The Monthly Pessimist: Things are ‘too hard’ for a generation that’s so soft

Nov. 6, 2019

By Joe Arino-Sandomenico
Editor

Growing up in a generation known for being technologically advanced is hard for someone like me who just so happens to know very little about technology. However, this generation is also known for being advanced in their inability to handle criticism. Yes, I’m lucky enough to have grown up with these softies, also known as the Marshmallow Generation.

The problem with this generation is the fact that everyone complains about the most ridiculous things; everyone cries when life doesn’t go their way, and everyone feels entitled. I feel like this generation needs every situation to work out in their favor, and instead of learning from setbacks, they complain until they get what they want. To be honest, the parents are usually to blame.

Helicopter parents are overprotective and take too much interest in their child’s life. With parents like these, you can essentially get what you want because they try to prevent you from ever having any negative feelings. On the other hand, they can also keep you from having your own experiences and overcoming adversity. Furthermore, when young people get used to getting what they want, they develop a dangerous sense of entitlement. This ultimately sums up why this generation is soft and will never mature into the people they need to be in order to thrive in the “real world.”

However, it isn’t always the parents’ fault. Trying to explain to people from this generation that it’s perfectly fine when circumstances don’t go their way is like trying to explain quantum physics to an infant; it just won’t work.

It’s unfortunate for me that I’m associated with a generation like this. Why couldn’t I have grown up in the ‘90s or some other era when I wouldn’t have had to worry about being babied by all the adults around me or didn’t have to be concerned that my independence would aggravate so many people? I don’t exactly know how my surroundings have affected by toughness, but what I do know is that this generation needs to be reset so it can start anew.

If I could, I would knock some sense into this generation of kids and their parents. There has to be some room for growth, whether guardians turn to different methods of parenting or kids resist soft parenting techniques. 

I have to admit that I was guilty of being “soft.” I’m guessing having helicopter parents contributed to that, or maybe it was the fact that I didn’t want to be too mature for my age. I’m not sure why I became a marshmallow, but I’m just glad I was able to grow out of it. I suggest all you other marshmallows out there do the same.