Observations and Ruminations

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Have you ever, or would you consider, turning down an award of any sort because you insisted someone else was more deserving?

This is an interesting question. On first glance you may say yes of course - I should not accept something I am not worthy of receiving. You may feel that modesty and selflessness dominate. However, if a committee of your peers and/or experts in this award category deliberated and came to the conclusion that you were the best candidate to receive the award, are you demonstrate hubris thinking you are better qualified to make the call or are you demonstrating false modesty?

In the case of Garth, I think it was a publicity stunt. Frankly I am not a fan of his work or him as a person. I feel he is manipulating and calculating.

If one does feel unworthy to receive an award and needs to decline, one should consider the embarrassment that refusal would make. Usually when an award is granted the recipient is notified prior to the announcement (of course I am not speaking global and the big Movie/Music/TV/Theatre awards are surprises). It is at that point that the recipient should decline, giving the organization an opportunity to choose someone else and safe themselves form the embarrassment. If that is not an option, I say accept the honor and move on.