The Coddling of The American Mind

The article “The Coddling of The American Mind” by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathon Haidt, comments on our education system and how college students are too easily offended by “words, ideas, and subjects that might cause discomfort or give offense” (Lukianoff, Haidt). In fact, in discussion of our education system, a controversial issue is whether college students are being overly sensitive to the material in their classes. While some argue that college students take concepts too literally, others contend that the material itself is too derogatory or offensive (XX). I personally agree with Lukianoff and Haidt as our generation has been more sheltered and because of this, college students may be more sensitive when faced with tough concepts, or ideas.

                One argument for and against the fact that college students are just being overly sensitive is that of microaggressions, which are defined as “small actions or word choices that seem on their face to have no malicious intent but that are thought of as a kind of violence nonetheless” (Lukianoff, Haidt). These microaggressions prove how college students may be over reacting to such simple questions. Though I concede that some microagression phrases can trigger specific emotions in some people, I still insist that most microagressions are being over thought and taken negatively when they should not be(65). The reason for over sensitivity among college students is that parents now are being stricter than in the past. Parents are more inclined to protect their children and are pressured into wanting to raise a “perfect” child. In response to this, Lukianoff and Haidt state, “dangerous play structures were removed from playground; peanut butter was banned from student lunches”. Thus showing how this was a widespread movement in protecting our children. However, this movement could make the children grow up being less open minded, as they would be sheltered from any disagreeing concepts. I personally cannot relate to this as my childhood encompasses much more “free range” than the childhoods of my parents. However, I do understand how students may be more sensitive and have hostile reactions to issues they have not been exposed to. These conclusions will have significant applications in how students are being overly sensitive as well as in the justification of being hostile to unknown and new issues (99).

                The idea of microagression phrases prove how students may be overly sensitive, but also provide valid reasons as to why they are more sensitive. My point is not that every idea, concept, or phrase we see is completely inoffensive, but that we must that take that offensive and stirring concept, recognize it, and learn from it (132). This article continues to point out solutions to solving this issue through banning the more offensive literature or encouraging students “to develop extra-thick skin just before [leaving] the cocoon of adult protection” (Lukianoff, Haidt). In addition to solutions, they point out why students may be more sensitive now than they were in the past. Lastly, they show the negative and positive attributes of exposing college students to material that may be more insensitive.

Lukianoff, Greg, and Jonathon Haidt. "The Coddling of the American Mind." The Atlantic. Atlantic Media Company, 10 Aug. 2015. Web. 10 Oct. 2015.