Entitlement

Now.

That is an interesting term. So very relevant in today's society. I was walking down bloor street after a lovely dinner with a thought provoking boy. The boy was nice enough to buy me dinner so when I was waiting to meet him ( him on subway, I on bike) at Bathurst station for the next part of our adventure, I was inclined to talk to a woman on the side of the sidewalk. She was asking for change. She was asking for a quarter. I offered her a meal of her choice. I had been planning to pay for a salad and 2 beers and I figured I owed a karma payment plan at least that much.

Its funny though. She asked for the most expensive thing on the menu, and a coca cola to boot. I was shocked. Why? well mostly because usually when someone offers me something I decline, or take as little as possible, ideally. When I offered this woman some food she requested a 12 dollar meal. I obliged and the night went on as planned. I told the woman how much her platter cost and she answered " well, I was really hungry dear. " when I asked her if she wanted to go inside and eat the meal with me, she replied" Im actually on a monetary schedule right now, I cannot leave the street. Oh! and can you get it in a bag? I am going to eat it at home".

On further inspection I found that this woman lives on the lake shore, she only comes up to bath and bloor when she "needs more money".

So why was I turned off? because after I offered she asked for more. What gives her the right eh? to ask for more than I offer.

I considered for a second I don't buy meat for myself, why should I buy meat for someone else. She should be eating vegetarian, she should be eating on a plate! but then I remembered that I am one of those lucky few who have the privileged to worry about the environment. She is probably not. But i did not get the full story...

Entitlement is something I desperately want to explore more.
How can a kid who has just graduated university consider themselves entitled to go on EI and ski for 5 years?
How is that different from an un-enthused person on welfare who asks for more and more when the government offers?
Is a pan handler deserving of welfare?
What happens when more than 50% of the system are takers and less are givers?
Unions!?

Entitlement. I want to burn the word. I think we would all be better off without that sentiment. But we all feel it at some point, I suppose. Survival instinct, eat as much as you can while the eating is good. I know I felt it when I was trying to make a living in Canmore. However it takes a removed ego to go through with accepting charity.

So what are we all deserving of?

Another chance, an ear to speak into, a chance to return the favor.
Maybe we just are not giving each other that chance to fend for themselves, or maybe there are those who feel entitled not to take it.

The sky will spin again.
More adventures to come.


No pictures for this one, sorry. Her name was Pat.