Rant: Entitlement & A Lack of Respect

The Pandemic has struck so many of us hard, from financially to emotionally, physically to psychologically. With so many of us sharing these problems, you would think that we would also respect each other, having a regard for what we are going through together. There certainly are people doing so, and they make the world a better place, and elevate our positivity. However, there's a number of people, and unfortunately its a significant number, who fail to show such regard, who act entitled and thus bring all of us down.

If you work anywhere a mask is required, such as a restaurant, grocery store, wine shop, and more, you have witnessed people either failing to wear a mask, or failing to wear it properly, such as having it below their nose. It's a state mandated rule, yet some want to ignore it, feeling it shouldn't apply to them. And if you dare say something to them, you might even be physically attacked. At the very least, they may argue with you, rather than follow the simple rule. What ignorance and entitlement!

There have been many other examples of this lack of respect during these last months as well. For example, some people make restaurant reservations but fail to show up, and don't call to cancel either. That's rude no matter when it occurs, but during this pandemic, when restaurants must limit the number of diners to conform to social distancing requirements, it's even worse. You are costing that restaurant potential income, at a time when they need every dollar. Where is your regard for that restaurant and their employees?

Another example is how some consumers handle a complaint with a restaurant or shop. First, some people complain about really nothing, simply because an employee is following the law or rules and the guest thinks they are entitled to special treatment, that they are not bound by the law and rules. They should simply follow the law or rule and keep their mouths shut. Second, those guests may also lie about their actual encounter, to make themselves look better and the employee look worse. Fortunately, video cameras can sometimes help show the truth. Other times, the employer has to try to discern the truth. 

Third, these entitled guests might attempt to blackmail the restaurant or shop, claiming how they will get many other people to no longer patronize the place because of their alleged complaint. And this blackmail may be over a relatively minor issue! Fourth, sometimes the guest won't complaint to the restaurant or shop at all, and simply trash them on social media, without giving the place a chance to remedy the situation. There's a complete lack of respect, and clear indication of the sense of entitlement of that guest. 

Unfortunately, some employers give into these guests, trying to appease them despite the fact the guests are wrong. Yes, guests are not always right. This appeasement only serves to validate the lack of respect and entitlement of these people, worsening the overall situation, and ensuring those people will continue to be terrible guests. 

It costs nothing to show others respect and have a proper regard for the laws and rules of our society. The employees at these restaurants and shops didn't make those laws or rules. They have no control over them. So, show them the respect they deserve and just follow the rules. Everyone is having troubles during this time, and we need to be there for each other, rather than become antagonistic. We can get through this pandemic if we work together, with mutual respect.