Do you have any examples of this lack of character and growing sense of entitlement?
Since you're outside of the U.S., you may not notice it as much as someone here. It's a number of things including the ridiculous "safe spaces" nonsense going on at college campuses today. The sense of entitlement can also be seen by those who expect a career right off the bat with no experience or to immediately own a house other generations spend decades earning. Today they are bought up with insane interest only or negative interest loans which had no small part to play in the financial crisis.
Often we need obstacles or challenges of some kind to humble and shape us.
Yeah, that was kind of the point of my post. :)
Everyone experiences some form of dissappointment, even the rich who's lobster bisque isn't quite right. It's all about how we respond.
As for the role my parents played, that's a really good question. They aren't around anymore for me to talk with them more about it, but as a high schooler, I was pretty self absorbed at the time (as most high schoolers are). I'm not sure I can effectively judge how much they influenced that specific time in my life other than to say they influenced all of my life. They loved me unconditionally which is more than anyone can ask for.
I do know that whenever I go back to the States, I'm very surprised by the way people conduct themselves at work, especially in the service industry--at restaurants and stores. I often feel like I'm interrupting their personal free time when I'm the customer and they're at work. It drives me crazy! As for your other examples, those are things I haven't heard much about. Hmmmm. What can be done about this?
As for my questions about your parents, I really wonder how much of parenting style and upbringing has to do with the way we turn out as young adults and onward, and also how we handle challenges.
My parents had a pretty open style of parenting. They let me be very independent, and always supported me, although I felt a pretty big divide between my father and I until I reached my mid-twenties. For whatever reason, I feel like I've grown up with a positive attitude and the ability to overcome anything. I don't know what makes the difference in people.
Thanks for the response!