We’re living in a country where all kinds of rights are demanded almost daily, if not daily, without much thought on its impact. What rights are truly important, how do they affect others, and could some possibly be privileges?
One night, as one of our teens was clocking out from work, temptation knocked in the form of an invitation to misbehave after work with co-workers. A night of rebellious behavior pursued. Consequently, a grounding was in order. However, an argument exploded when our teenager learned another consequence was they could no longer keep their job.
“You can’t make me quit! I have the RIGHT to work!”
“Work is a privilege,” my husband calmly responded.
This battle-like lesson over terminology, and more, opened my eyes, giving me a different perspective. Since then, I believe this demanding of rights is more than a problem, it’s a growing epidemic. Listen. Few conversations pass without anyone hearing the words, “It’s my right.”
The majority of Americans believe they have the right to a certain standard of living. If it falls short, the government better get on the ball and fix it. They believe certain freedoms should exist, so they lobby, protest, and gain attention from politicians and media.
Christians aren’t much different, except some demand from the government while others call on God as if He was a jeanie to grant their wishes.
I’m thankful for my rights, but is it really necessary to fight for the right to brush my teeth at work, or eat a peanut butter sandwich in the park? Even a good thing isn’t good when it gets out of control. I mean, candy tastes scrumptious, but we don’t need to eat five pounds of it everyday.
I appreciate people fighting for my rights, too. Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to vote and educate my children at home are a blessing.
Facing Discrimination.
As a woman who used to be visually impaired, and is now totally blind, I’ve faced my share of discrimination. Yes, I taught school, but the superintendent of a local district wouldn’t hire me. He didn’t want to take a chance on my having an accident. To him, I was a potential liability. I even was forced on disability from my teaching career because our state didn’t provide equipment to keep me employed like other states offer.
So, I understand unfairness. It would’ve been easy to contact ACLU and kick up some dust, but would it have been worth it? Would it really have resolved anything? I might not have been allowed to work where I wanted, or as long as hoped for, but I was able to teach. Respect was given to me. I believe it was because of my friendliness, and the fact I didn’t make demands.
Forcing a business or school to hire me seemed counter-productive, especially when I could still work. When I couldn’t, I could choose to move ten miles and receive more financial aid and benefits for my blindness. Not only that, but school districts, or other companies for that matter, have rights too. I’d rather work for someone who appreciates my skills.
Besides, if I can force businesses to hire me, then so can other people. I definitely don’t want this “demanding of right” syndrome or frenzy to reach those that could possibly cause damage, accidents, or other catastrophes. People could demand the right to work anywhere without being qualified or even able. For example someone 6’6″ weighing 400 lbs could demand the right to be a jockey but should they.
Discrimination has stared me in the face numerous times, but sharing these opportunities to shout for rights, wouldn’t solve a thing. From those experiences, I learned life really isn’t fair. It’s impossible for everyone to have the same rights. Has anyone ever noticed two judges aren’t capable of interpreting the same law equally? How are people with different personalities holding the same positions in different places going to treat everyone exactly the same?
I’ll leave you with that thought, and we’ll come back next week to continue this hot topic, or discussion. Please chime in with your comments. There is no right or wrong…just opinions.
Oh yeah, if you want to stir up conversation, share this with your friends!
© 2017, Jena Fellers. All rights reserved.
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