 |
| A bunch of entitled brats. |
Over two centuries ago a document was written which demanded rights for a group of farmers who felt that the policies imposed by their mother government were not fair.
The document stated that there were certain rights that they were “unalienable” and are “endowed by their Creator.”
Fifty-six men then signed what is now known as the Declaration of Independence. It stands as a symbol of the greatness of our country and its beliefs.
Lately, there has been a lot of talk about the “Spirit of Entitlement.” Unfortunately, many students have changed the meaning of this phrase to suppress reform by making opinionated students feel like heretics. It seems if you don’t agree with a policy, then you are “entitled.”
By this definition that many students have concocted, the Founding Fathers had the “Spirit of Entitlement” in their hearts.
I am grateful that our Founding Fathers felt they deserved equal rights and ignored their British loyalist peers who probably felt like they were acting “entitled.”
Of course there are students who want convenient parking spaces, special academic treatment and more subsidies on tuition. These are things that a student doesn’t deserve by default.
However, if students have grievances with a policy they should be able to express them, especially if those students are speaking on something that affects the student body collectively and not for their own self-interests or special treatment.
President Kim B. Clark gave a devotional on “Protection Against the Spirit of Entitlement.” This talk was given Sept. 14, 2010.
“Often those who succumb to the spirit of entitlement feel superior to those around them, or believe certain rules should not apply to them, or that they should not be require to do what everyone else has to do,” Clark said.
It is true that a feeling that you are an exception to the rules is wrong. However, the misunderstanding that this includes anyone who disagrees with a policy and seeks for reform is a false notion.
There are many things we are not necessarily entitled to. But despite how misconstrued “the spirit of entitlement” has become, we are always entitled to opinions and the ability to lobby for change.
That’s what makes our country great.
The document stated that there were certain rights that they were “unalienable” and are “endowed by their Creator.”
Fifty-six men then signed what is now known as the Declaration of Independence. It stands as a symbol of the greatness of our country and its beliefs.
Lately, there has been a lot of talk about the “Spirit of Entitlement.” Unfortunately, many students have changed the meaning of this phrase to suppress reform by making opinionated students feel like heretics. It seems if you don’t agree with a policy, then you are “entitled.”
By this definition that many students have concocted, the Founding Fathers had the “Spirit of Entitlement” in their hearts.
I am grateful that our Founding Fathers felt they deserved equal rights and ignored their British loyalist peers who probably felt like they were acting “entitled.”
Of course there are students who want convenient parking spaces, special academic treatment and more subsidies on tuition. These are things that a student doesn’t deserve by default.
However, if students have grievances with a policy they should be able to express them, especially if those students are speaking on something that affects the student body collectively and not for their own self-interests or special treatment.
President Kim B. Clark gave a devotional on “Protection Against the Spirit of Entitlement.” This talk was given Sept. 14, 2010.
“Often those who succumb to the spirit of entitlement feel superior to those around them, or believe certain rules should not apply to them, or that they should not be require to do what everyone else has to do,” Clark said.
It is true that a feeling that you are an exception to the rules is wrong. However, the misunderstanding that this includes anyone who disagrees with a policy and seeks for reform is a false notion.
There are many things we are not necessarily entitled to. But despite how misconstrued “the spirit of entitlement” has become, we are always entitled to opinions and the ability to lobby for change.
That’s what makes our country great.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment