The Chilean Student Protests: A Lesson in Entitlement

In the land of poets and stunning landscapes, Chile, a wave of entitlement swept through the nation from 2011 to 2013. Students, who should have been grateful for the opportunity to learn, took to the streets demanding free education. This wasn't just a small group of disgruntled teenagers; it was a nationwide movement that saw thousands of students, teachers, and even parents rallying in cities like Santiago, Valparaíso, and Concepción. They were protesting against the high cost of education and the perceived inequality in the system. But let's be real, when did education become a right that should be handed out for free?

The protests were led by the Confederation of Chilean Students (CONFECH), a group that seemed to believe that the world owed them something. They argued that the education system was too privatized and that it favored the wealthy. But isn't that the point of a free market? Those who can afford to pay for better services should be able to do so. It's called capitalism, and it's what drives innovation and excellence. Instead of demanding handouts, these students should have been focusing on how to work within the system to achieve their goals.

The protests were not just about education; they were a platform for a broader critique of Chilean society. The students claimed that the country's economic model was flawed and that it perpetuated inequality. But let's not forget that Chile has one of the most robust economies in Latin America. The free-market policies that these students were so quick to criticize have lifted millions out of poverty and created opportunities for countless others. Instead of tearing down a system that works, perhaps they should have been looking at how to make it more accessible.

The protests were marked by a series of dramatic events, including clashes with police, occupations of schools and universities, and even hunger strikes. These tactics were designed to draw attention to their cause, but they also disrupted the lives of countless others. Businesses suffered, public transportation was affected, and ordinary citizens were caught in the crossfire. All because a group of students couldn't accept that education, like everything else in life, comes at a cost.

The Chilean government, led by President Sebastián Piñera at the time, was put in a difficult position. On one hand, they needed to address the concerns of the protesters, but on the other, they couldn't simply give in to their demands without jeopardizing the country's economic stability. The government did propose reforms, including increased funding for scholarships and a reduction in interest rates on student loans. But these concessions were not enough for the protesters, who continued to demand free education for all.

The protests eventually lost momentum, as all movements based on entitlement eventually do. The students returned to their classrooms, and life in Chile went back to normal. But the legacy of the protests remains. They serve as a reminder of what happens when a generation is raised to believe that they are owed something simply for existing. Education is a privilege, not a right, and it should be treated as such.

In the end, the Chilean student protests were a lesson in what happens when entitlement meets reality. The world doesn't owe you anything, and the sooner you realize that, the better off you'll be. Instead of demanding free education, perhaps these students should have been focusing on how to make the most of the opportunities they already had. After all, success is earned, not given.