Something for Nothing

Is it just me or does it seem that more and more people are developing a sense of personal entitlement? It has begun to feel like many, regardless of age, sex, race, or socioeconomic background, have an expectation to be provided things for free. As usual the trends that occur in society are often replicated in our schools. The sense of entitlement that has run rampant in so many facets of our daily lives has unfortunately invaded our schools, and it will prove disastrous for our American educational system if something is not done to solve this problem. From people throwing a fit to receive 'free' healthcare to parents writing letters to the local newspaper complaining that no one at the school would pay for her child's lunch when SHE forgot to give money to HER child. Needless to say things are getting out of control. The old adage that "anything free isn't worth having" seems to have been replaced with "anything you have to work for isn't worth having".

Perhaps I'm an oddball, but I cannot understand the mentality needed to go through life expecting everything to either be done for you or given to you. Many students that continually turn in sub standard work, when they turn in work at all, have the audacity to question you as to why their grade is not higher. Many students simply expect that you will provide them with school supplies, and often come to class completely unprepared. I could go on and on, but I think you get the picture. So where are our students learning that they don't need to do anything?

As a teacher I would like to place all the blame on the parents, but the fact is that many of our school policies encourage this entitlement mentality. It is a fact that in more cases than I want to believe possible parents are sending their children to school expecting the school system and the teachers to take care of their every need. The school system and/or the teachers usually go out of their way to ensure the student is provided the same opportunity as everyone else in the class...whether that means giving a student a pencil every single day to purchasing school clothes for a student. The entitlement monster continually feeds itself in that the parents expect the school and teachers to do everything for their child. The school and teachers are basically forced to fill the parental role for fear of lawsuits. The parent gets their way and the vicious handout cycle continues. Who is more to blame...the user or the supplier? I would love to hear your thoughts.