I think the reality check for the current generation is especially difficult, as well, due to the changes in the American business climate over the years.

I'm a child of 1980. When I went to college--with a scholarship, mind you--I was still paying 10k out-of-pocket for tuition. When my mother went to college, she spent ~$120 on books and fees per semester. My father was able to finance not only his college, but also his living expenses for the year by working at the dairy or on road crews during the three months of summer.

When my parents got out of college, they were able to immediately step into good jobs. When I got out of college, after months of searching I had to take a job at a call center. A disturbing number of the people there had degrees. A half-dozen of my college friends ended up there, too, because nothing else was available.

I have friends who graduated with honors working at minimum +$.50. Even with the recent hike, minimum wage is not what it used to be in terms of spending power. Not to mention, of course, that many entry-level jobs these days offer limited (and expensive) benefits, if any.

For every entitled jerk out there driving the BMW their daddy bought for them, there are dozens of good, hardworking kids who have and are paying their dues and still can't get ahead.

But there's another level here: some people have earned the right to feel a little entitled.

Shouldn't someone who's worked their way through college at least be able to get a job with benefits and enough pay to see a movie once in a while? Some may expect the corner office, but most of the people I know are just looking for something that covers their college loan payments.

A little entitlement is good. It is, after all, the voice that tells you the QOL and responsibilities that come along with being a pilot entitles you to more than, say, Skybus wages. A healthy amount of entitlement--or self-worth, if you prefer--is what staves off a race to the bottom.

While I don't doubt the veracity of the anecdotes in the article, they're certainly not representative of my experience. Hard work should pay off. That's the American Dream, right? Work hard and make a better life for yourself. For a many, hard work is not getting the things to which it should entitle.

Don't let bad apples obscure the real issue.