Take note of the public schools in Nashville, but don't look too closely because our appalled stares might cause them to be embarrassed by the foolishness of their actions. The excitement of doing well, the pride of accomplishment, the joy of victory, the honor of success -- these are being taken away from students as Nashville's schools take their lawyers' advice and stop posting honor rolls.

Some schools also are considering no longer displaying students' good work in the hallways and are canceling spelling bees and academic pep rallies.

Apparently honoring those who do well embarrasses the ones who don't, who are euphemistically called "underachievers." And parents say that their children may face ridicule for not being among the honored.

Oh please. Have we completely lost our minds?

How about this novel concept: Let's try having the "underachievers" work harder next time. Let's give them extra help if they need it. But don't punish those who do achieve.

It is good that so many students and their parents seem to care. If this is indeed the case, the acknowledgment of good work becomes a goal for which they can strive.

Public recognition and pep rallies can inspire and spur others to do better. When they do reach that higher goal, they want to be among those singled out for honor. More importantly, they will know that they have achieved something.

By not posting the honor roll, it punishes those who have done something well. Their successes are hidden, like some lascivious little secret, as if doing well is a bad thing. Achievements don't have to be lorded over others, but the achiever has a right to be proud.

Another thing parents in particular must recognize -- or remember -- is that in school, ridicule happens. In life, ridicule happens. Actually, some of those high achievers no doubt will face ridicule for being among the honored.

This is one of the lessons that must be learned along with literature, calculus and chemistry. As much as we would like to pretend otherwise the truth is that youngsters can't be protected from all embarrassment, mockery or scorn. They will face pain and disappointment throughout life, and they need to deal with it.

Although Nashville's decision on honor roll postings is based on its privacy laws, which differ from national laws most states follow, it is still representative of a trend seen nationwide.

It's the same philosophy that expands teams so no one has to be cut. It stops youth sporting events from being scored so there are no losers.

By not encouraging and lauding success, we're also not motivating youths to strive for more, to work harder, to go beyond what's been done before.

Instead, this is but one more leg in the march to mediocrity, a journey our American society seems hell-bent on taking.