Elliot Rodger and Our Sense of Entitlement

I don't normally post opinions on social topics, news, politics... But this most recent shooting rampage has me thinking about cause and effect. It has me thinking about the entitlement complex we've been instilling in our children for the past few generations and how it's changing our world. 

Elliot Rodger, an individual who obviously had untended mental health issues, was tipped over the edge because of his overblown sense of entitlement. He felt entitled to receive the attentions of the most attractive women on campus and after numerous rejections he went batshit crazy. Instead of taking the normal route and maybe, say, reevaluating his approach and mannerisms or simply lowering his standards a few notches, he persisted time and again in the same way never understanding why on earth these women weren't tearing their panties off for him. Never comprehending it might be because there was something unsatisfactory about himself or his ability to choose whose affections to court.

What happens when we give every child a trophy instead of just the winners? When every child gets a medal just for rolling out of bed and showing up? They feel entitled to a trophy. Without putting in extra hours training to be faster, practicing skills to become exemplary, they're still told that they're awesome and special when in reality they are simply average. Don't get me wrong, average is absolutely fine. I'm average. Hell, I was shitty at most sports but I knew it because I didn't get a trophy just for showing up on the field. 

When every kid is handed a trophy for doing nothing they learn they don't have to make adjustments, try harder, do better, change their behavior, because there is no need to acknowledge their faults. 

I still shudder thinking back on dodge-ball in elementary school. Dodge-ball was cruel and unusual punishment but being smacked in the face by a ball thrown by a classmate prepared me for being smacked in the face by life when I grew up. 

We force this sense of entitlement down our kids' throats and then when they get to high school or college or the real world they are completely unprepared for the reality that most of them won't get whatever they want simply for wanting it. They won't be the best or attain the best in most areas of their lives even if they're dedicated and hard working. 

I participated in competitive cheerleader until reaching high school and my team lost more than won. It was devastating, it was humiliating, it was heartbreaking. It was also motivation. We didn't come home with a trophy or a ribbon or a medal if we hadn't won or placed. We came home with a hunger to work harder and do better the next time. When we won and finally placed our hands on a coveted plastic monstrosity of a trophy it was like an out of body, euphoric experience. 

I competed in rodeos and barrel racing events all over the tri-state area for close to ten years. I rarely won or placed but when I did it was magic. The other girls were prettier, their horses bigger or more expensive or professionally trained. Sure, I begrudged them their success at times and, though I wanted to be in their league,3 I knew the chance of that happening was nil no matter how hard I trained. 

I'm not saying this tendency to shield our children from life's struggles and protect them from the heartbreak of walking away from a challenge empty handed is at fault for all the bastards out there shooting up our schools and workplaces and malls. There is something inside those people not wired correctly from the start. However, there's also a reason so many people feel entitled to this type of revenge. It's a combination of multiple factors throughout a lifetime, surely. 

Are we making things worse by being so overprotective of our children? 

Little Art Theatre, Yellow Springs

Whenever I discover an extravagant treat so close to home I feel equal parts disappointment and awe. Disappointment because I've lived so near something awesome and never taken advantage of it and awed because I now know of what seems like my town's best kept secret.

When my family decided to take in a movie at the Little Art Theatre in Yellow Springs on Saturday night I was expecting musty smelling, dirty seats in that state of disrepair most small town movie theaters built more than five years ago quickly attain. I expected sticky floors and a bathroom just north of disgusting. What I found was something entirely different.

*Picture from cinematreasures.org*

*Picture from cinematreasures.org*

The Little Art Theatre has undergone an amazing renovation. Instead of stale and dilapidated the lobby was at once both reminiscent of Old Hollywood and modern zen. A theater where you can get bulk candy AND beer on tap? Yes! 

*Picture from cinematreasures.org*

The staff was happy and helpful despite our two small children who were so excited for their first movie experience they were behaving like they'd recently consumed five pounds of candy and had never before set foot inside a public establishment. 

*Picture from cedars.cedarville.edu*

The theater seats, instead of being worn, smelly, nubby feeling cloth were supple, smooth and clean. They were wide enough for extra comfort and the movable armrests with cup holders are great. About halfway through the movie my kids raised their armrests and turned the entire row into a giant comfy sofa perfect for watching the Lego Movie as a family. 

*Avaleigh Drum*

The restroom was incredible. The popcorn and specialty soda, delicious. The price was comparable to any big chain theater but the ambiance screamed "exclusive". If you haven't been to the renovated Little Art Theatre in Yellow Springs, do yourself a favor and make plans to take in a movie there. 

The Little Art Theatre Website 

The Sinful South Series by S.J. Drum

8 books contracted by Ellora's Cave Publishing

Book One: Sinful Southern Ink, Release Date: July 2012

Book Two: Sinful Southern Hero, Release Date: November 2013

Book Three: Sinful Southern Rider, Release Date: Summer 2014

Best-Selling, Multi-Author Ebook Giveaway!!

 Here's your chance to win some great books on Christmas Day!  

The Prizes:

1. The Star of Christmas by Jayne Rylon 
2. The first two Sinful South series ebooks by S.J. Drum
3. Mistletoe Madness by Donna Jane McDonald 
4. Winner's choice of any one of Em Petrova's backlist books 
5. Embattled Minds by J.M. Madden
6. An ebook copy of A Life Beyond Yesterday by Clara LaVeaux

Entries are FREE and Easy!

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New Release: Sinful Southern Hero by S.J. Drum

Release Day!! YAY!!

A Book Page Christmas

It's no secret I have an obsession with anything book page art related. So, I thought, why not have a book page themed Christmas? Here are some great ideas to make your book page Christmas come to life. All images link to their original site. 

1. Book Page Wreath 

 

2. Book Page Gift Wrapping

3. Book Page Ornaments and Decor

4. Book Page Christmas Cards

Sinful South Book Two Release Date!!

Book two in my Sinful South series, SINFUL SOUTHERN HERO, published by Ellora's Cave, has an official release date of November 27th. 

Plan to purchase your copy for a 

spicy read over the Thanksgiving holiday!

SINFUL SOUTHERN HERO

By: S.J. Drum

Book 2 in the Sinful South Series

Lucy escapes an abusive marriage and moves to Clifton, Tennessee for a fresh start, somewhere safe to rebuild her life. She isn’t prepared for Dalton, a tattooed construction company owner with a penchant for dominating in the bedroom, or the feelings he awakens.

When Lucy’s ex-husband proves he’s unwilling to allow his reign of terror to end along with the marriage, will she be able to set aside her fears and place her trust in Dalton?

The one thing she wasn’t looking for in the small town of Clifton is the one thing Lucy needs…

a SINFUL SOUTHERN HERO.


Notes: You will see more of Abigail and Jed 

(Sinful Southern Ink, Book 1 in series) in this book. 

Sinful Southern Hero is approx. 250 pages 

as opposed to Sinful Southern Ink's 76 pages.