Ladies & Gentlemen,
Today's entry is about a little problem that I may or may not have mentioned before. As I seem to have SO many peeves that demand petting it's becoming more and more difficult to remember which of them I've actually shared recently but this one had real life inspiration in the last two days so let's have at it, shall we?
ENTITLEMENT
I'm not exactly sure where it comes from, actually, but the people who act the most entitled to have the best, be the first, pay no attention to others around them, to interrupt others while those others are having their own say, to be rude to (supposed) underlings and to, basically, make total asses of themselves seem, to me, to be the LEAST deserving of special attention than anyone else in this world of ours.
The day before yesterday my husband and I were at a movie theater and, as is usually the case, we got to our theater in the multiplex early. So early, in fact, that the previous showing of the film had not finished as yet and so we settled in to wait.
We didn't have to wait long until the movie ended and the cleaning staff went into the theater to clean up between showings after telling those of us who had gathered outside by this time that, though the doors to the theater were open, no one would be admitted until they had done their job and tidied up for the next showtime and that is exactly what the dozen or so of us did. We calmly waited and when others joined our merry little band we conscientiously passed on the information that "the theater isn't open yet."
Then, two young women walked up - and into - the theater. Yes, they had been told of the situation. But NO, they decided the rules didn't pertain to them and kept right on going.
They, of course, were told by the cleaning staff that they would have to wait outside but, instead of waiting outside with the rest of us - who all, incidentally, had arrived before them, they decided to stay juuuuuuust inside the door so that they could be the very first to get to choose their seats for the film.
And, of course, having no shame and being a constant friend to the downtrodden, I said (just loudly enough to be heard by them and all assembled who were waiting their turn,
"NO, that's perfectly alright.We had all heard you two were going to be here so we took a vote and decided you should be the first ones in the doors. THAT'S why we're all standing here waiting. So YOU could skip this pesky lining up process!"
Yes, it got a laugh from those with me outside the theater, but it also made me think seriously about this entitlement issue.
It seems to be running rampant in our youth today and not just in urban centers but everywhere.
It also seems to be prevalent in adults as well.
Too many people are just glossing over the basics of good behavior and letting - even encouraging - their children to think a bit too highly of themselves and not at
all about others.
No one seems to say NO or to discipline their children anymore.
No one seems to think little Johnny or little Susie should give a c^@p about anyone but themselves.
Everyone in the pee wee soccer league gets a trophy just for showing up so kids grow up thinking that the world is going to hand them everything on a platter without their having to cultivate their gifts or working hard - HELL, without their having to work at all! They begin to believe that they are
entitled to be treated well.
And where does all that entitlement put the rest of us schmoes who are merely sharing THEIR planet?
Well, it seems that if we're anywhere at all, we're standing in their way toward their golden payday for merely being themselves.
I used to say that I weep for tomorrow. Unfortunately though, I'm beginning to believe that 'tomorrow' has arrived.
My goodness, that was a little more dour and angry than I tend to be here in my blog! My apologies to you all and my promise that I will be back to my lighthearted self very soon and bringing you posts with a bit more humor and cheer to them.
I happen to know that the only think I'm entitled to is my opinion.
Meanwhile, as always, I encourage your comments, your follow-ship and urge you to think of others before yourself and see how much it improves your days and others' as well!
-SSG
