As Anguilla goes deeper into the ‘Silly Season’ the voices of members of the electorate are become increasingly louder. Social media, in particular, is replete with persons declaring what they expect to be delivered by the successful political candidates in the 2020 Elections. Self interest, whether reflected as individualistic or sectoral, is often very evident, with little reflection on the responsibility that can, and should, be borne by the same individuals or interest groups if their expectations are to be realised.
This seemingly selfish attitude did not suddenly manifest itself. It has been, and continues to be, cultivated in many aspects of our lives. Many parents now consider it their duty to mindlessly provide luxuries, such as cell phones and name brand clothes, for their children. Little thought seems to be given to instilling in children the values, firstly of making it a priority to take care of essentials such as food, shelter and education, and secondly of earning the privilege of being awarded some desired but not needed item. When persons who choose this lifestyle then demand certain benefits of the Government institutions these persons are demonstrating an entitlement mindset.
Parents often complain, while still purchasing that outfit for their child to wear to dress-up day at school. Often, that same child is going to school without the tools necessary to ensure that he or she takes full advantage of the school curriculum. In these situations an opportunity has been lost to instill in a child certain well-needed values such as getting one’s priorities straight, as well as self-confidence so that he or she does not feel compelled to compromise his/her priorities just to fit in.
Institutionally and individually, our schools and our teachers are believed to play a significant role in facilitating what appears to be a pervasive entitlement mindset. It is understood to be the norm for students who fail to meet assignment deadlines, without any meaningful excuse, to be allowed extra time to submit their assignments. It is little wonder that so many employers complain of employees having an attitude of complacency in the workplace today. The sense of urgency that will make Anguilla that ‘Centre of Excellence’, that persons often speak of, is missing – while it appears that the attitude that says ‘I’ll do just fine, despite my inefficiencies and ineffectiveness,’ is being engendered in our school systems.
‘Graduation or Recognition Ceremonies’ are now the norm in Anguilla for students from Preschool through to tertiary level education. At the Pre-School and Primary School Graduations the students are usually the recipients of expensive and highly coveted tablets and computers. These ceremonies and the “awards” when bestowed upon these young persons tend to suggest that what should be a normal and expected achievement for all students must now be awarded. It is, therefore, no surprise that retirees, particularly retirees from the Anguilla Public Service, are often heard complaining that they have not received the recognition they believe they deserve simply because they worked in the public service for many years. Little attention is paid to the fact that they were remunerated throughout their service and are in receipt of a pension. Very often that sense of entitlement causes persons to feel that they are entitled to more.
Many individuals are also complicit in facilitating the growing entitlement mindset evident in Anguilla today. Persons often excuse poor conduct exhibited by students and adults, as being the result of their home and family circumstances or their upbringing. Many of us often fail to impress on these persons that they can and should assume responsibility for the choices they make. In today’s world of easy access to information, persons are able to make well-informed decisions – if they choose to. To excuse poor conduct, in these circumstances, is to encourage it.
Politicians, whether serving in Government or seeking elected office, also enable the entitlement mindset. Refrains such as ‘Anguillians first’, well-meaning though they may be, are often understood by many to mean that being an Anguillian is the only qualification they require to be first in the door. This understanding is often cemented when a workplace conflict occurs and politicians immediately marshal arguments to ensure the Anguillian’s job is not in jeopardy, without allowing an opportunity for the conflict situation to be objectively considered and addressed by the appropriate authorities.
It is obvious that many individuals and institutions are responsible for facilitating the entitlement mindset, so prevalent in Anguilla today. This mindset is currently manifesting itself in the expectations being voiced by the electorate, without any consideration of the role the electorate must play to ensure the realisation of those expectations. No consideration is given to the essential role taxes play in ensuring that essential and desired services are provided, or to the responsibility of citizens to pay taxes. Instead, our entitlement mindset says we can have it all without contributing. If we are honest we will accept that we have all played a role in the currently pervasive entitlement mindset. The million-dollar question is – Do we care enough to revisit our attitudes and reverse that mindset?
