Our society places great emphasis on competition. Sports stars' names become household words. Phrases that we use everyday refer to winning and losing.
Contests exist for nearly every conceivable skill, from baking to face-making.
Prizes are predictable types, awarded in very public ways, accompanied by audiences, media, formal presentation ceremonies, and celebrations. Memories of competitive events are made permanent by special types of objects that often are prominently displayed by their recipients. A wide variety of other keepsakes are indicative of competitive success, including special clothing, media images, press coverage, and portraits. Achievers are often documented in portraits . The portrait at left depicts Debbie Bryant of Overland Park, who won the Miss America title in 1966.