Millennials: Calling Us Snowflakes Hurts Our Fragile Feelings

While there are some millennials who are outstanding in every way, the generation appears to be marked by not just profound narcissism, but a thin-skinned approach to virtually every aspect of human life. They document almost every aspect of their life — I’m still waiting to see people take photos of their bowel movements and post them on social media — and are perpetually annoyed at the idea that anyone disagrees with them on anything.

Now, they appear to be upset about being called “snowflakes.”

In fact, as a poll reported in the Telegraph notes that “research by insurance firm Aviva found that 72 per cent of 16-24 year-olds think the term is unfairly applied, while 74 per cent think it could have a negative effect on young people’s mental health.”

Now, bear in mind that this is a term used to deride and mock the generation because they are, in part, too blasted fragile with their feelings. This poll doesn’t dissuade people from using the term, but points out just how justified the term is.

I’m a part of Generation X. Back in the day, my generation was derided as a bunch of slackers, a group of people with no goals and no motivation.

So what did we do about it? We took this wonderful new thing called “the internet” and made it into what it is today. We founded Google and Amazon. We developed the software and technology you use as part of your everyday life. We shrugged off the criticism and transformed the world.

Millennials? Well, they get their feelings hurt.

Because of their inability to cope with criticism, they’re far more likely to need mental health treatment. As the Telegraph notes in their article: “Almost half of adults between 16 and 24 said they had experienced stress or anxiety, compared to just over a third of all UK adults.”

Part of the problem is the impossibility of navigating an unending labyrinth of shifting social justice-approved terminology and practices. Why wouldn’t you have anxiety if you live your entire life terrified that a misspoken word could destroy you? For many of us Gen X-ers, we simply opt not to give a damn, but I remember all too well how hard that is when you’re a teen or young adult.

Yet all of this spurs from the fragility of someone else, another millennial who can’t take negative comments of any kind, thus creating the Byzantine warren of absurdities masquerading as new societal norms. In creates a virtual minefield that is, by design, impossible to navigate successfully.

Look, people with mental health issues should get help. There’s nothing wrong with seeking out help. Hell, I’d say its downright mature. It’s also part of becoming a less-fragile human being.

But don’t expect the world to revolve around your feelings in the meantime.