Entitlements and Privileges

What’s the difference between an entitlement and a privilege?

Well, an entitlement is something you simply get; it’s yours. There is no work required of you to get what you’re entitled to—it’s a right. For example, you have the right to apply for any job you want. You have the right to make your own choices. You are also have the right—or are entitled—to get a good education on your ability level.

These rights—among many others—you are entitled to in this life; they are yours. Often they cost you nothing.

But what about privileges? What exactly is a privilege? Well, a privilege is something that more often than not has to be earned. Privileges are usually extra things given as a result of your actions. For example, your parents let you watch TV, play video games, or maybe even have a cell phone as long as you are doing—or behaving—like you should.

Privileges can be awesome; however, many of these privileges that we’ve been given can be temporarily or permanently lost because of our actions. A man who has been granted a license and the privilege to drive a car may have that privilege taken away for speeding or driving recklessly. Just like you might have the privilege of using the Wii or an iPod lost if you’re not getting your chores or homework done.

Entitlements are free. Privileges are not.

I recently went to Alcatraz prison in California on a tour. Amongst the many rules the inmates followed, there was one which stood out to me; it was regulation #5:

I thought about this regulation the inmates had, and realized that in our families we are granted these very same things without having to earn them. We are given food, clothes, a place to live, and someone to take care of us when we’re sick. Those things are free to us because that’s what we’re entitled to, but what about the extra stuff? What about the ‘bells and whistles’ that make our lives so much more comfortable and enjoyable?

Those things are usually not free.

So what does one do when certain privileges have been lost? Well, they could whine and complain, but let’s be honest here, whining and crying about something usually never does any good now does it? One could give up and simply stop trying, but that will get you nowhere and things won’t change—you’ll be stuck where you are. People could also call themselves to action and start to DO those things on which the privileges are dependent. If your mom told you that you can have a cell phone for doing your homework and keeping your room clean, wouldn’t a good start be to clean your room and do your homework? If your dad said you could only watch TV after you’ve taken care of the dog, shouldn’t you take care of the dog?

The funny thing about privileges is that one can never quite know how long it will take to get them back. It takes only a second to punch a hole in a wall, but it’ll take a lot more work to patch it up.

So what to do now? Well, that all depends on if privileges are important to you. If not, you can go merrily on your way and enjoy those things you’re entitled to. But if you want the privileges, then maybe it’s time to get to work.