I don’t think every generation deals with the same problems and issues. I mean, the generations that grew up during the depression and WWII deal with lack of emotional expression and are driven by working hard and making sure everything is taken care of. The next generations, who grew up during the 1960’s and 70’s deal with the inability to trust government through the Vietnam war and President Nixon’s mistake. And I think this present generation, those 30 and under deal with a totally different issue. We think we are entitled to anything and everything. We think that we shouldn’t really have to work that hard to get the things in which our parents and grandparents worked so hard for.
The technological age and advanced science has brought the reality that the entire world is accessible to us. If we want something from another country we can buy it online and have it shipped directly to us within a week. If we want to go to Africa, it is just a plane ride away. We are so impatient when things take time. I’ll be honest, I was on a computer that was 5 years old and was complaining about how slow it is. I wanted it to be fast! Many just graduating from high school have the mentality of entitlement that spurred this overall thought. I know many that don’t have a job, don’t go to school, live with their parents and do not pay them anything for food, rent, gas or insurance and feel burdened by the idea of helping out around the house. We think we should have everything without giving anything. I’ll admit, I at times felt that it was my parent’s responsibility to pay for my college education, in which I was totally wrong. Mom and Dad, forgive me.
Even young kids today, unless trained well, believe that they should have anything they want if they just ask. The interaction that I have with the kids at the Bluffs is so often one of entitlement in the small ways. Most of the time they pose a question, but the question is like, “I can play legos?” or “Can I have an otter pop?” with the facial expression of com’on, hurry up, just give it to me already. There have been other times when kids just open our freezer and grab things without asking. I know these interactions seem petty and insignificant, but it is a small reflection of the sense of entitlement, like we owe them a snack. We have to train them to ask nicely and to wait patiently.
Our current generation has either forgotten or has not been taught that everything we have is a gift. We need to be reminded of how people have sacrificed for us in order for us to be where we are today. This is not only true in the material possessions that we have but also true with our walk with God. If we don’t know what discipline or hard work looks like, then we will be abruptly surprised that having a relationship with God or following Jesus is not easy. FYI, I am making generalizations here and this is not an accurate portrayal of all in our generation. Yet, I feel we all feel this way even if just in the small ways.
Kids need to be kids, yes. But there is a crucial element of teaching kids discipline and making them work for something instead of just handing it to them. I appreciate the work that my parents made me do when I was a kid and I also realize how they let me off the hook sometimes in order to enjoy life without the responsibilities of an adult.
We feel entitled to much, to significantly too much. Much of our current generation is lazy. How do we fix that? Well, all I know is that much humility has to come in order for this problem to be fixed. I foresee many in our generation going broke or surrounding themselves with massive debt before they learn this lesson. I foresee many that will try to follow Jesus but will become easily discouraged and will either leave the faith or have one of no depth.
Hi Michelle -
This is Debbie – my daughter had Brian as a student teacher at WW.
I really enjoyed your comments on Entitlement. I attended a memorial service for a dear elderly friend last week-end who’s life was full of service to others via Church, Masons, Shriners, etc. He was the type of guy that was an example of gentle kindness to all people.
On my way out of Yakima last week-end I stopped for gas and witnessed two young gas station clients literally throwing a handful of money at the cashier and telling them which pump as they walked out the door. The poor cashier didn’t even know which pump to set up. They were so rude and inconsiderate. The cashier said this behavior was becoming “normal”. I ask the question of why can’t people treat other people with respect, or in a way they would like to be treated themselves? Were these young people just not taught how to be respectful to others? I was very disturbed by this behavior, especially after honoring someone that week-end who was such an example of kindness and love.
Keep up the good work on respect with your friends on the bluff – it will go a long way…
i agree. the thing is, i’m in a position to advise kids to take advantage of what you’ve pointed out when they sweat looking for a job. here’s what the guts of what i tell them:
1. the bar is low
2. present yourself in a professional manner
3. show up on time / take the job seriously
the reason number 1 is true is because numbers 2 and 3 are seemingly foreign concepts anymore.
when kids don’t have an appreciation for opportunities, they become woefully unprepared to take advantage of opportunities later in life when they’re on their own.