In March, columnist Ashe Schow looked at the current generation of extremely fragile young people on America’s elite college campuses and asked the question “what happens when all these delicate snowflakes enter the workforce?” Schow takes the position that the snowflakes in question are in for a rude awakening, and as much as I would like to believe that, I think she’s wrong.
As you pointed out, the pendulum swings. It will swing back when the people in charge realize that the cost of appeasing the snowflakes is higher than the cost of offending them, and that there are people out there who can do the snowflakes' jobs without all the drama.
Thanks for writing about "Monster" and recalling it to my mind. I read it when it came out and enjoyed it immensely. Unfortunately, I lent it to someone who never returned it. I'll have to get it again.
I remember the story about Dunne and his wife, Joan Didion, having a code phrase. When the American participation in the Vietnam War was winding down, word went out that when the radio started playing "White Christmas" it was time to bug out in a hurry. Dunne/Didion adopted "White Christmas" as their own and would somehow work it into a conversation when either of them wanted to bail out on a meeting. Very clever, funny, and consistent with how you describe Dunne.
Excellent essay! What you say about the movie business rings true for other organizations as well. I've certainly noticed in in journalism, where I grew up with editors who would write "What the f* is this?" in red pen atop my draft stories. I regarded that as constructive, even funny (at least in retrospect). I have friends in other media organizations who say the kids today want free days to recharge their batteries. And they shriek to HR at the first discouraging word. I have friends who are teachers who say the balance of power has shifted entirely in the favor of the student, who should never be triggered or challenged. We are training them to be snowflakes. (And monsters - the bad kind.)
As you pointed out, the pendulum swings. It will swing back when the people in charge realize that the cost of appeasing the snowflakes is higher than the cost of offending them, and that there are people out there who can do the snowflakes' jobs without all the drama.
I hope so, but Hollywood has always had a remakable immunity to learning difficult lessons,
At one time called striving for excellence. Or simply-- Glory.
Thanks for writing about "Monster" and recalling it to my mind. I read it when it came out and enjoyed it immensely. Unfortunately, I lent it to someone who never returned it. I'll have to get it again.
I remember the story about Dunne and his wife, Joan Didion, having a code phrase. When the American participation in the Vietnam War was winding down, word went out that when the radio started playing "White Christmas" it was time to bug out in a hurry. Dunne/Didion adopted "White Christmas" as their own and would somehow work it into a conversation when either of them wanted to bail out on a meeting. Very clever, funny, and consistent with how you describe Dunne.
Yeah that's a funny story. He was one of a kind for sure.
Excellent essay! What you say about the movie business rings true for other organizations as well. I've certainly noticed in in journalism, where I grew up with editors who would write "What the f* is this?" in red pen atop my draft stories. I regarded that as constructive, even funny (at least in retrospect). I have friends in other media organizations who say the kids today want free days to recharge their batteries. And they shriek to HR at the first discouraging word. I have friends who are teachers who say the balance of power has shifted entirely in the favor of the student, who should never be triggered or challenged. We are training them to be snowflakes. (And monsters - the bad kind.)
Now I have to read Monster.
HAHA that’s hilarious! I love it.
The book is well worth your time.
Thanks, as always, for the kind words.
Thank you! Appreciate the kind words