The Generation of Entitlement
(Why the Middle Class do not become Wealthy)

The idea of the millennial generation is an interesting concept which was believed to have started during the 1970’s – a time in which Britons began to enjoy a higher standard of living due to economical stability and, what can be referred to as, a ‘social revolution’. The end of rationing and of war time austerity brought forth a new generation which became obsessed with leisure and commercialism; teenagers were experiencing a whole new life style to that of their parents; easily available skilled jobs were in abundance and money was theirs to spend it how they liked.

   Despite the occurrences of inflation, recession and economical difficulty which Britain has endured since then, we are still a society which is focused on comfort and leisure. The generation of the 60’s bred a new generation; Generation “Y”.

   From birth, quite literally, a majority of us have been spoon fed and helped by our parents. Our mistakes have been easily repaired with no major, life threatening repercussions, and our way of living has been relatively laid back. We have become a generation of entitlement, where the things that we once had under the shelter of our parents are expected once we enter the competitive and cut throat “real world”.

   Popular culture, especially in the music world, consistently promotes the extravagant spending of money of luxury items, which in reality, a normal person may never be actually able to afford. Yet we have seen young teenagers from poor family backgrounds, spend extortionate amounts on their cars, purely to try to prove a kind of social dominance that is depicted by music artists like Drake, Rick Ross, Nicky Minaj...

   It would be hypocritical if I were to say that I myself have never wasted money on needless things, however it is interesting to view these situations once they are put into logical perspective.

   This brings the question; is the current youth generation able to face the reality, in which we have been quite literally unexposed to, of the real word? Statistics show that the majority of unsuspecting University graduates, even those with highly intelligent degrees, are found at a dead end; their diploma becomes the most expensive yet worthless piece of paper ever bought.

   Perhaps our major down fall is this obsession with material and the things which are wrongly considered to be ‘essential’. Today’s society greatly emphasizes and encourages materialistic value; we forget to remember that what we are told are essential to our daily lives are, in reality, are clever marketing strategies. This is an issue which Brian Tracey (The most listened to audio author on personal and business success in the world) mentions frequently.

   In a very short and interesting demonstration, Tracey picks up on the five points of what he considers the necessary means to become wealthy:

1)      The Occurrence of the idea to become wealthy:
(We are brought up and surrounded by normal people, who have normal expectations, who encourage the conventional ways of earning a living. The mere occurrence / ambition, is what drives the first step of becoming wealthy.)

2)      The Decision to become wealthy:
(The steps necessary to become wealthy, despite being inconvenient in the short term, must be taken to prevent the wasting of money and to ensure proper investment of money.)

3)      Procrastination Prevents:
(This is a self explanatory quote taken from his short video  - “People always have a good reason not to begin doing what they know they need to do to achieve financial independence.”)

4)      Delay Gratification:
(Consumerism promotes needless items, the ability to hold yourself back from becoming stuck in a vicious cycle of income / spend.)                 

        W. Clement Stone – “If you cannot save money then the seeds of greatness are not in you”

5)      Time Perspective:
(It is important to remember that short term sacrifice will inevitably lead to long term financial gain)

As logical and obvious as this may seem, to many of us it has never occurred to take these steps, or perhaps the incentive to do so has not occurred. It is interesting to contemplate how the Marketing world works, the information is available, we have the means, yet it seems that the great and powerful propaganda machine of the market is constantly inventing new ways to inhibit our vision of reality and importance.



Self acclaimed rapper popularly known as "Hopsin" comically touches up on some of the points on the negative effects of mainstream music on Society.