Our Present Dysfunctional State

We believe we’re entitled to what we want rather than we’re able to work for what we want. This has led to a society filled with derision and hatred. From politics to relationships, people are feeling entitled to criticize and push their agenda onto others. Are you receptive to and considerate of those who do this to you? People don’t look at what takes them where they want to go, observing their own behavior; they focus on what they’re entitled to receive, focusing on the behaviors of others. This dysfunctional perspective of being entitled to a greater piece of the pie has only increased tension and conflict worldwide.
It appears we’re reliving history. When Hitler came to power, Germans were tired of being blamed and punished for WWI. Hitler told them they were superior to others, and it was their place to rule everyone else. Hitler didn’t create what people felt; he just gave them permission to put themselves first and grab anything without consideration of others. Trump has done the same. He wiped political correctness from our vocabulary and focused on people’s entitlement. He didn’t consider that all groups were listening, not just his power base, resulting in increased conflict worldwide.
I see the same in relationships and families. People focus on what makes sense to them, totally ignoring what makes sense to others. The more we grab our entitlements, minimizing the feelings of others, the more likely we are to destroy what we claim we value. Have harmony, consideration and respect been wiped from our vocabulary, just like political correctness? Without a clear picture of our long-term objectives, haphazard change and hoping for the best eliminates ways of measuring progress. Would you truly appreciate being on the receiving end of what you’re dishing out? The only way we’ll get true respect is to give true respect. Children and partners are not lumps of clay to be molded into our ideal. We don’t have greater rights or powers than anyone else. Look at the results of your choices and ask if you want to continue or replace your patterns.
To discuss this or other issues, Dr. Levine can be reached at 661-877-8378.