A Generation of Entitlement

A couple of weeks ago, while on vacation I was watching the morning news show "Fox and Friends" on the Fox News Channel. On this particular occasion, they had a special guest, Marie Osmond. Marie was there promoting her current non-profit venture (I apologize, but I've forgotten the name of it.) and while doing so was asked about a TV show on MTV. This show, called "My Sweet 16" is a "reality" show about 16th Birthdays. In responding to the question about her opinion on the show, Marie remarked that we today, have created a "Generation of Entitlement."
This remark really struck me as I've on several occasions seen clips from this show, only to find myself repulsed at the extravagant spending on these occasions. Don't get me wrong, there is something memorable about turning 16. As a Latter-Day Saint youth, I meant finally being able to go on a Date (Though I found myself waiting 2 more years......). It also in many states means you're finally old enough to drive a car on your own, and for some it even means membership in that exclusive club at school of those who are free from mom's embarrassing driving habits on campus.
Today, the aforementioned privileges simply aren't enough. The show portrays a common requirement that one must spend HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of dollars, on an event seemed to be more about showcasing family wealth (or access to deeper debt) than commemorating a teenage right of passage. This unfortunately serves to highlight a deeper foreshadowing of what is endangering our youth, that being a sense of entitlement, coupled with a lack of work ethic.
This problem has been long in the works, as Hollywood has progressively decayed the strength of the functional family.
A couple of years ago, Men's Health Magazine had an editorial concerning the portrayal of the American Father in TV Shows and Movies. Although I don't agree with all that is said by author, Joe Queenan; His point is made well when he state's;

"Look at virtually any sitcom, drama, or animated feature on television today
and you will find a dope, a dork, or a doofus vainly trying to run the
family-Today, whenever you turn on the television, some lard- numbskull is
trying to extricate himself from some ridiculous predicament while his bright,
unexpectedly gorgeous spouse looks on. Strongly suggesting that the only way to
land a smart, beautiful wife is to be a fat, dopey loser. I thought the
catchphrase was good in bed, not food in bed."

Now, the role of the father in today's "Reality TV" scenario has become even worse where as fathers are seen giving in to spoiled children berating them because he bought them a LandRover instead of a BMW M3. What are your thoughts? There will be more on this to come......