Sadly, in the USA, the competitive culture has been slowly eroded since the Rockefellers took control of our government in the early part of the last century. John D. Rockefeller was notoriously quoted as having said "competition is a sin." That fabulously wealthy empire then went about, first, destroying all competition in the oil business, and then, gradually in every sphere of American life through their bogus "philanthropy" and tax-exempt grant-making powers.
Now, with the Rockefellers in firm control of American education, we are nearly completing the transition to "workforce training" for the fascist global plantation, and forsaking the liberal-arts, competition-based, excellence-enhancing true education system that served this nation so well in the past. "Political correctness" and "legitimate discourse" have taken the place of individual initiative and conservative principles. To speak out now, you risk being pounded into submission in a culture that is increasingly built merely to be an echo chamber of elitist objectives.
Sad. So sad.
Now that's really interesting to read from someone who's part of the American culture!
I can tell you that in our European heads the American model still is THE role model when it comes to live those values. Of course, cultures and societies are dynamic structures that develop over time. I hope you're not going to lose it completely.
Again, thanks for stopping by and leaving your valuable thoughts!
You're welcome, Marly. All the best to you and your country.
Sadly, I fear we are all in the same (sinking) boat!