The obsession with "privilege" seems benign and logical- the idea that we should be aware of the things we never had control over, and how it affects our place in the world in comparison with others. But as usual, it's not so simple.
In truth, many people (as well as the media) are taking an important concept (i.e. gratitude for worldly things) and turning it into the demonization of success. Of wealth. Of hard work.
It's the antithesis of what America stands for, and does more to bring less fortunate down than raise them up. It gives an, "out", and takes away the empowerment that comes with feeling like you have some semblance of control over what happens to you. Instead, everything is happening, "to" you.
The WHOLE point of this country, and it's beauty, is the fact that we can all be successful, wealthy, and work hard toward a goal. That we define our own success- be it monetary, or otherwise.
For some it will be harder than for others. Much harder, in fact, and I'm NOT SAYING privilege isn't real. It absolutely is. I'm saying it's not that important if you decide it's not.
Ask anyone who became successful, but was NOT born within the current ideal of privilege. They'll tell you that it's your mindset and decisions under seemingly impossible circumstances that determine what your life becomes.
It's a hard concept to swallow because it doesn't feel automatically fair. And we like fair! But reality isn't always fair, and instead of focusing on what that means you CANNOT do, it's far more productive to choose to focus on what is possible.
I hope that anyone who isn't in a position of privilege, and has been made to feel that they do not have ownership over their future as a result will read this and know that mentality is nonsense. And if you've been told that you were born privileged, but you're coming up on challenges that you know within your heart are very difficult- I hope you'll power through and see the light on the other side.
There's space here for everyone.
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