Toxic culture

It is hard to miss the towering signboards of private schools plastered with images of beaming high-scorers. Celebrating academic achievements is laudable, but this trend raises a critical question: are we developing a generation obsessed with competition at the expense of well-formed individuals and innovation? These billboards create immense pressure on young minds. From a tender age, children internalize the message that success equates to topping the class, leading to a cutthroat environment where ‘by any means necessary’ becomes the motto. This mindset both suffocates creativity and the pursuit of genuine knowledge and leads to anxiety and unhealthy competition. Moreover, these displays send a disheartening message to students who struggle academically.

The emphasis on grades as the sole measure of success overlooks the diverse talents and strengths that every child possesses. This cultivates a culture of achievement anxiety and low self-esteem, hindering overall student well-being. As a society, we must reconsider what we value in education. Schools should celebrate not just academic achievements but also the diverse skills and talents of all students. Why not replace scoreboards with displays that showcase innovation, leadership, and artistic expression?

Muhammad Shahjahan Memon

Islamabad