Privilege: as seen by the Privileged
Privilege is a real thing, I know it because I experience the benefits of it daily. I believe I can be anything I want, if I work for it. I never worry that I will have enough to eat and drink, or a safe warm place to sleep. When I think about investing, I don’t worry about the ability to get a loan. I do not fear when I see the police, because I assume that I am innocent until proven guilty.
The issue of privilege becomes more clear when the views are compared.
The privilege is invisible to the privileged and they can’t imagine the lack of these opportunities. Because of this, they think that the disadvantaged are being lazy and want handouts. The privileged don’t remember, or have never experienced worrying about the choice between paying for food or gas for their vehicle. This is not even considering maintaining the vehicle, or buying healthy food, or investing for the future.
On the other hand the disadvantaged see the privileged people as entitled and greedy. The disadvantaged are literally trying to survive in a society where they can’t get ahead with their current perspective and opportunities. The privileged are holding all the strings and making rules that allow those with much to get more.
The discussion of privilege is another issue. Too often it has punishment in mind. Self-proclaimed victims and social justice warriors “teaching” with the goal to inform the privileged that they did not earn what they have, and insisting that the privileged should apologize for oppressing minority groups. Despite the fact that they have not personally oppressed anyone, and most likely have worked very hard for what they have.
If you are looking to create an adversarial situation, this is a great way to do it. It is insulting and puts the individuals being “educated” on the defensive. Furthermore, an educator is a position of power, and using social power to abuse another person is bullying. In my experience bullying is not a very effective educational strategy. And it results in a greater stratification between the privileged and the disadvantaged.
What is the alternative? lets converse in a way that has a goal of fixing this situation. There are things that can be done differently, no matter what side of the aisle you are on.
Advice to the Privileged…
Privilege is not a zero sum gain, lets provide baseline rights and opportunities to everyone. Evolution has taught us progress requires many diverse variations. So let's involve as many minds as possible.
Financial support is not a bad thing. Let the disadvantaged accept aid while they figure out what their skill sets are and where they can contribute.
Use your privilege to make the world better, not just to gain more.
Think through the rules you put into affect and the limitations on others, there is no reason to make life harder than it needs to be.
Be Generous
Advice to the disadvantaged…
Seek education and perspective, there is opportunity and a way forward, but you must go get it.
Look the part. Don’t just want something, make the necessary adjustments that will allow you to join the conversation.
Invest in possibility and yourself. Focus your efforts on the things that will have a greater return.