I've often wondered how and why generations are named; and why it is that the preceding generation receives this honor. Is it to be a reminder of the past? Of things that need remembering? Or is it simply a way of retaining on this tradition for future generations?
Personally, I liked when generations were referred to as "ages". Such as "The Gilded Age" or the "Victorian Age", and the Progressive Age.
My generation is the byproduct of the "Summers of Love" age, so I'm guessing I am of the age of "Over Indulgence". My nephews and nieces are part of the "X" Generation as well as the onset of the "Me" Generation. Yet the one that baffles me most is the Generation of "Entitlement".
What I find most interesting about this particular time is that it doesn't appear to be age limited. Matter of fact, I believe anyone can join the bandwagon and participant within the "Generation of Entitlement". And it appears that many have done just that.
But what I don't get is why do these individuals believe themselves "entitled", and what exactly are they entitled to? We are all entitled to "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" - but to what extent and to whose extent? Can we then say we have the right to pursuit happiness at the expense of others because we are entitled? And then, does integrity and justice have a place in "Generation Entitlement" ? If we claim that we have integrity we can not claim entitlement; that is for those that feel that the Universe owes them and owes them big time. Yet again with - and what exactly are you entitled to and why should it concern me? Really?
And although I know I am entitled to certain privileges, I do not abuse these nor would I want to. I have integrity. I know I am entitled to live my life as I choose, to live where ever I may, to come and go as I please; yet I do not feel that I am owed anything else in this life.
Because at the end of every day (some wise person said this somewhere) no one can change the outcome of their day, for destiny will always prevail.
Regardless of your sense of "entitlement".
