grew into adulthood, this ethos of universal recognition began to shape broader cultural norms—none more profoundly than in the realm of creativity.

The Participation Problem is not simply a critique of Millennials' artistic contributions but a reflection on how the cultural values instilled in this generation have reshaped the metrics of success in the arts. By conflating effort with excellence and inclusion with merit, we have created a landscape where mediocrity thrives under the guise of equality, and the pursuit of greatness is often overshadowed by the fear of exclusion.

The Trophy Mentality

The roots of the Participation Problem lie in the well-meaning attempts to democratize creativity. In an era of expanded access to education, technology, and platforms, Millennials were told they could—and should—create. The advent of social media further amplified this message, offering tools that made it easier than ever to write, compose, film, and share.

Yet, this democratization came with unintended consequences. When everyone is encouraged to participate, the standards for what constitutes "art" are inevitably diluted. A proliferation of voices is not inherently a bad thing, but when every voice is treated as equally valid, the space for critique and discernment shrinks. The result is a culture where effort is celebrated as much as—or even more than—outcome, and the line between participation and excellence becomes blurred.

The Death of Critique

One of the most significant casualties of this ethos has been the role of critique. In a landscape where inclusion is prioritized, critique is often seen as exclusionary or even cruel. For Millennials, raised on the principle that everyone deserves recognition, harsh feedback can feel like a personal attack rather than an opportunity for growth.

This aversion to critique has profound implications for the arts. Great works often emerge from a process of failure, revision, and hard-earned improvement. Without the willingness to confront and address weaknesses, creators risk stagnation. Moreover, the cultural reluctance to critique fosters an environment where mediocrity goes unchallenged, celebrated simply for existing rather than for its quality.

The Illusion of Success

The Participation Problem is compounded by the way success is measured in the digital age. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok create an illusion of meritocracy, where likes, shares, and follows appear to reflect artistic value. But these metrics often reward visibility over substance, reinforcing the idea that participation—simply being present in the cultural conversation—is enough.

For example, a short film that garners millions of views on YouTube might be considered a success, even if it offers little in terms of originality or depth. Similarly, a self-published novel that trends on social media may achieve recognition not for its literary merit but for its relatability or marketability. In this system, the effort of creation is often mistaken for the achievement of greatness.

The Fear of Failure

At the heart of the Participation Problem lies a generational fear of failure. Millennials, accustomed to environments where every effort was rewarded, often struggle to grapple with rejection. Yet, failure is an essential component of artistic growth. The willingness to risk failure—to create something ambitious, even if it might fail spectacularly—is what distinguishes good art from great art.

This fear manifests in an overreliance on formula and safety. Writers produce stories that fit market trends. Filmmakers rely on nostalgia-driven reboots. Musicians follow the templates of trending sounds. The pursuit of greatness, which often requires venturing into uncharted and uncomfortable territory, is sidelined in favor of what is known to succeed.

Reclaiming Excellence

The Participation Problem is not without solutions. To foster greatness, we must first reclaim the value of critique—not as an act of exclusion but as a tool for growth. Creators must be encouraged to seek feedback and to view failure not as a personal failing but as a necessary step toward improvement.

Audiences, too, play a role in addressing this issue. By demanding more from the art they consume, they can create a cultural environment where excellence is recognized and rewarded. This means valuing depth over virality, substance over surface, and ambition over formula.

Finally, we must challenge the idea that participation alone is enough. While inclusivity is essential, it should not come at the expense of rigor. Great art requires more than effort; it demands vision, skill, and the courage to push beyond the comfortable and the familiar.

The Path Forward

The Participation Problem is not a condemnation of Millennials but a challenge to them. This generation has unparalleled access to tools, platforms, and audiences. What remains is the willingness to use these resources to create something truly exceptional.

By embracing critique, risking failure, and striving for excellence, Millennials can move beyond the limitations of participation and toward a legacy of greatness. The trophy mentality, while well-intentioned, is no substitute for the hard, often painful work of creation. And in the end, it is this work—this relentless pursuit of betterment—that defines not just great art but a meaningful life.

References

1.Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Random House.

2.Twenge, J. M. (2017). iGen: Why Today's Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy—and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood. Atria Books.

3.McCracken, G. (2020). The New Honor Code: A Simple Plan for Raising Our Standards and Restoring Our Good Names. Touchstone.

4.Peterson, J. B. (2018). 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos. Random House Canada.