You've certainly heard phrases like "white privilege" or "rich privilege", but what is this really about?
Some groups of people are born with more rights than the others and that's the sad and disappointing truth about the world we're currently living in. And maybe humanity will never fix this, who knows.
Some groups of people are born with more rights than the others and that's the sad and disappointing truth about the world we're currently living in. And maybe humanity will never fix this, who knows.
During my life, I came across several yet varied types of privilege. I came to the conclusion that it's really rare for people to acknowledge their privilege, as well. Some go as far as denying it.
Rich people, for instance, don't have to suffer in ways their fellow poor or middle-class individuals suffer. The bourgeoise society has it easy in many ways, such as the very obvious one: inherited access to basic needs (food, education, shelter, ..). But also, it's very easy for them to find jobs after graduation as they could work for their parents' or acquaintances' firm/ business. Or some of them even choose to live relying on their family's wealth. They don't have to go through the struggle of getting good grades, maybe even working part time simultaneously, applying for as many internships as possible and living with the bare minimum. Some of those internships are even unpaid. And why do we need unpaid internships? Why would anyone put time and effort for free? Well, because no-one hires a fresh graduate with zero experience. It's a loop. A loop they don't need to experience.
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| With my white friend, whose dad has a lot of connections. I told her she's privileged by the way, we're still friends somehow. |
Rich people, for instance, don't have to suffer in ways their fellow poor or middle-class individuals suffer. The bourgeoise society has it easy in many ways, such as the very obvious one: inherited access to basic needs (food, education, shelter, ..). But also, it's very easy for them to find jobs after graduation as they could work for their parents' or acquaintances' firm/ business. Or some of them even choose to live relying on their family's wealth. They don't have to go through the struggle of getting good grades, maybe even working part time simultaneously, applying for as many internships as possible and living with the bare minimum. Some of those internships are even unpaid. And why do we need unpaid internships? Why would anyone put time and effort for free? Well, because no-one hires a fresh graduate with zero experience. It's a loop. A loop they don't need to experience.
Having a parent with a lot of connections is also privilege. I have a friend whose father has many friends in all the fields. You name it! He can get anything done, basically. I mean, I would love to have that, it'd would give me a sense of security.
How about male privilege? Do males have it really easier? Yes, and they're oblivious too. Men get usually recruited more, because businesses don't want to pay for maternity leave and anything that has to do with motherhood. Even though, two people have a baby and both are equally responsible, but... Also, in most Arab and/or Muslim households, they have more freedom. They go out as much as they want, travel alone, and the lame list goes on.
So how should you feel about your privilege? I believe it's definitely fine to have privilege. It's normal to use it too. Otherwise you'd be wasting opportunities. I get it. I mean, I have some privilege too, and I use it. But what you shouldn't do is either 1) ignore and deny it, or 2) feel ashamed of it.
What you should also do as a privileged individual is use it to help others. Use your privilege to talk about and defend other people's struggles. Use it to make a change. Use your privilege as a rich / famous person to raise awareness for the homeless and help them for instance. Use your male privilege to defend female rights. Use your privilege as a white person to defend a black, brown or just any non-white person.
What you should also do as a privileged individual is use it to help others. Use your privilege to talk about and defend other people's struggles. Use it to make a change. Use your privilege as a rich / famous person to raise awareness for the homeless and help them for instance. Use your male privilege to defend female rights. Use your privilege as a white person to defend a black, brown or just any non-white person.
