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You are here: Home / pop culture / The Entitlement Generation.

The Entitlement Generation.

Look around. Think about how our society seems to be going to Hell in a hand basket. Consider the many things that seem just…wrong, and ask yourself, “is there an underlying cause?” I don’t know that I’ve gotten to the “who” or “when” or maybe even the “where,” but I have a pretty good idea of the “what” and the “how.”

I call it “The Entitlement Generation.” Here’s what I mean. People today under the age of, oh, say 40, seem to believe (in their heart of hearts) that they are entitled to things. Doesn’t matter what. They are entitled. They just know it, and they get really bent outta shape when they don’t get it.

I wrote earlier about my recent experiences in the movie theatre. The rude movie patron in question was absolutely convinced that she was ENTITLED to talk as loud and as long as she liked. And she got really upset when someone (me) called her on it. Sadly, that’s not a unique situation.

I know a young man that returned from serving in Iraq (a selfless, brave thing). only to insist that he was somehow entitled to a job that would pay him $60k a year to edit videos for a TV station. Never mind that those jobs pay just above minimum wage for those with years of experience, and there are plenty of people willing to work terrible hours for next to nothing, just to get the experience. He had a rude awakening, when given a dose of reality by the local stations.

The same young man wanted a car. A relative provided him with a spreadsheet budget that showed that he’d need to make at least $50K to buy the four-door, 1/2 ton truck of his dreams. He was furious with the dealership when they informed him that dings on his credit record (unpaid utlilty bills he walked away from, an unpaid contract at a health club, et cetera) has lowered his rating to the point where he would not be able to qualify for a vehicle on his own. He felt he was entitled to the truck he wanted, and didn’t want to buy a cheaper, older, used vehicle, as that didn’t fit his self-image.

He’s not alone. Far too many people in our society today have forgotten the sacrifices made by the Greatest Generation (my Dad and millions of others) to ensure our freedom in WWII. They forget that my father’s generation EARNED the things they have. They weren’t given them. They fail to understand that our government doesn’t promise happiness, wealth, or anything else. They offer the pursuit of happiness – not happiness itself.

How did this happen? What created this Entitlement Generation? I don’t know. I have my suspicions, but I’m not ready to expound on my theory. Yet. In the meantime, is there something we can do to change this attitude? Again, I don’t know. But I hope we can, before it destroys our country, and our way of life.

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