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sexyred1 -> RE: Let's talk about privilege (3/25/2011 7:58:28 AM)
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Privilege: refer to a special advantage or right possessed by an individual or group. A privilege is a right or advantage gained by birth, social position, effort, or concession. It can have either legal or personal sanction: the privilege of paying half fare; the privilege of calling whenever one wishes. Prerogative refers to an exclusive right claimed and granted, often officially or legally, on the basis of social status, heritage, sex, etc.: the prerogatives of a king; the prerogatives of management. 4. license, freedom, liberty.
Based on the above definition, I find it difficult to relate to the concept that just because I was born a certain way that I have any special advantages or rights. Why would the fact that I am born a white female, with red hair, who might be considered somewhat attractive and smart, who is hardworking and has great parents make me privileged or entitled to anything?
I think you can say you are born with or make yourself advantaged in the way you live your life and attempt to achieve your goals. I do empathize with others who may have been born disadvantaged but I have seen too many examples on both sides of the issue, where supposed privileged types screwed up their entire lives and the lives of others and so called underprivileged types have risen to excel in life.
I think that the semantic use of privilege as it pertains to Collarme discussions is not about the definition. It is about an individual's perceived ideal or opinion of themselves. You read about many here who say they deserve privilege because they are x,y or z. Uh, sorry, no, that does not work for me. Just because you decide you are x, y or z, does not give you more privilege than anyone else.
My family and I have worked very hard in our lives and have not had the best of luck despite our collective brain power and being good people. My father is the most brilliant man I have ever met, with advanced degrees, speaks 7 languages fluently and has worked his ass off his entire life since age 18. He should be privileged to live a certain type of life and be comfortable, but yet, events in his career and health have rocked his world for many years and at 79, he still needs to work.
So no, I would not identify as privileged as I don't feel entitled to anything, except for what I earn on my own. I have no control of luck, I can only control what steps I take to overcome whatever adversity I face.
No one is better than me, and I am not better than anyone; I am only myself and those who think they are superior by reason of being born into a privileged environment, should take a step back away from ego and into reality.
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