Entitlement: A Double-Edged Sword

A conversation with someone over 50 revealed some intriguing perspectives...

50+ individual: You young folks have no clue what it takes to truly earn something. You seem too comfortable.

Me: What does "young" mean to you?

50+ individual: Anyone born in the '80s, '90s, or especially the 2000s.

Me: What makes you think that?

50+ individual: You’ve never had to walk in the cold for miles to catch a bus.

1. You had cars during your teenage years.
2. You received TVs, smartphones, and trendy clothes as gifts.
3. Your parents paid for your sports, dance lessons, and competitions.
4. Most of you didn’t have jobs in your youth, and if you did, you didn’t save or invest your earnings.
5. You expect college to define your identity.
6. You lack experience striking out on your own to achieve your goals.
7. Many of you fear taking risks, even in building things.

Me: So, we’re considered a softer generation?

50+ individual: Precisely.

Me: How do we change this? It seems too late.

50+ individual: Start working for what you want now. Don’t spoil the next generation; make them earn everything.

The Dangers of Technological Ease

Questions surrounding entitlement are becoming increasingly relevant. In a time when information is at our fingertips, manual labor is on the decline, and challenging life experiences are rare (at least in affluent societies), it seems reasonable to claim that today’s youth are entitled to their own detriment. But is this perception accurate? And if so, is entitlement inherently negative?

I’ve engaged in discussions with older individuals regarding what they perceive as entitlement among the younger crowd. They argue that today’s youth lack the experience of relentless effort toward their goals, opting instead for shortcuts. This inclination to avoid hard work can lead to mediocrity and a victim mentality, where failures are attributed to external circumstances rather than personal accountability.

The Struggles of a Developing Mind

While these criticisms hold some truth, I remember feeling similarly disheartened in my early twenties. Immersed in studies of global politics and economics, I became acutely aware of the capitalist system's flaws, the injustices faced by marginalized communities, and the pervasive nature of systemic racism. This barrage of negativity fostered a pessimistic worldview, leading me to disdain hard work and seek alternative paths to success.

I often questioned the value of striving for goals when the world appeared to be in decline. This mindset hindered my ability to engage with society and support those I cared about. Over time, I hopped between jobs, seeking a way to contribute positively without sacrificing my happiness.

The Rules of the Game

When navigating a system without understanding its rules, repeated failures can breed frustration and resentment. Many young people find themselves trapped in this cycle, feeling lost and embittered by the process of achievement. To an older generation, this may appear as ingratitude or laziness, overlooking the reality that today’s youth do want to earn their place.

We aspire to attain wealth and escape life’s harsh realities, yet many are disillusioned by the complexity of modern existence. Why must we pay exorbitant tuition fees for education when it benefits society as a whole? This disconnect is often lost on older generations, who fail to realize that our struggles are not due to a lack of willingness to work but rather the result of navigating a flawed system.

The Growth of Understanding

As I transitioned from my mid-twenties to early thirties, I faced cycles of depression and personal growth. I gradually recognized that the world wasn't against me and that each individual has their own struggles. This realization helped me shed the victim mentality I had carried for years. I discovered that I could build a successful life without compromising my values.

The entitlement often attributed to my generation stems from the technological advancements that have made it easier to acquire skills. Instead of traditional trial-and-error methods, we can now access a wealth of knowledge online—an aspect that fuels the perception of entitlement.

Final Thoughts

While older generations may view us as overly pampered, this perspective misses the mark. Just like every generation before us, we must engage in meaningful work and learning to succeed. Our approach to securing a better life differs from that of past generations, but it doesn’t mean we are undeserving of our privileges.

The progress made through scientific and technological advancements was intended to enhance the lives of future generations. Thus, instead of judging us, older generations should encourage us to leverage these tools for success. We should aim for our aspirations while recognizing that hard work can take many forms in today's world.

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