A recent alleged interview with actor and former pro-wrestler Dwayne “The Rock" Johnson, has recently been doing the rounds, with the actor supposedly berating the new ‘snowflake generation’ for paving the way for a weaker population. Although the interview has since been disputed by Johnson, the argument still begs the question as to whether the ‘snowflake generation’ is really driving us into the ground. 

The phrase ‘snowflake generation’ is a derogatory term used to describe the 2010’s young adults as entitled individuals, who are more likely to taking offence and are less psychologically resilient than previous generations. 

Although people might not agree with certain arguments brought forward by the social justice activists, like the recent movement by Leeds University Trinity College to ban lecturers from using capital letters when assigning homework out of fear that it might upset students, this is only tarring all social activists with the same brush. So, since the new ‘snowflake generation’ has been getting such a bad reputation, this is just an attempt to play devil’s advocate and defend the people who are fighting for social rights. 

Firstly, people complaining that the newer generations are becoming feebler and more spoilt is nothing new. It is a domino effect kicked off by the baby boomers and passed on to every following generation. 

However, the disparaging comments from previous generations only serve to undermine the social leaps that have happened because of social activists who spearheaded movements in order to shed light on important issues. Perhaps gay adoption sounded like nails on a chalkboard for the people of previous generations, but it was thanks to past social warriors who fought hammer and tongs to make gay adoption legal, that nowadays, gay adoption is not only accepted but also praised.

 Even though social movements might have reached a point of diminishing returns, it is still important for these groups to go against the grain and raise heated debates, because after all, it’s the squeaky wheel gets the grease. If all arguments and ideas are not brought to light (as ridiculous as they might seem) perhaps none of the social leaps that happened in the past would have occurred. 

This is not, however, an attempt to throw jabs at free speech. Free speech should not be censored and as a matter of fact, should be commended. Although free speech can be a double-edged sword as it can be a tool to promote tolerance, yet enable hate, if it wasn't for free speech and pooling of divergent ideas, perhaps we would still be discriminating against people of different ethnic backgrounds.

 People who are against the so-called ‘social justice warriors’ should still make sure to make their voices heard without fear of being ostracized, as this can be a good way to separate the wheat from the chaff. This can serve to get a handle on issues that are really worth fighting for and halt arguments that are completely absurd. With that said, it is important that certain social justice warriors develop a thicker exterior and not get offended by every belittling comment, as some activists have thinner skin than a shedding snake. 

Perhaps it is not so bad that people from the snowflake generation are ruffling some feathers, as this is a sure-fire way to kick-start social debates that are needed. Even though social equalities have seen huge strides, believing that we have reached social equality is like having a lighter and thinking you’re a dragon. Having social activists can lead to a society where certain people can be the voice of the voiceless.

Neil Attard is a fourth-year University of Malta student, currently reading for a degree in Communication Studies and Psychology.