Anatomy of a Snowflake

Our Snowflake, Atticus sits near the window in his room waiting for his cell phone to notify him he has a text message from one of his “closest” friends. He lives for the opportunity to keep in touch and have friends who reassure him he is special and unique. During his formative years, he was always told that he was special. He, along with 80% of his high school graduating class, was on the honor role. They were all extra smart and were given an embossed gold certificate to authenticate their esteemed position.

Someone as special as he would obviously have many close friends. It is a full-time occupation just communicating with all of them. Never mind, he would not be able to recognize them out in the real world. There, they would be other faces, and his reaction to them would be just as blank.

He graduated from Berkeley with a major in sociology, he has been unable to find a job in the last 2 years, because his major provided no sale-able skills in the job market. However, he isn’t frustrated because he is comfortable living in his mother and father’s home; his window overlooking the pool is peaceful and serene. His parents provide him with a credit card for spending and new Prius Hybrid for his transportation needs.

Keeping connected with the Berkeley set and regularly taking trips to take part in the demonstrations against conservatives, and those who deviate from the required left-wing scripted ideology is the top priority in his life. He affirms that the first amendment only applies to those so fortunate to possess similar opinions as his. Others, beware! By thwarting the opinions of others, he wins and can carry on his ideology unencumbered. If he marches with his own kind, he is cocooned and protected–there is no threat. Sometimes mass force is a way of protection from reality.

One of his idols and favorite books was Saul Alinsky who is the founder of a modern community organizing. The book our Snowflake displays in his parents’ house is Rules for Radicals. He is very proud of his participation, because it allows social purpose, and pictures to share on his Instagram with his thousand closest friends. “Power is not only what you have, but what the enemy thinks you have.” said Saul Alinsky.

This Snowflake refuses to step out into the real world—into the forest—for there may be animals that bite. He fears push-back, or even... rejection. The real world of business may require a different and new thought process—where there is a constant give and take, with negotiated outcomes, and where all parties are required to co-exist if for no other reason than to earn a living. The forest—that frightening place known elsewhere as “the real world”—could cause untold injuries to delicate egos. Journeying into the forest may not be wise, not when one is accustomed to existing in such a safe and nurturing space.

The day may come when Snowflake discovers that most of his “closest” friends have moved on. No need for despair! They are all replaceable with a thousand new Instagram followers. His recreation can continue so long as personal growth and risk-taking do not become necessary. Let us not mention the pressure of allowing a mate to come into his life or, starting a family.

Want to know how to get rid of your personal selfishness? Just raise a family. You can have the opinion it “takes a village” or “takes a family.” A family is much more difficult, because you are the risk-taker, rather than the overseers of the village—who are usually public employee labor union bureaucrats paid for by your tax dollars.

Atticus checks his cell phone at least 150 times a day. He does not recognize that with each passing day, hunching over his precious device affects his posture—both physically and mentally.

If our Snowflake consumes his parent’s wealth, and doesn’t take part in the real world, he will be considered an obedient and good citizen of the well-planned and thought-out economy. This kid was brought up in an environment where there was no requirement, or learned ability, to measure his own self-worth in any realistic way because he was reassured at every turn, he was special.

In his life critical thinking and real risk-taking have never been required. He is a product of the public education college system. The system keeps kids like him constantly busy, in useless or marginally useless activities, and gives no time for self-reflection, learning to take risks, or enjoy time in solitude. The joys of earned success—and failure—self-sufficiency, self-reliance and personal growth remain a distant illusion.

This is merely a fictional story written to poke fun at the Snowflake Generation... whoever they may be.

Dan Harkey

Business and Private Money Finance Consultant

Bus. (949) 521-7115

Cell (949) 533-8315

dan@danharkey.com

I intend this article for educational purposes only and is not a solicitation.

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