Competition

Theo Lesieg's children's narrative "Ten Apples Up On Top!" is just what today's adolescents need to hear. In a society of ever increasing competition, it is important we teach our children the proper ways of contending with their peers. I believe that America has sunken into a state of mediocrity, choosing unproductive comfort over hard fought prosperity. Lesieg's book exposes the ugliness of a proud competitor, yet highlights the benefits of challenging one another.

Written in a classic Dr. Seuss-esque rhyme and rhythm pattern, Lesieg captures all the elements of competition perfectly. The story begins with a lion balancing an apple on it's head. When it is able to balance two, he shouts "look, two on top!" A dog then non-chalantly enters with two apples on its head stating "look i can do it, too". The two characters continue to add apples on their head, and when they reach five they come across a tiger who has already achieved the feat. Adding two more apples to his head, the tiger then walks across a telepohne wire, where he is met in the window by the lion and dog adorning eight apples. It is here that the competition seemingly shifts to an encouraging game, where the characters help each other balance more and more apples on their head. When they reach 10 apples, a mother bear storms the scene with a broom, and tries to knock them down. As they rush outside, they are met by even more bears, and a flock of birds that are also trying to get at the apples. In a desperate attempt to get away the three characters head down a hill where they collide with a large cart full of apples. The story ends with everyone lying on the ground, and atop each of their heads are 10 balanced apples.

The negative aspects of competition can be seen in the way the dog and lion interact at the beginning of the story. They constantly try to one up each other for the sole purpose of domination. A great lesson is learned when they come across the tiger who has already surpassed them, because it shuns arrogance, and teaches humility. Children are taught the importance of teamwork when the three characters work together to accomplish something they couldn't have done on their own. The unique part of the story is how they are chased around for achieving something. I feel that this is particularly true in the American culture. In our school systems today it is the over achievers that are looked down upon. The collision with the cart symbolizes the necessary convergence of all people; skilled and non skilled, the educated and the illiterate. When both groups come together we see that everyone benefits, and all can help and share in the accomplishment.

In the age of technology, we are used to information being spoon fed to us. Digital stories filled with audio and visual affects have made the written story obsolete. We can see the evidence in our youth's academic performances. Children just don't read as much as past generations, causing their comprehension levels to plummet. I believe our youth has turned from reading, because it is no longer seen as a form of entertainment. Kids want interaction, and instant gratification, which is why we see them turn towards music and videogames, rather than written word.