HONEST FEEDBACK AND CRITIQUE

I may be way off base here, but it seems that the culture of self-esteem proliferates so many of our day to day interactions.  Our politically correct environment dictates that we heap accolades on others for almost everything.  Why do people feel so compelled to constantly praise others for what amounts to mediocre work?  People have much more to gain from polite and honest critique, over that of syrupy and insincere praise.  Honesty is the best policy, and yes the truth often hurts.