Arnold Schwarzenegger has gone viral for saying he doesn’t want there to be a ‘generation of wimps.’
Older generations are known to describe younger people, particularly millennials and Gen Z, as overly sensitive, fragile, and incapable of handling opposing views or life’s challenges.
Now Schwarzenegger, the iconic Austrian bodybuilder who later became an actor and politician, has shared his thoughts on the matter, reigniting a wave of comments.
Agreeing with the A-lister, one person writes: “Yes we are. These kids get so emotional and need to rest and feel very offended by everything!”
A second adds: “100% agree. Everyone is soft nowadays and takes offense to anything, even with jokes.”
“All they do is watch their tablets and play computer games! God forbid if they have to do chores inside let alone outside!” agrees a third.
Others disagree with Schwarzenegger, with one penning: “I think there’s definitely a lack of discipline and courtesy, but I wouldn’t categorize every young person as wimpy.”
“Having big muscles doesn’t equate to toughness, Arnie,” another laughs.
Somebody else ponders: “It’s time someone was raised on love, and not just all tough.”
The generational divide between the old and young gained traction during the 2010s, with the term ‘snowflake’ often being used in political and social discourse.
‘Snowflake’ refers to an individual who deems themself unique (just like snowflakes) and therefore deserving of special treatment, per The Independent.
The term has evolved to imply that these individuals are easily offended or emotionally delicate, unable to cope with the realities of life.
This perception is often linked to younger generations’ emphasis on mental health, social justice, and inclusivity.
Older generations, who grew up in different socio-economic conditions, might view these priorities as signs of weakness or entitlement rather than progress.
Boomers and Gen X were often taught to ‘tough it out’ and avoid fussing over personal issues, meanwhile, millennials and Gen Z are in an age where discussing mental health, identity, diversity, and inclusion is important.
Schwarzenegger, 77, spoke about embracing struggle during his appearance on The Howard Stern Show.
The Terminator star appeared on the show to promote his new book, ‘Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life.’
When asked about the popular weight loss drug Ozempic, Schwarzenegger suggested that it bypasses the critical element of resistance, which he sees as essential for mental and physical growth.
He said: “The more resistance you give it, the more pain there is, the more it grows. The same is for us with a human mind. The human mind can only really grow through resistance.”
Schwarzenegger also reflected on aging, expressing a sense of humor about his changing body.
“Every day I do look in a mirror and I say, ‘Yep, you suck,’” he admitted, comparing his current physique to his younger, more muscular self.
Elsewhere in the interview, Schwarzenegger criticized today’s youth for avoiding the hardships necessary for success, remarking that those who ‘baby themselves’ and avoid discomfort miss out on building resilience.
He said: “Is it people that slept in? Is it people that were wimping out? This, ‘Oh, I want to feel good. Oh, I want to be comfortable.’ No. This is where ballsy women and men that went out there at five in the morning and got up and they struggled and they fought, and they worked their butts off. That’s what made this country great. And so now let’s continue this way.
“Don’t start creating a generation of wimps and weak people and stuff like that where we go and we’re concerned about, ‘How are you feeling today? Oh, I don’t want to hurt your feelings,’ and all that.”
He continued: “It’s nice to be considerate, I totally agree with that. But let’s not over-baby the kids, and let’s not over-baby the people.”
Schwarzenegger stressed that sometimes, going through struggle helps you to ‘grow’ and get ‘tougher,’ which means you can handle more.
