ENTITLEMENT

In this progressive society where the pace of change is racing forward, our attitudes seem to be slipping backward. We are frequently rushed, hassled, angry, and exhausted. AHHH, progress!

First we walked, but this was not fast enough; so we drive, and this is not fast enough either. We curse and honk, tailgate, cut in and out of lanes, and constantly endanger each other's lives. We multitask behind the wheel because we're not busy enough watching the road.

Why then does all this change when we walk down the street two or three abreast, not on the sidewalk but in the middle of the road, and feel it is okay to make the cars behind us wait until we feel "good and ready" to move? We do the same thing in the mall. Elbows out and packages bouncing, we create a wall of bodies as we meander with utter indifference.

Recently we were expected to allow the person behind us to go in front of us because "There's two of you, so I should go first". We stepped aside and let her go.

She was still waiting for assistance when we had completed our transaction. Just as the driver who was jumping lanes sits at the red light beside you. What have they accomplished?

I can't help but wonder, are we apathetic or just rude. When did we become this way? AND WHY DO WE FEEL ENTITLED! When did our life become any more important than the lives of others?

Can we change this trend? I hope so. The only way to overcome apathy is with education. The only education feasible is a demonstration of kindness by being a good role model.