I agree, competition is everywhere, in some ways I see it as a good motivator and it can be encouraging when you're the one on the top, but for every winner there is a loser, probably quite a few losers. This constant competition only frustrates, and puts-down students who aren't always winning, or aren't always at the lead of the pack. Why can't students feel good about their accomplishments, and their hard work without comparing it to others. I think teachers, especially, encourage competition they play favorites, and often announce who is doing best and who needs to improve.