Often society rewards people who are different, not because of how well they did, but because they do not want to look like they are at all racist or discriminating against them. We often call that, pitying them. Also, there is another side of society who are discriminating, and sometimes racist, and punish people based on their differences. Which both are very twisted, you never want to be rewarded based on what label they place you under. At the same time, you don’t want to be punished for it.
It’s all very completed. But, it’s important to remember that earning respect and awards is far more important than being given them, and you really appreciate it when none was ever given to you.