Entitled to Happiness

The topic of our entitled American culture (and my generation in particular) has been the subject of conversation a couple of times in the past week, which I now feel compelled to comment on. It's true, we as Americans believe that happiness, convenience, and service are owed to us. When you graduate from school you think an employer will come barging down your door to have you come work for them (with an impressive benefits package). When the wireless on your ipod doesn't work you get annoyed at the inconvenience because you need to check your email for the 50th time today. And the U-scan at Harris Teeter should never have a line because you are entirely too busy to wait (never mind that you have the money to shop at Harris Teeter).

Whatever happened to talking to people in line at the grocery store? Or giving the courtesy wave when someone lets you into the traffic lane? Or simply being impressed that the town of Carrboro has free wireless?

An article we talked about in clinic this week comments on the "high self esteem" of today's young generation that is selfish, self-centered, and entitled. Chores are a thing of the past (most parents admit to me that the only "chore" their child has is to "tidy their room". What happened to folding towels, sweeping floors, emptying the dishwasher, or helping at the grocery store?). This high self esteem supposedly makes us less likely to think of others, less likely to serve others, and more prone to episodes of severe despression. While service to others is extremely important to me as both a Carson and a Carolina graduate, I see a lot of truth in this statement. Take those self-important Tweeters or facebook status updaters... "Baking cookies with my kitty Fluffy!!!!.... Eating cookies and watching at movie with Fluffy, best cat EVER!!!... Emptying the lint out of the dryer!!!!" However mundane, these S.I. posters will think that they are the cat's meow instead of thinking of how they can contribute to society. Take a look at the article-- it's an interesting read.

Time to let steam our of children's self-esteem.

If you're not convinced that we don't appreciate all of the joys of our very privelidged life, look at Louis C.K. commenting on our disregard for all things technology. This video puts it all in perspective a little bit. I am sure you will laugh because it's completely true.


So as I prepare to head to a third world nation and take with me a few luxuries of the modern world (read: peanut butter, bug spray, and toothpaste with mini breath strips), I am reminded to be humble. I am reminded to be thankful and to see joy in the places that I'd least expect it.
I am going to help a generation of children that has never known DVR, laptops, or cell phones... but they are just as happy.