Alexandra Bogdanovic's Blog: That's life... - Posts Tagged "entitlement"

While engrossed in the ongoing process of streamlining, downsizing and simplifying my life, I unearthed another interesting treasure this week.
It emerged from a pile of miscellaneous papers stacked on a bookshelf in the basement. In this case, "it" was actually two pieces of paper and a business size envelope bearing a Stamford, Connecticut postmark. Dated May 13, 1998, the envelope was addressed to the newspaper where I worked at the time. There was no return address.
The accompanying papers turned out to be even more interesting. One was a photocopy of a "Page Six" story from the New York Post dated Thursday, May 7, 1998. It detailed an alleged incident at a charity event hosted by an old friend of mine.
Apparently a fracas occurred when someone at the party told a New York investment banker that smoking a cigar in a barn is not a bright idea. According to the Page Six account, things got even more heated when the banker refused to extinguish his cigar...
But the other piece of paper shed an entirely different light on the same incident. Written in a way that suggested the author witnessed the event, the second account indicated the banker was alleged aggressor -- hurling insults at the event organizer who asked him to extinguish the cigar -- and trading punches with her husband.
To the horror of the anonymous author, the banker allegedly screamed the unthinkable as he was escorted out of the event in front of more than 100 people.
"The unbelievable part of the story is that he was being hauled out, he shouts in front of everyone 'Do you know who I am? I am a Goldman Sachs Partner. Do you hear me? I am a Goldman Sachs Partner. And I am best friends with Paul Tudor Jones. You can't do this to me.'"
Collectively, the papers provide an interesting social commentary on a different time. They provide insight into what was considered "newsworthy" and what was deemed "important" before 9/11 and the Great Recession.
The papers also provide some insight into a certain mindset, speaking volumes about self-importance and entitlement. I mean, I can't think of anyone who would throw their weight around and brag about being an investment banker today. Can you?
Until next time, "That's life..."

If there's one thing I hate, it's someone with a sense of entitlement. If there's one thing I really hate it's a celebrity with a sense of entitlement.
So not surprisingly I wasn't impressed when Johnny Depp became the center of an epic controversy in Australia while I was there.
Apparently Mr. Depp arrived in the Land Down Under on a private jet. In and of itself, that is certainly no big deal. It only became a big deal because he (allegedly supposedly purportedly reportedly) brought his dogs along... without informing the proper authorities.
Needless to say, the proper authorities -- who are tasked with enforcing the country's rigorous immigration and customs regulations -- weren't impressed when they learned about the (alleged) transgression. Because all domestic animals that enter Australia must be quarantined to ensure they aren't bringing any dangerous parasites or other diseases into the country that could harm animals or people, the Australian minister of agriculture was especially peeved.
In televised appearances, he said the laws apply to everyone -- and that ignorance is no excuse for disobeying them. Then he basically told Mr. Depp to take his dogs and go home -- or else.
The media ate it up. In quintessential Australian style, the press dubbed the controversy "The War on Terriers." It was so wrong -- funny -- but wrong.
Whether he cared to admit it or not, Johnny Depp was wrong, too. As an Australian, I was angry that he thought he could just waltz into town with his dogs in tow and get away with breaking the law. As an American I wasn't surprised.
Until next time, "That's life..."