Coddling of the american mind review6/25/2023 The authors state, “We suggest that students were beginning to react to words, books, and visiting speakers with fear and anger because they had been taught to exaggerate danger, use dichotomous (or binary) thinking, amplify their first emotional responses, and engage in a number of other cognitive distortions” (10). The authors claim that much of what is happening in American society today, especially among iGens, is based on these three misconceptions: 1. Though they are sympathetic to these young people’s concerns, they reveal alarming data about what will happen to the nation should these trends continue. The authors see great danger in where the upcoming generations, particularly iGens, are headed. From trigger words to microaggressions to violent protests on college campuses, this book takes a fascinating look at some recent trends and offers an interesting discussion on what has led American society to this point. Jonathan Haidt is a psychologist who has written some perceptive books on American culture, including The Righteous Mind and The Happiness Hypothesis. Greg Lukianoff specializes in First Amendment issues in higher education. This book is disturbing, thought-provoking, and highly relevant. Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt, The Coddling of the American Mind (New York: Penguin Press, 2018).
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