The W&L Spectator

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Gen Z Social Justice Warrior Reality Check

Gen Z Social Justice Warrior Reality Check
As they begin their careers, only hard work and merit will help Gen Z succeed.

(Source: Creative Commons)

Gen Z social justice warrior college graduates are discovering that real world working opportunities demand a strong work ethic. Nothing has changed in the real world. What has changed is the social justice warrior mentality burdening college students indoctrinated by the poisonous creeds of CRT, DEI and intersectionality. A current survey among employers strongly demonstrates this crisis (1).

History Lesson #1: Frank Cline

Frank Cline, my old Altavista High School principal, offered sage advice in the 1966 school yearbook, Nuntius: “As the year progresses, the monotony of routines causes the less ambitious to neglect their work. This year was no exception. After the first six weeks the gap between the poorly motivated and the well-motivated grew wider. … The good economy, the welfare state, and the easy morality are contributing factors lulling unambitious people into a false security. Only hardships and need compel the lazy to strive. The laurels, independence, and satisfaction of achievement come only to those who possess a compelling desire to stand on their own feet.”

History Lesson #2: Former Pro Football Player, Barry Sanders

The Wall Street Journal recently posted an article on Barry Sanders. Mr. Sanders’ life is a classic example of hard work, ambition, and success through attention to details. He spent no time demonstrating on the street screaming about his feelings and blaming others for his initial condition.

He grew up in a home of 11 children, with a loving, able father and mother. His dad set up his own business in home repair and building. Quality was job #1. Barry worked with his dad as a young teen. His mother ran the house and held a three day per week job as a nurse.

Neither parent tolerated “complaining, bragging and not doing your very best.”  Mr. Sanders was a diligent 3.0 grade student; his athleticism was evident. He joined the football team.

In high school, he decided to become exceptional. He practiced running stairs and weight lifting to gain ability on the field. Standing 5’ 8”, he earned a college scholarship at Oklahoma State, rushing for 2,628 yards and 37 touchdowns in 1988. During his junior year, he was drafted by the Detroit Lions, playing 10 seasons before retiring at the top of his game.

Conclusion:

Barry Sanders’ life is living proof of Mr. Cline’s sage observations that the functional, responsible world will reward those who earn by merit and diligent effort.

Woke social justice warriors who rail at the world’s ills rather than fitting into society and working productively are what Lenin’s followers called “useful idiots.” Their emotional opium supports Saul Alinsky’s socialist goal, which is to divide America into warring classes, not to create individual citizens united toward America’s better lights.

Hope springs eternal; businesses are finding out that those woke snowflakes are not good for business. Perhaps free enterprise may save us from ourselves. Time will tell. 

(1) Freedom Index Economy, Issue 11-2-23, Survey Period 10-25>30, 23, pp. 27-34