It has often been suggested that the generation of our grandparents—the survivors of the World Wars and the Great Depression—was the last to exhibit a strong moral backbone. Since then, many argue that we have fostered a generation of entitled individuals, with the current youth being the most coddled yet.
Colleges are increasingly aware of the pervasive sense of entitlement that seems to affect today’s students. Parents frequently reach out to professors and administrators to express dissatisfaction if their adult children feel unhappy. This raises the question: where has our collective work ethic gone? We used to be a nation where young adults boldly faced danger in the name of freedom. Now, we see students of drinking age having their parents intervene with faculty when their feelings are hurt.
Dr. Mark Sullivan, President of Springfield University, has grown weary of this trend among students and penned a forthright open letter titled “This Is Not a Daycare! It’s a University!” expressing his concerns. In an era dominated by political correctness, Dr. Sullivan argues we have crossed a line. He notes, “Whenever their [students’] emotions are affected, they assume the role of victims. Anyone who challenges them and causes them to feel uncomfortable is labeled a ‘hater,’ a ‘bigot,’ or an ‘oppressor.’”
While Dr. Sullivan does not advocate for outright discrimination, he raises an important point: are we raising children to be overly sensitive and quick to take offense? As Springfield University is a faith-based institution, his message might not resonate with everyone, especially as he intertwines it with themes of self-reflection and personal growth. Nevertheless, his central message is clear: when faced with criticism, students should first reflect on whether there is truth to it. Could this feedback help them grow into stronger individuals?
Even public figures, like former President Obama, have acknowledged that we are nurturing a generation of children who struggle to navigate adulthood independently. As parents, our role is to protect our children and support them through hardships, but we must also prepare them to be resilient and self-sufficient. Unfortunately, it appears that many parents are inadvertently teaching their children to view themselves as victims at the slightest provocation.
This is not to suggest that political correctness should be disregarded entirely. For example, referring to Native Americans as “Indians” is both inaccurate and disrespectful. It’s crucial to treat all individuals with dignity and respect. However, as society evolves, so too do the terminologies we use. Comedians like Chris Rock and Jerry Seinfeld have recently opted out of performing on college campuses due to concerns over backlash from strict adherence to political correctness. In light of the current climate, we must ask ourselves: is humor still permissible in our discourse?
To the current college student body: not everyone is a victim. Misrepresenting minor grievances diminishes the significance of real hardships faced by others. For instance, receiving a failing grade on a hastily completed assignment does not equate to victimization. You absolutely have the right to defend yourself if you genuinely feel wronged, but ensure you approach the situation with maturity and a well-reasoned argument.
As Dr. Sullivan aptly states, “This is a place where you will quickly learn that you need to grow up.” That is the essence of the collegiate experience. Additionally, it’s important to embrace the journey and enjoy this time of your life. Remember that you are not enduring the hardships of previous generations, which were far more severe.
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In summary, Dr. Sullivan’s call for students to mature and take responsibility for their actions is a timely reminder that personal growth often comes from facing challenges head-on.