It feels like nowadays one cannot make a simple comment or harmless poke without getting accused of discrimination. Whether it be in regards to race, gender, sexual orientation, appearance, personal interests, etc., the necessity of political correctness is ever-increasing, it seems. When, and perhaps, more importantly, how, did this generation become so socially sensitive?

Growing up, I encountered multiple situations in which I was a failure. I lost on sports teams, I failed tests in school, I was reprimanded in public for my behavior. In none of these situations was I coddled when the slightest failure upset me, nor was I lauded for trying when I lost a game and I knew I didn't give my best. When I fell, I learned to pick myself back up again, which prepared me for the harsh reality of the real world.

Perhaps not everyone was so lucky to receive the same character-developing childhood. One major controversy swirling around today's news is the purpose of participation trophies in team sports games. The goal of handing out these awards is to make every kid feel like a "winner." This inherently does not teach a child about losing gracefully or treating the winning team with respect. It incites the notion that as long as one tries his best, he will be rewarded. Uh oh. We've reached a predicament. This is not the case in real life. There will be more failures than successes in real life, and certain actions taken in the raising of today's youth are preventing children from learning how to handle those failures with pride and dignity.

I would dare to say that America's youth is being coddled, and has been for a while. Although I feel my parents instilled in me the values needed to flourish in the savagery of reality, I believe that this coddling began with my generation.

Millennials today want to be able to do and say anything and everything they want to because it makes them happy and expresses who they are as individuals. Yes, the freedom to practice religion, express sexual orientation, or celebrate race is something this country is highly esteemed for. No, it is not a get-out-of-jail-free card for every encounter that makes one uncomfortable.

It is almost as if certain Millennials expect certain privileges to be handed to them without putting forth an effort to earn them. I'm sorry, this is just not how the world works, despite the way you were raised.

With so many different cultures, races, sexual orientations, preferences, and interests coming together in this world, it is impossible to avoid conflict. There will be disagreements; there will be arguments; there will be animosity and hostility. It is a parent's job to raise a child to handle these issues as an adult.

Not everyone is going to be pleased, nor should everyone. There would be no progress without conflict, but if we are too weak to confront the issues of the world, if we are too sensitive to encounter criticism, no matter how deep the words may cut if we refuse to believe the world does not revolve around us, we will continue to suffer.

Freedom of expression is important and essential, but so is the ability to conquer demons. Today's generation may be hypersensitive in a social and political aspect, but that doesn't mean this coddling has to continue.

So, I'm sorry if this offends you, but to the future generation: suck it up and grow a pair because the world holds back for no one.