[Redleg Duke]

It is tough to survive in the real world when you have a mantel full of participation trophies for half-assed attempts throughout your childhood.

There aren’t that many “safe spaces” in the real world, if you cannot create them yourself.

[Buckeye McFrog]

"All of these participation trophies and Everybody Plays rules! We are raising a generation of wusses."

Dick Groat, former Major League Baseball MVP who also played in the NBA. Still broadcasting Pitt Basketball at the age of 88.

[neverevergiveup]

“It is tough to survive in the real world when you have a mantel full of participation trophies for half-assed attempts throughout your childhood. There aren’t that many “safe spaces” in the real world, if you cannot create them yourself.”

I don't think that's it at all. I think it's a lack of hope - for a variety of reasons. Our society is incredibly cynical at this point in time, and incredibly divided. If you are a white male you are being told you are the problem, and that your days are numbered (the left’s words, not mine). As a man you are a ‘potential rapist’, a ‘misogynous sexist pig’, and are privileged - by virtue of your skin color, and thus whatever you do achieve is only because you have been privileged.

That's just one aspect of things. How many on this board are truly optimistic about the future, or feel the same about our country being a place of liberty and justice for all? If you feel pessimistic as an adult, why should young adults feel any different?