It’s a dangerous practice, especially when your self-worth is tied to a competition that you’re destined to lose.
There will always be someone with more money or power. More brains or beauty. More status or accomplishments.
Media exposure amplifies this dissatisfaction. We’re bombarded with marketing messages telling us we’re not good enough, touting consumerism as the salve.
But each of us are complicit as well, by participating in systems that rank the field and celebrates winners. Top 10 lists, grading on a curve, and American Idol are all examples. Comparing yourself to others seems to be ingrained in our culture. Many of us probably don’t seem to give it a second thought.
Changing this on a large scale will be hard, and only possible if enough people decide they want something different.