Why Are We Coddling the American Mind?

As time progresses, America is becoming a more contradictory country. They go on to preach freedom of speech, yet have implemented more mandates on oral censorship. (130) In “The Coddling of the American Mind,” Greg Lukainoff and Jonathan Haidt detest the benefits of limiting the language allowed in colleges and universities. Upon reading the title, one understands that the authors are against the extreme measures of censorship. They go on to provide testimonies and research backing their claims and in total agreeance. Lukainoff and Haidt’s article proves successful because they applied several out of many paradigms within Gerald Graff’s They Say, I Say. The noted paradigms used within the article are using metacommentary, saying why it matters, mixing academic and colloquial styles, and anticipating objections.

In Graff’s They Say, I Say, they helped shed light on Lukainoff and Haidt’s use of metacommentary. Metacommentary is an explanation of the main text. (130) A supreme example is, “The ultimate aim, it seems, is to turn campuses into “safe spaces” where young adults are shielded from words and ideas that make some uncomfortable. And more than the last, this movement seeks to punish anyone who interferes with that aim, even accidentally. You might call this impulse vindictive protectiveness. It is creating a culture in which everyone must think twice before speaking up, lest they face charges of insensitivity, aggression, or worse.” (Haidt) Though many have heard the term, what is a "safe space?"A “safe space” is a common phrase used within public and private places guaranteeing a nurturing or friendly environment . Many audiences will know the denotative meaning of safe, to be kept from harm. However, one must explain that a "safe space" does not only keep you from physical harm but from emotional, mental, or spiritual harm. By explaining this to readers, the one's claim is strengthened and the reader is provided with an accurate connotative meaning. (130)

Another important paradigm is saying why it matters. In other words, stating who the audience is and why they should care about the matter (93-97). By acknowledging who cares, you name specific creeds or groups who have a stake in your claims. For instance, Lukainoff and Haidt name their audience explicitly, “In a variety of ways, children born after 1980—the Millennials—got a consistent message from adults: life is dangerous, but adults will do everything in their power to protect you from harm, not just from strangers but from one another as well” (Haidt). By giving specific dates and birth years, the audience knows the ages of the subjects and now knows if they fall within the parameters. Though the quote begins including Millennials in its audience, it later goes on to talk about adults. The intended audience for the article is not only the children born after 1980, it also accounts for their parents and those that engage in adding fluff to the lives of these generations. This includes but it not limited to teachers, administrators, employers, political figures... (95) The reason why the article matters is because, “The goal is to minimize distorted thinking and see the world more accurately” (Haidt) In order to avoid shunning anyone away from the cause, one must place the issue and solution on a global scale. Allowing a wide range of involvement spreads the word a conflict exist and by offering a solution, society does not feel hopeless or that their efforts will be in vain. Then collectively, society may once again have true freedom of speech. (96-97)

 Now knowing the meaning of the author’s words, the intended audience, and the pertinence of the cause, the linguistics come into play. Though the author may explain and define their work, their use of academic or colloquial vocabulary effects our understanding and their authority (121). A prime example is used in, “What are we doing to our students if we encourage them to develop extra-thin skin just before they leave the cocoon of adult protection?” (Haidt) Though it is a question, it contains easily understood language and scientific analogies. When reading “extra-thin skin,” the audience realizes that a large number of university students carry their hearts on their sleeves and take offense to the slightest remark. The scientific analogy of a parent’s arms to the cocoon of Rhopalocera (butterfly) refers to the love, nurture, and the protective nature of one’s parents. By adding generic terms to their argument, one has aided the general public in deciphering their article. (122-123)

The final noted paradigm is planting naysayers. Graff’s novel talks about skeptics objecting the work of the author’s they read. However, one can avoid falling prey to these objections by anticipating them and placing them in your argument. They not only aid your claim but tempt others to follow your claim as well. “Everyone is supposed to rely upon his or her own subjective feelings to decide whether a comment by a professor or a fellow student is unwelcome, and therefore grounds for a harassment claim.” (Haidt) By giving way to the objections of part of their audience they can then rebuttal. Students are entitled to a safe learning environment and should speak up when they feel they have been violated or are not within the confines of a “safe space.”  However, the continuous use of emotional reasoning as evidence is not wholly sound for harassment claims. By allowing such, the encouragement of anxiety, depression and fear is set forth. Once stricken in the mind of university students, they will continuously feel violated in various settings and develop a handicap towards even the appropriate controversial subject matter. (79-87)

After reading the article, I too can attest to the sensitivity of college students. I agree with the others, I believe an end must be met in the censorship and trigger warnings. Though some may feel violated, the same emotions are not felt for all. Moreover, blame cannot only be placed on the universities, the blame also must be placed on the parents of these students and others facilitating these behaviors. By sheltering their children for extended periods, they enter the adult world unprepared and emotionally unstable.

Haidt, Jonathan, Lukianoff, Greg. "The Coddling of the American Mind." The Atlantic. Atlantic Media Company, 10 Aug. 2015. Web. 10 Oct. 2015. <http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/ archive/2015/09/the-coddling-of-the-american-mind/399356/>.