A Fly on the Wall
Viewing comments for Chapter 9 "On Entitlement"A journal musings and assessments about situations
33 total reviews
Comment from Robert Zimmerman
Rachelle: you have written another excellent story. Every time I hear the word entitlement I question how we have arrived as a society and a place where virtually everyone believes they're entitled to anything they want. Your narrative about the responses from the different families shows a stark difference. I have come to wonder if entitlement has grown because everybody gets a trophy or if everybody gets a trophy because they're entitled. Another excellent piece.
-Robert-
reply by the author on 07-Jun-2019
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Rachelle: you have written another excellent story. Every time I hear the word entitlement I question how we have arrived as a society and a place where virtually everyone believes they're entitled to anything they want. Your narrative about the responses from the different families shows a stark difference. I have come to wonder if entitlement has grown because everybody gets a trophy or if everybody gets a trophy because they're entitled. Another excellent piece.
-Robert-
Comment Written 06-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 07-Jun-2019
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I think you're onto something with that. "Trying" is enough anymore. Not "accomplishing," mind you, just "trying." That makes me crazy! My piano students know those words do not cut it with me. "But I TRIED!" always gets met with, "But you have to keep trying until you succeed."
Thanks for your feedback here, Robert. I appreciate it very much. xo
Comment from LIJ Red
I hear that those deeply involved in weddings teeter on the brink of unglue. Jurassic Park had a theme? I missed it. There have been many
occasions when I would like to have been a fly on a given wall, none of them weddings. Excellent post.
reply by the author on 06-Jun-2019
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I hear that those deeply involved in weddings teeter on the brink of unglue. Jurassic Park had a theme? I missed it. There have been many
occasions when I would like to have been a fly on a given wall, none of them weddings. Excellent post.
Comment Written 06-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 06-Jun-2019
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You should Google it, LlJRed, and then try to picture a wedding party coming down the aisle to it. I dare you not to laugh!
Thanks for the nice review. And you're right: unglued is the word when weddings are involved!
Comment from Michele Harber
Before retiring, my husband taught high school for 28 years, and he watched the position of teacher go from one of respect to one of derision. It used to be that, if he failed a student for not doing their work, they would realize that their behavior had consequences and try to do better. Now they just go directly to the principal, or have Mommy do it for them, and he, more often than not, has the teacher revise the grade for fear of reprisal. This, of course, is the very long way of saying, yes, people have much more of a sense of entitlement now than they ever did, and I'm sure that social media and reality TV are adding to that, as you no longer need talent or even looks for fame - just an electronic platform.
You told your story with your usual wry wit and irony, and the way you broke it down worked well. There is exactly one point I'll challenge: "Diplomacy is as obsolete as snail mail. And gentility is found only in the dictionary." You yourself proved, in the example of the mother of the bride, that diplomacy and gentility do still exist - you just may need a magnifying glass to find them.
reply by the author on 06-Jun-2019
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Before retiring, my husband taught high school for 28 years, and he watched the position of teacher go from one of respect to one of derision. It used to be that, if he failed a student for not doing their work, they would realize that their behavior had consequences and try to do better. Now they just go directly to the principal, or have Mommy do it for them, and he, more often than not, has the teacher revise the grade for fear of reprisal. This, of course, is the very long way of saying, yes, people have much more of a sense of entitlement now than they ever did, and I'm sure that social media and reality TV are adding to that, as you no longer need talent or even looks for fame - just an electronic platform.
You told your story with your usual wry wit and irony, and the way you broke it down worked well. There is exactly one point I'll challenge: "Diplomacy is as obsolete as snail mail. And gentility is found only in the dictionary." You yourself proved, in the example of the mother of the bride, that diplomacy and gentility do still exist - you just may need a magnifying glass to find them.
Comment Written 06-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 06-Jun-2019
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Yes, very good point.
As far as the teachers are perceived, a la your husband's story, I have many friends who are educators and are SO disillusioned. They cannot WAIT to retire, and that just breaks my heart. These are people who once LOVED their profession, and now they go out hating it. It makes me livid.
When you and I rule the world, Michele, all that will change! xo
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My husband?s the same way. He loved teaching and left hating it.
As far as ruling the world, we might have to wrestle Trump for the privilege, but I?m game if you are.
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Oh yeah! No problem there.
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Great! When do we start???
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3...2...1...GO!
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Can I get dressed first? I suspect that trying to take over the world in my nightgown will be ineffectual.
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I don't know about that. All the superheroes go about in onesies!
Comment from Phyllis Stewart
Excellent piece. Wonderful message written very well. By giving an example of the conflict, along with how each side handled it, you showed the clear contrast between the two extremes of personalities our culture comprises. Sadly, we're trending toward more of the "me first" types and fewer of the traditional polite and reasonable folks.
reply by the author on 06-Jun-2019
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Excellent piece. Wonderful message written very well. By giving an example of the conflict, along with how each side handled it, you showed the clear contrast between the two extremes of personalities our culture comprises. Sadly, we're trending toward more of the "me first" types and fewer of the traditional polite and reasonable folks.
Comment Written 06-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 06-Jun-2019
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Sad but true, Phyllis. Thank you for your wise review. xo
Comment from Y. M. Roger
Oh, yeah, welcome to the world of 'hell on earth' .... the entitlement will be the end of civility in this country if it is not already there....sigh. :/ :/ :P
Soooo, did the wedding party resemble the 'terrible lizards' or was it just their attitudes that were pre-historic?! It is very difficult for lizards to walk in a line, you know, and the growling.? Yeah, it's a problem, too, so practice was probably very necessary! ;) :)
I am glad that you heard your guardian angel whisper your smile for the day.... I would have done the same (or more!) had I been there - LOL! ;) Thanx for sharing, Beautiful Lady! ;) ;) Yvette
reply by the author on 06-Jun-2019
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Oh, yeah, welcome to the world of 'hell on earth' .... the entitlement will be the end of civility in this country if it is not already there....sigh. :/ :/ :P
Soooo, did the wedding party resemble the 'terrible lizards' or was it just their attitudes that were pre-historic?! It is very difficult for lizards to walk in a line, you know, and the growling.? Yeah, it's a problem, too, so practice was probably very necessary! ;) :)
I am glad that you heard your guardian angel whisper your smile for the day.... I would have done the same (or more!) had I been there - LOL! ;) Thanx for sharing, Beautiful Lady! ;) ;) Yvette
Comment Written 06-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 06-Jun-2019
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Hahahahahaha! Yes, lots of growling. Plus, they had a hard time holding the bouquets in front of themselves with those teeny little arms.
Thanks for the terrific review. You know I always love to hear what you have to say! xo
Comment from Gail Denham
Too funny - and yet too true. I can understand the frustrated state of affairs the bridal party becomes - it's a strenuous time. However...you had the reservation. She really chose Jurassic Park - oi vey - fitting I guess.
reply by the author on 06-Jun-2019
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Too funny - and yet too true. I can understand the frustrated state of affairs the bridal party becomes - it's a strenuous time. However...you had the reservation. She really chose Jurassic Park - oi vey - fitting I guess.
Comment Written 06-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 06-Jun-2019
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I swear! When I first heard the music, I was thinking, "What the heck is that song?" It was so out of place, it actually took me a minute to realize what it was!!! And as soon as I did, realized it really WASN'T out of place for THAT crowd!
Thanks for the review, Gail.
Comment from Joy Graham
This is too funny :) This is the first I've heard of a groom-zilla. It sounds like a new tv show could be in the makings.
On a side note, I think your students got an excellent masterclass in how to play through interruptions. In my days of preparing for recitals, exams, and music festivals, I used to walk around the room and make irritating noises to see if the students could play through it. Sounds like you just upped the bar on disruptions. In future I will recomment hiring actors to come in and be as rude as possible lol!
Great story.
Joy xx
reply by the author on 06-Jun-2019
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This is too funny :) This is the first I've heard of a groom-zilla. It sounds like a new tv show could be in the makings.
On a side note, I think your students got an excellent masterclass in how to play through interruptions. In my days of preparing for recitals, exams, and music festivals, I used to walk around the room and make irritating noises to see if the students could play through it. Sounds like you just upped the bar on disruptions. In future I will recomment hiring actors to come in and be as rude as possible lol!
Great story.
Joy xx
Comment Written 06-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 06-Jun-2019
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I know a couple reality stars I'd love to send your way...
Thanks for the delightful review! xo
Comment from Joanna S. Blue
Yes, the 'uber-entitled'---they do seem to show up more and more often.
It is interesting to see the three different ways the situation was approached, by the bride's mother, the groom's mother, and by you. Your way of maintaining your control and good judgment alongside your biting observations makes your writing so entertaining. And there's always a bonus at the end--for you and the reader. I wondered about 'in lieu of.' I think of it as meaning 'instead of.'
reply by the author on 06-Jun-2019
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Yes, the 'uber-entitled'---they do seem to show up more and more often.
It is interesting to see the three different ways the situation was approached, by the bride's mother, the groom's mother, and by you. Your way of maintaining your control and good judgment alongside your biting observations makes your writing so entertaining. And there's always a bonus at the end--for you and the reader. I wondered about 'in lieu of.' I think of it as meaning 'instead of.'
Comment Written 06-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 06-Jun-2019
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Good catch, Joanna; thank you for that. I always appreciate your having my back like that. xo
Comment from Sugarray77
Rachelle, you have written an outstanding story. I love the energy that booms forth with your retelling of this incredulous series of events. The nerve of some people!! Good read.
Melissa
reply by the author on 06-Jun-2019
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Rachelle, you have written an outstanding story. I love the energy that booms forth with your retelling of this incredulous series of events. The nerve of some people!! Good read.
Melissa
Comment Written 06-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 06-Jun-2019
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That is exactly right: the nerve of some people! Oy!
Thanks for this encouraging review. xo
Comment from Colin John
Another fine write Rachelle and I do hate it when those who feel above everybody else appear to win the day, espessally acting like the brats you describe . Thanks for sharing kind regards Colin X
reply by the author on 06-Jun-2019
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Another fine write Rachelle and I do hate it when those who feel above everybody else appear to win the day, espessally acting like the brats you describe . Thanks for sharing kind regards Colin X
Comment Written 06-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 06-Jun-2019
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Thanks, as always, Colin, for saying exactly the right thing. I always love your reviews. xo
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No problem , hope your vacation is going well xx