As many studies have reported, signs of narcissism among college students have been rising for 25 years. Today, young American adults seem to have a sense of entitlement that far exceed those of previous generations. Where did this come from? Who is to blame?
Well, according to this article in the Wall Street Journal, part of the blame belongs to children's television icon Mr. Rogers. A finance professor at Louisiana State University, Don Chance, claims that Mr. Rogers meant well and was a sterling role model in many ways but what often got lost in his self-esteem-building patter was the idea that being special comes from working hard and having high expectations for yourself.
Obviously, Mr. Rogers alone can't be blamed for this. But as Prof. Chance sees it, "he's representative of a culture of excessive doting." He wishes more parents would offer kids this perspective: "The world owes you nothing. You have to work and compete. If you want to be special, you'll have to prove it."
It's an interesting perspective and one that I think I'll begin to reenforce more with my daughter. Because now that I think about it, every day at the playground, I see parents fawning over their children and lavishing enormous praise on them for doing absolutely NOTHING! Do many of you see the same thing?
