This writer thinks shows such as "Idol" and "Apprentice" (and, oddly, "Curb") are harbingers of the end of the indulgent culture of "the coddled generation" --- the kids of entitlement whose every bowel movement was praised by parents and teachers for fear of damaging their self-esteem.
Please note: Gratuitous slams against Manhattanites are because the piece is reprinted from the NY Observer. The print edition SF Chronicle really couldn't give a smaller shit about TCOTU.
