`You`re not special`

American public schools are renowned for giving less stress to students in their studies. Teachers in the U.S. academically encourage low-performing students by saying, “You`re good at sports instead.” To students who are poor at sports, they say, “But you`re popular among your peers.” Compliments instead of scolding can make students happy at school. When the U.S. economy was booming, high school diplomas allowed Americans to get decent jobs and lead decent lives.

Things have greatly changed since the outbreak of the global economic crisis, however. The American self-respect of being “special” remains strong, but the U.S. is filled with youths who cannot land decent jobs due to their failure to develop their potential. Young Americans who believe they are owed many things from society despite making no contributions themselves are called “Generation Entitlement.” David McCullough Jr., an English teacher at Wellesley High School on the outskirts of Boston, provoked young Americans in his commencement speech, saying, “You’re not special.”

“You’re not special. Yes, you have been pampered...doted upon, bubble-wrapped. Yes, capable adults with other things to do have held you, kissed you, fed you...," he said in his speech. Graduates began laughing and giggling, but he continued, saying, “But, do not get the idea of you’re anything special, because you’re not.” Due to this speech, McCullough has become a star overnight. As of Thursday, 1.1 million people watched his speech through YouTube, far more than the number of students he has taught over the past 26 years.

McCullough’s viral advice to youths must have struck a chord with both American and Korean parents, who have raised their children believing that their children`s success is their success. He said a life full of vitality is not having a mother who orders food at a restaurant to drop it onto one`s lap. He also urged throwing away self-centered ideas and accept tough challenges of the world. Excessive self-contempt is harmful, but equally so is excessive self-respect. In Korea, certain politicians seek to advance their political interests by consoling youths. Harsh criticism helps the young open their eyes to reality.

Editorial Writer Kim Sun-deok (yuri@donga.com)