Some topics have become taboo or unapproachable, as the mere mention brings up feelings of discomfort and for some inspires great ire.
One must tread lightly with both tongue and sentiment upon broaching such subject matters as the causative impact is likely to be caustic, leaving one to feel leperous, an outcast amongst others.
This stems from the lack of understanding.
Perhaps the ire is rooted in a great an unsettling fear of the revelation of ugly truths, which darken our sensibilities and awakens wrath at the mention of weighted words heavy with implications.
Perhaps we fear to fully know ourselves, to find our core uncovered, to be vulnerable before the eyes of all.
Perhaps we writhe within our inner man when deemed as unjust, and looked upon with scrutiny.
We love spotlights but hate microscopes.
However, In all one’s getting, one must get a clear understanding.
Therefore, such subjects must be broached despite its painful and climatic implications.
Privilege
Privilege has become a dirty word to some, one where many attach great animosity.
Whereas, to be deemed privilege is to cast one as haughty and exclusionary.
This can be a truth, but it is not the complete truth.
Being privileged is not synonymous with haughtiness.
Many are in fact born privileged, even the ones who deny they are because their myopic vision only permits them to see their burdens.
Many are born with certain accouterments that others around the globe are not privy to. In this regard, by birth, or naturalization they have become privileged.
It is not privilege itself that creates animosity or furor, rather it is what one does with the privileges that have been bestowed upon him or her.
Misuse, abuse, or unawareness, of privilege is often a companion to egotism and pride.
This is often demonstrated by a firm stance on merit, as such hold to merit as a basis for their progression or success. Yet, fail to see the role that favor and grace play in their ascension or accomplishment. Thus, giving those a false sense of superiority or faux importance.
Such thinking forms strongholds, which contribute to prejudiced thinking and linked behaviors often demonstrated through the denial of opportunities for others, biased thinking, labeling, and more. The underlying subtext being “I have obtained because I have earned or deserved”.
The truth is most of what we have attained we have been given. Although, we work to obtain them our work does not guarantee us anything. Another man’s heart must be turned for an opportunity to be given.
Those who deny such are detached. This detachment is often followed by feelings of animosity, spite, ire, due to feelings of pressure the weight of feeling attacked. As a result many become deaf, unfeeling, and unempathetic.
To admit so would force many to admit that the condition of their success does not fully rest on their ingenuity, talents, skill, work ethic or brilliance, but that it is very dependent on benevolence, inequality, nepotism, bias, chance, and favor.
Privilege is no more than unsolicited favor. or as Webster’s dictionary defines it ” a right or immunity granted as a peculiar benefit, advantage, or favor.”
To be privileged is not a curse among men, it is a blessing and not to be disavowed.
There is nothing wrong with being privileged or accepting privilege.
Such a gift comes about by various means.
Some are privileged due to their family, their relationships, their intelligence, their looks, their skill, their artistry, their citizenship, affiliations, their gender, nationality and yes their ethnicity.
Privilege is certainly not bound to a select few, it is shared by many in varying capacities, in varying environments, and in different spaces of time.
Thus, such should not invoke feelings of shame.
One cannot choose to whom they are born, where they are born, the skin they are born in, or how they are gifted.
These things result from measures beyond ones control.
It is simply a gift.
By means of those gifts come privileges not extended to all.
In the end, although one has been graced with unmerited favor, by whatever means, it does not in turn merit one’s haughtiness or justify an oppressive nature.
Privilege exists for a purpose and not to wield it as a tool of oppression.
Recognizing my privilege
It took me a bit of time to realize my privilege.
All I could see was my state of lack, and the privilege that others were afforded that I was not.
I never took a look at the privileges I had been granted over others.
However, I have been permitted the opportunity of sight.
I have been permitted an opportunity to see the extension of unmerited favor to me, surely not deserved but extended to me.
As I sit in that privilege I sit humbled, not overexuberant, not haughty, but empathetic and full of gratitude.
I understand that to whom much is given much is expected.
I use that privilege to fuel compassion, benevolence, and servitude to those not afforded those opportunities as “I” have, due to circumstances beyond their control.
I believe that this is why privilege exists.
Not that we deem ourselves to be of undue importance, but that we see the contrasts in life and we do something to equalize and stabilize rather than oppress.
It is the duty of those that have, to see the contrasts between disparity and affluence.
Recognize that we are our brothers keepers. As separate individual’s the world is unequal, unfair, and imbalanced.
There is much in this world that is imperfect.
Together we hold the keys to restorative balance.
The strong are to bear the infirmities of the weak
Those who have, extend to those who have not
Those to whom much given to give of their abundance
We the beneficiaries are to use our gifts, and our privilege to benefit others
Inspiraelevation 