There has been an ongoing debate whether modern society places more emphasis on individual rights instead of individual responsibility. I partially agree with this statement. While people knowing their individual rights is crucial for today’s society, many people tend to forget to hold as much importance on their responsibilities as individuals.
To start with, society has become more progressive on a global scale in recent decades. This helped millions of people aware of their own rights and privileges given by the law. For example, this change allowed women around the world to advocate for their independence and fight for equality in work spaces, social hierarchies and homes. Another relevant example are children and young teens who have broadened their knowledge on their legal rights as education got better in many parts of the world. As a result, now billions of women, young people and minorities around the globe have access to the vast majority of things they did not before, including the acknowledgment of their own rights.
However, this change presented certain drawbacks to modern society. Despite being well-read on their rights, certain individuals tend to forget about their responsibilities as the functioning members of society. For instance, a massive increase in rude customers and ignorant clients has been like never before. When interrogated most of them excuse their problematic behavior by defending their right for freedom of speech. This is the direct result of entitlement and disregard for their responsibilities as individuals. Furthermore, such entitlement can cross boundaries and cause serious harm. Such as harassment and a shift to violence. A recent incident regarding an angry customer who splashed a boiling hot beverage in her barista’s eyes, who ended up permanently blind is a perfect example to showcase the extent people go to when not considering their responsibilities as individuals such as basic manners and resorting to violence as a way to defend their freedom of speech.
In conclusion, people being aware and more educated on their rights has had its own benefits, but it also resulted in a lack of emphasis on individual responsibilities. While the pros include minorities and oppressed individuals learning to stand up for themselves and demand equality, the cons are the rise in ignorance regarding responsibilities and entitlement to one’s rights.