A Sense of Entitlement

 Sometimes, we see a sense of entitlement among people.

I should get this because I am entitled to, is the message. If you are a customer, you are entitled to a defect-free product, delivered on the promised date, etc. So far, so good, because it's in the contract that companies have.

But I am talking of other situations, where there is an effort required from the person concerned. Most often, it's seen by profs. among some students who think they deserve a certain grade or some marks. If only you could be the Judge AND the Executioner!

But also among employees at certain times. An employer is not bound to give you a promotion, a raise or whatever beyond the usual norm. Sometimes, if the company is facing headwinds, not even that. And the employee of course has a recourse- he can leave. Of course, most employers do not treat an employee so badly, but still, that feeling of entitlement is misplaced. Unless you own the company, or your Mom/Dad does.

Just an observation, nothing serious.

What the Prime Minister Cannot Do For You

Thought I would make it clear for those who think God and after him/her, the PM ought to do things for them. These are the things, folks, he cannot do for you.

1. Change your kid's diaper
2. Clean up your house and the adjacent plot where you dump your waste
3. Teach your kids (good) manners
4. Stop you from discriminating against your girl child
5. Stop you from taking/giving dowry
6. Help you be a nice human
7. Develop your potential and help you search for a suitable career
8. Entertain you by giving you one-liners like a stand-up comedian (or Lalu Yadav)
9. Fix your broken marriage
10. Grow things in your garden

A related joke that I am reminded of- A man complained to God that he wasn't looking after him. He was so unlucky compared to his fellow earthlings. Why, for instance, did he not win a lottery?
God replied that HE had made all arrangements for the man to win a lottery, but he had to buy a ticket first!

Life and Technology

We used to debate in school on whether technology is a boon or bane, in the 'good old days'. Now, technology is a given, except to a few technophobes like  my generation.

The good that tech has done is tremendous. Communication technology has really changed lives for the better (mostly), except for some uncouth elements who do not have good usage etiquette.

The cost to an average user is also down, thanks thanks to competitive innovation by software and hardware manufacturers.

To me personally, tech is a great tool which attempts to enslave. This blog and Facebook, in particular, have helped me communicate with more people (since nobody has hacked these yet, I assume they are not totally pissed off). If you are able to keep it on a leash, it can be of great use- rather like Vishnu's Sudarshan Chakra, my favourite weapon of mass destruction. It can kill Bill, Tom, Dick, at will, but Krishna (Vishnu's avatar) uses it sparingly.

Likewise, the idiot box, the cell phone, gadgets of all descriptions. Apply your mind-don't lose it, is a good watchword in using any of these. People are more important. Maybe nature too.