There is something I witness, every day it seems, that really gets under my skin.  It is the fact that many of us, including myself, have entitlement issues.  Let me explain.

Merriam Webster has three definitions including: 1.  “the state or condition of being entitled: RIGHT” and 2.  “the belief that one is deserving or entitled to certain privileges.”  Finally, there is 3.  “a government program providing benefits to members of a specified group, including funds supported or distributed by such a program.”  Does everyone have rights and privileges?  I wonder.

If we are talking about basic rights, such as having respect for others and valuing each person’s dignity, then we should be able to agree that one could expect this treatment just by being part of the human race.  Beyond this, what are we entitled to have?

On the news, we hear Social Security benefits as being “entitlements.”  This is a problem because we have opposing ideas of what an entitlement means with regard to this program.  People who have contributed to this fund for all the years of their work life do not consider this an “entitlement” because the way in which this term is employed by politicians gives the sense of them NOT being entitled to it.  The exact meaning of the term is shrouded in innuendo.  The funds dispersed to a senior citizens by the government was first entrusted to the government by the senior citizens. Therefore it is the right of said citizens to have the money that was invested over a lifetime, returned to them when they are no longer employed.

The real issue is in the term “entitlement” and which definition is appropriate for each example.  The wealthy want “entitlements” (i.e. special treatment) in order to pay less to the government in taxes, stating that they are then able to provide more jobs etc., whether or not they actually do so.  And a sense of entitlement often refers to young people who don’t want to do anything in exchange for things with which they are provided. There is a jagged line that divides these definitions and attitudes.

The main problem is that the definitions often seem to contradict each other.  I know that each of us has felt entitled to one thing or another in our lives.  The most important thing is to clarify the meaning of this term when it is used.  Otherwise, every time the word is spoken, there is an opportunity for conflict.  And the worst thing about that is that our communication breaks down.

So, the next time you and I talk about “entitlements,” let’s be clear about what we are talking about.  If we do that, then we will be able to have a reasonable conversation with each other.  And maybe we will learn from each other in the process.