'Z' generation needs dramatic shift in attitudes
We are a society of self-centered and narcissistic individuals. These characteristics have been transferred down to the generation coming up, referred to as the "Z" generation. They have been raised by Millennials who no longer parent because they are busy being their child's best friend. Z's make mistakes but do no learn from their mistakes because they are not permitted to suffer natural consequences for their choices. Parents make excuses for them and remove any obstacles in their path. Society has embraced this misguided approach to raising children.
It is most obvious in the public education setting. Students no longer clean up after themselves. They will make spills and leave the scraps from lunch on the table or floor for someone else to clean up after them. Toilets go unflushed, which is disgusting, but a reality of the attitudes of the "Z" generation. They like the teachers who have lowered their standards, allowed them to use their cellphones at will, who don't confront them about their entitled or narcissistic attitudes, and are an easy grade. Parents of these students like these teachers as well. In many cases, it's not about the learning or growth that takes place but about the grade a student receives. Many times those grades are inflated to make students and parents happy, and for the teacher to avoid being called out by administrators for low student grades.
Students confront and argue with teachers who maintain high standards and who grade assignments appropriately. They request schedule changes and make up false allegations to justify grade and schedule changes. Rather than be harassed, many teachers have elected to take the path of least resistance. Of course, this is a reflection of what happens in the home. Children argue with their parents regularly and relentlessly keep asking for something they have been told no on, until their parents give in. They employ this same tactic with teachers at school, and then there's the vulgar and disrespectful language they use. If children will talk to an adult or teacher using demanding and vulgar language, you can bet on it's happening at home.
Many college professors have reported that they receive calls from parents on behalf of their adult kids requesting extra time on assignments or to be able to turn in assignments late. These professors just chuckle in unbelief and amazement. Common courtesy and good manners have been left out of the training of the "Z" generation. "Thank you" is not in their vocabulary and they lack genuine appreciation and gratitude. However, they appear to have empathy for their peers, but no one else.
This is a genuine problem in society today and we need to start addressing it. If we don't the obvious consequences will be that we have raised a generation of undereducated, self-centered, narcissistic, and unemployable adults who lack the interpersonal skills that employers desire. Then, we will just have to make the best of it because as adults we were not willing to provide the guidance that was needed.
Terry Stewart
Springdale
Cotton should remember Arkansans' 'long memories'
I cannot believe Sen. Cotton even indicates that he would vote for the tax bill that does nothing but line the pockets of the rich and nothing for the middle class, and has added something that would kill Obamacare, which he promised not to do.
Senator, if you vote for this bill you better not plan on going back to the Senate. You will have gone back on your word. People in Arkansas remember what you promised them and now you are the very one who is trying just screw everybody over with their health care.
We have long memories here.
Ann Donovan
Fayetteville
Commentary on 11/25/2017