The Entitlement Epidemic

Entitlement. It’s like that weird bit of mold that appears in the corner of your fridge. One minute, everything’s fine, and the next, it’s taken over the cheese, the yogurt, and possibly the entire kitchen. Somewhere along the line, society decided that rules were just “suggestions,” and that the universe owes everyone a favor. And now, we’ve got an entire population of self-important people ruining everything for the rest of us.

Now, I think I’ve just encountered the most entitled person within a 100-mile radius, and I’m fairly certain it might have been the final straw that broke the camel’s back, set it on fire, and sent it tumbling down a hill. Picture this: I’m driving along, minding my own business, when I hit a traffic jam. Was it an accident? Roadwork? No. It was one genius and his friend who decided that walking 10 steps from the parking lot to the bakery was simply beneath them. So what do they do? Park halfway into the road, blocking half the lane like they were the sovereign rulers of carbohydrates. I sat there wondering—did they think their car had diplomatic immunity or something?

Take parking, for instance. There’s always that one individual who believes that the “No Parking” sign is some sort of decorative accessory, not a legally binding instruction. They park on sidewalks, hog two spaces like they’re some sort of a parking Picasso. Apparently, exerting the slightest effort to park properly would be a violation of their personal space. Don’t even get me started on the slow-moving road warriors in the left lane. The left lane is for overtaking, not for sightseeing, texting, or contemplating the meaning of life while the rest of us lose the will to live behind them.

Then there’s the mobile phone enthusiasts, the ones who treat their smartphones like they’re surgically attached to their hands. They’re texting while driving, swerving across lanes like a pinball machine. How they manage to avoid an accident is anyone’s guess. And let’s not forget the drunk drivers, still out there, as if they’ve somehow been granted divine permission to endanger the lives of everyone else.

Now, onto the grocery store. You’d think basic shopping etiquette would be second nature, but apparently not. People leave their carts in the middle of aisles as though they’re participating in an extreme sport, blocking entire sections of produce while they’re chatting away. Meanwhile, you’re just trying to grab a few apples and escape before you lose your last ounce of patience. And then there’s the noisy ones who seem to think that a supermarket is the perfect place to air out their entire life story—loud enough for the entire store to hear.

And the highlight? The recent spate of “shoplifting as performance art” at places like Walmart, Target, or any other shopping place. People stroll out with entire shopping carts of stolen goods, not even bothering to hide them, as if taking things that aren’t yours has become a competitive event. Meanwhile, security guards are left sighing in frustration, helpless as these brazen thieves stroll back to their cars as though they’ve just completed a particularly satisfying shopping spree.

But the worst of it all? These entitled folks have somehow convinced themselves that public spaces are their personal playgrounds. Weed smokers puffing away on sidewalks, filling the air with that foul, skunky aroma, because apparently, everyone is required to share in their herbal “enlightenment.”

And, of course, dog owners. They let their pets deposit little “gifts” all over the pavement while they merrily skip off, oblivious to the fact that the rest of us now have to play a game of “Dodge the Dog Mine” during our morning walks.

Then there are airports, the ultimate breeding ground for entitlement. People will stop in the middle of the terminal, blocking all progress, acting as if the entire airport is there to cater to their whims. Once on the plane, the armrest hogs, the seat recliners treating economy class like their personal spa, and the people who stuff entire wardrobes into the overhead bin—none of it should be allowed. And don’t get me started on the seat kickers, the loud talkers, and the ones who take their shoes off like they’re lounging in their own living room. Oh, and there’s always that guy who decides to clip his toenails mid-flight. Why? Why?

But here’s the thing—this entitlement is nothing new. It’s been festering for years, like a dirty sock stuffed under your car seat. The only difference now is that people are louder, bolder, and somehow convinced that the universe revolves around their every whim.

So what’s the solution? Maybe we need a national “Reality Check Day” where everyone is forced to take an etiquette class. Or maybe a big flashing sign over the country that simply says: “You’re Not That Special.” Or—hear me out—maybe people could just try being decent human beings. Radical, I know.

Until then, we’ll just have to navigate the minefield of delusional self-importance one entitled idiot at a time. Cheers.


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85 responses to “The Entitlement Epidemic”

  1. Patrice Thompson Avatar

    What an exhilarating Monday morning rant! I needed that!

    Liked by 4 people

  2. michael raven Avatar

    I don’t know what gave them the idea that they could use my personal freeway anyway…

    😉

    Liked by 7 people

    1. Bookstooge Avatar
    2. beachbum51 Avatar

      And those who park using the two spaces that are closest to the door, forcing me to use one of the hundreds of empty spaces out in the parking lot so I have to walk fifteen extra paces from my car in order to get inside the Planet Fitness so I can get on the treadmlll! Such entitlement!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. michael raven Avatar

        You didn’t know? Those are *my* two spots. _Someone_ didn’t get the memo… 😉🤣

        [j/k, of course, have a great day]

        |re-parks car in one slot|

        Liked by 1 person

  3.  Avatar
    Anonymous

    Your insight and the way you express it makes reading your adventures a delightful experience.

    Liked by 5 people

  4. Vegetarian in Boston Avatar

    So true! Many thanks for the smiles, it’s not only me getting annoyed with these self-important, big ego people it feels like!

    Liked by 3 people

  5. D.M Avatar

    Umpf what a load of frustrations 😅
    For me, that entitlement comes from equality. We are now equals. We don’t vow down to the CEO anymore. The boss needs to abide the law as much a any other person…women are now almost equal (still some work left). So how do you divide the pie when it’s only 3.14 pieces needing to be divided into a everyone?
    Then you pass Darwin another time with his law of the biggest asshole. And those that do know how to mind other people? They are nicely waiting in line, letting the old lady with her walking aid pass first, o and also this old man that is about to fall over. Ow, wait, also this momma with het newborn that is stinky and needs to be fed…what do you mean, no more pie?

    Liked by 2 people

    1. AKings Avatar

      That is a great summary of everything! 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

    2. pastshelfdate Avatar

      From all I’ve read and heard, the effects of “equality” on entitlement have only lessened the extent that groups are entitled, or at least feel entitled. Now it’s more fragmented, more individual, as AKings observes. There’s not as much need to specify any group identity of a person whose sense of entitlement is stepping on others’ toes.

      Now the old groups are divided in many ways. Some are fine with changes that actually entitle more people to basic respect and rights they’ve long been denied. Others are afraid that somehow they will lose if anyone else gains.I wish we had more games for children to play that aren’t just I-win-you-lose. If human society reall worked that way, then hundreds of years ago, human population growth would have reduced almost all of us to abject poverty.I was really happy that AKings didn’t single out any groups, and instead focused on specific selfish behaviors. Reading was a pleasure.

      Liked by 5 people

  6. Herald Staff Avatar

    Wow, isn’t this the truth!

    –Scott

    Liked by 4 people

  7. lisaapaul Avatar

    When you talk about the slow drivers in the passing lane: “while the rest of us lose the will to live behind them” I burst out laughing. But it’s not funny, it’s so true! Thank you for posting – you are SO right about it all!

    Liked by 4 people

    1. beachbum51 Avatar

      And to think, that they are selfishly denying you the chance to drive in that lane without recognizing that you are entitled to it, a feeling that simply will not allow you to change lanes and go around them!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. lisaapaul Avatar

        In the State in which I reside, the left hand lane is to be used to left turns and passing slower moving vehicles. It is the LAW, and a vehicle going under the speed limit in the passing lane can be pulled over and ticketed by police. You aren’t supposed to pass a vehicle on the right, and if you are hemmed in with traffic, you cannot. The law abiding citizens who want to pass vehicles on the left are not the entitled ones, the people driving below the speed limit in the passing lane are clearly the ones who believe they are entitled.

        Liked by 2 people

      2. AKings Avatar

        True. I grew up in a place where it’s the same. There’s a passing lane and you’re not allowed to overtake on the wrong side of the road.

        Liked by 2 people

  8. PenPusher4 ✍️ Avatar

    You said it,… nodding in agreement to every scenario,… the world seems full of these non thinking conceited individuals, … seems consideration is seen as a weakness nowadays, …ah well, …I shall continue on my merry way, holding the door for someone with a pushchair who blithely swans past, with nary a glance or a word of thanks ,, … do I care? … pffft .. ✨😉✨

    Liked by 4 people

    1. AKings Avatar

      I say thank you to the chivalrous Ladies and Gentlemen that are left in the world. You are appreciated :).

      Liked by 3 people

  9. Michael Seidel Avatar

    These rants are me. I’ve growled about every scenario described. I don’t put it as eloquently and humorous. My language is hued with frequent shades of blue. I’ll add the people who stop in a parking lot aisle to chat, oblivious to cars. And the ones who stop in crosswalks to talk things over leave me seething at the surreal indifference in how they walk the world. I want to get even somehow and yet, I don’t think they would ever understand the point. They’re just too obtuse.

    Now time for me to return to muttering in my coffee about the things I see and all that’s wrong with the world. Cheers

    Liked by 2 people

    1. AKings Avatar

      Getting even is a novel idea. 🤣 If you say something though they either brand you a Karen or a Kevin. You just can’t win 😂.

      Liked by 2 people

  10. flytheraven Avatar

    What is so stark about entitelment is the sheer lack of actually processing an experience to then know it by and gain attributes from. It’s so insane to me that people come to a conclusion so without thought that they are self-centeredly entitled above another for that which we all share willingly if people aren’t being entitled. It is literally choosing to be the a-hole of life and burden others which has no benefit for anyone.
    This and full-time liars really make little sense to me unless I put it through kid lense and see it as no one taught them to share and they were placated by being given what they wanted with little attention to that end given-just so they’d shut up, maybe. And liars figured out if no one is listening, they can pretty much say and do as they like. They test if we are truly listening or seeing them at all. They test are we willing to do anything about their poor behavior which makes all of society their parent because it’s likely their parents were absent for whatever reason.
    Like, their only skill set is to say gimmie and get at all costs. I feel so sorry for them in a way because they are the most stunted emotionally people ever and that’s gotta hurt to be constantly alienating self from others and have no way of self-correcting this but to say well then, they are just smarter than everyone else is. Omg the injustice of it is heartwrenching on all fronts. Entitlement is a delusion reinforced by lies. Maybe their parents coddled them. Does society coddle them and reward them? My brain is done for today. Great thought provoking post, thank you!

    Liked by 5 people

    1. AKings Avatar

      I totally agree. We need some old fashioned parenting and a good moral compass these days.

      Liked by 4 people

  11. Brian Scott Avatar

    LOVE IT! My thoughts exactly with some added Americanisation 👌
    I’m just going to say it. That enforced break from reality, caused by “that” epidemic seemed to alter reality for way too many and now …… what he said ⬆️.
    I’m with you on every word. 👌

    Liked by 2 people

  12.  Avatar
    Anonymous

    This was the long-term effect of losing “Spare the rod, spoil the child!”

    Actions DO have consequences.

    Liked by 2 people

  13. Bronlima Avatar

    Answer I heard in the street. “What’s selfish about only thinging of yourself?

    Liked by 3 people

  14. D.M Avatar

    Umpf what a load of frustrations 😅
    For me, that entitlement comes from equality. We are now equals. We don’t vow down to the CEO anymore. The boss needs to abide the law as much a any other person…women are now almost equal (still some work left). So how do you divide the pie when it’s only 3.14 pieces needing to be divided into everyone?
    Then you pass Dawson another tim

    Liked by 2 people

  15. D.M Avatar

    Oops – that wasn’t supposed to happen 😅

    Liked by 2 people

  16. Sarada Gray Avatar
  17. David Bennett Avatar

    Yes.

    I blame the editors, I have for many years – the ones who edit out our failings, our embarrassments, the faltering in the portrayal of our perfection. The result is that we don’t want to look.

    Looking at the arc of history, we have become (at least in our own minds) individuals without community, relying on our own judgement in a sea of competing narratives. At the same time, we are filling up the world, beguiled by comfort, and rather than venturing off somewhere when we can’t stand one another, we have nowhere to go except to bump into one another on the path to cooperation or destruction.

    Liked by 2 people

  18. Neal Saye Avatar

    Oh my gosh. I love this post! I live in downtown Savannah and my apartment overlooks a no parking zone. It’s amazing how many folks ignore that sign, and not just the Amazon delivery drivers.

    Liked by 2 people

  19. Travel Advisor Avatar
    Travel Advisor

    Love this read!

    Liked by 2 people

  20. tagpipspearl Avatar

    Wonderful post. And I think you’ve figured out the best way to live through this self-righteous and self-centered time – humor. It’s easier than anger, kinder on the soul than depression, and cheaper than owning cats.

    Liked by 3 people

  21. josna Avatar

    Agreed! True and very funny (as well as wildly exasperating). Only, I’m inclined to call it plain old selfishness. This is because in the U.S., where the new administration is rolling back all sorts of rights, they are calling them “entitlements”. For example, they refer to Social Security as an entitlement, when in fact we earned it. And they refer to laws designed to ensure equal treatment and equal opportunity as entitlements, as if they were special favors rather than the birthright of every resident of the country.

    Liked by 2 people

  22. Cindy Georgakas Avatar

    Great post … you nailed each scenario! Thanks for the laughs. 🤣

    Liked by 2 people

  23. Monkey's Tale Avatar

    I haven’t seen the toenail clipper (thankfully) but I’ve seen and detest the rest. Maggie

    Liked by 2 people

  24. The Healthy Witch Avatar

    This is excellent! Don’t forget those that feel they don’t have to use their blinkers. They just casually glide from one lane to another, not looking, not caring, and abrasively wanting everyone else to look out for them. Ugh!

    Liked by 2 people

  25. Michael DeStefano Avatar

    You’re a man after my own heart. Nice going!

    Liked by 2 people

  26. sharonsiconictravelphotographyblog Avatar

    The worst offenders seem to be BMW drivers here. If someone is driving crazily in and out of traffic, 9 times out of ten it is someone driving a BMW. Parents are raising their kids to be this way. They give them everything. Not too many teens or college age kids working part time anymore. That contributes as well.

    Liked by 3 people

  27.  Avatar
    Anonymous

    I could say “Wow, you’ve got some issues”, HOWEVER, your observations bear validity. Certainly a number of people feel entitled, but I think there are just as many that lack self-awarernes. I would like to contribute my rant, if I may. I am vexed by the number of people that I see just strolling through red lights now. And I’m not talking about rushing a yellow light, I’m talking about just driving through an intersection that the light is red, and has been red. Like, “Duh”.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. AKings Avatar

      From the absurd to outright dangerous. That’s what happened when we ignore the small problems, they eventually evolve into much bigger ones. Thanks for the comment!

      Liked by 1 person

  28. ilakeister Avatar

    This is SO TRUE!! People think that they can just stomp on whoever they want to and everyone else should just put up with it. One of my favorite quotes about entitlement comes from “The Secret Garden”. Dickon’s mother says something like, “The world is like an orange, and everyone only gets a small part of it. Anyone who thinks they deserve the whole orange is going to spend their whole life frustrated and angry and will cause loads of trouble.” That’s a very loose paraphrase since I don’t remember the exact wording, but your post made me think of it.

    Liked by 2 people

  29. mzgoldtl Avatar

    The nerve of these people being people. You hit the nail on the head.

    Liked by 2 people

  30. C_Quin Avatar

    you receive a “lol” for this post.

    Liked by 2 people

  31. David Avatar

    I can totally relate to everything you said and want to add 1 more from here in New Zealand –
    High speed cyclists (not slow-moving children or older people) who are meant to rider on the road, if there is no expensive cycleway available for them, using the cycleway, road, footpath (sidewalk) pedestrian crossing, and even office elevators to get from one level of the city to another without riding uphill, all with a massive air of entitlement to come first everywhere.

    Liked by 3 people

  32. Tony Barmanski Avatar
    Tony Barmanski

    Seems like Idiocracy was a documentary after all. Every day I get closer to moving to a log cabin and going full hermit.

    Liked by 4 people

  33. The Entitlement Epidemic – 🏖CAYVIBES🏖 Avatar
  34. bluekahu Avatar

    I’m stealing Parking Picasso! Love it

    Liked by 3 people

    1.  Avatar
      Anonymous

      the speed limit is the maximum people are allowed to drive . . . not the minimum requirement!

      Liked by 3 people

  35. creatividualworkshops Avatar

    The venting session I didn’t know that I needed! I feel lighter after reading this, like I let something out too. Lol. Great read.

    Liked by 3 people

  36. Benjamin Avatar

    Brav-F’ing-O! Nicely said!

    Liked by 2 people

  37. Lee Avatar

    great read : thank you

    Liked by 1 person

  38. grafmr Avatar

    AKings—this was the community venting session I didn’t know I needed.

    I teach art in Wisconsin and write stories about memory, forgiveness, and the occasional deer collision. I don’t often click on rants, but you had me at “carbohydrate sovereigns.”

    I think what works here isn’t just your humor (though it’s sharp)—it’s your truth. You’re naming the weariness most of us feel, but doing it without turning bitter. That’s a hard line to walk. You walk it well.

    Thanks for saying it all out loud. I’ll be back.

    Liked by 3 people

  39. candysplanet Avatar

    Okay, just got back from a trip and my I couldn’t believe the mom who plunked her crawling age kid down in the airport aisle. The aisle that is between the gates, where everyone with their three carry-on items are running. I was waiting for someone looking at their phone to step on him. Not to mention the filth on that floor!

    Liked by 2 people

  40. rose2852 Avatar

    Sigh…

    I used to get cranky with all of this. These days, I tend to let go anything that is beyond my control to fix.

    Liked by 2 people

  41. Tony Steel Avatar

    Yep, there certainly is a ‘class’ of people, and I use the word ‘class’ advisedly, that seem to have forsaken an awareness of the social niceties. I’ve been meaning to have a crack at this subject myself so thank you for the prompt.

    Liked by 2 people

  42. SandyG Avatar

    Entitled individuals are a special kind of people. They are the ones who irritate the rest of us. After the age of entitlement came upon us, I got tired of being irritated with the things people did and it would ruin my day. I had to learn to let go of the things I had no control of and as a result, my day is always good. Thank you for this.

    Liked by 2 people

  43. Gerry C. Avatar

    It is refreshing to know that these entitled imbeciles inhabit every corner of the world. No escaping them.

    Liked by 1 person

  44. grafmr Avatar

    This was both hilarious and painfully accurate—like George Carlin doing laps in a shopping cart through a Walmart parking lot. You’ve got a gift for turning daily frustrations into poetic rants, and I couldn’t help but nod along (especially at ‘parking Picasso’ and ‘Dodge the Dog Mine’).

    But underneath the laughter, I sense a real ache—for civility, for shared spaces that actually feel shared. I wonder… do you think entitlement is more a symptom of isolation than arrogance? Like maybe some folks just forget the world doesn’t revolve around them because they don’t feel seen any other way?

    Anyway, thanks for giving us this witty public service announcement—equal parts therapy and roast. Looking forward to what you tackle next.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. AKings Avatar

      My 2 cents: Isolation warps the mirror. It makes people forget how to be part of a chorus, so they shout just to hear their own voice echo back. Maybe what looks like selfishness is sometimes just someone trying to belong in a way they never learned how…. Maybe.

      Thanks for your wonderful comment.

      Liked by 1 person

  45. grafmr Avatar

    Dude…you rock!!

    Liked by 1 person

  46. loreleiirvine Avatar

    Uggh, it’s eerywhere..I’m disabled and walk with a stick. The amount of people who try to walk through me. Toxic folk are ubiquitous. Really enjoyed the post. Thank you.

    Liked by 1 person

  47. Lynne Melcombe Avatar

    What exactly is wrong with taking off your shoes on a plane? If I’m going to be sitting somewhere for 5-10 hours, the shoes are coming off. No idea why that falls under the category of being entitled.

    Liked by 1 person

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