Privilege

I am too good for that. 
I’m better than that.
You can’t make me do it.
You live like this! Gross.
I’m better than you.
I can’t even imagine living like that.
Poor you. 

Being born in a specific region, time or place that seems better than others doesn’t mean you are better, it means only that you are different. 

“I’m not crazy…. I’m just not like you.” – David Goggins

The word “privilege” is used often in these times as an umbrella term that is associated with a specific “type” of people.

For example, 
White Privilege. 

Oooooooooooo ooooooooooooh! Yep that. 

This term is amazing to me because just as with any words used, it is the intent behind the words that matter and not the words themselves. 

“There is no such thing as magic words.” – Joe Rogan

Magic words are words that are imbued with power and effect. Somehow certain words or a combination of them elicit a reaction like a magic spell would. Saying a specific word or words to some people can make them enraged in one second. The intention behind the words is what is the spell, not the words themselves. 

Privilege is such a captivating spell in that it has so much layering nuance. 
Think about it….

This term implies a perspective that you don’t know that you don’t know. 

You don’t know what you don’t know. 

This sentence is powerful because how can you have an expectation of someone who hasn’t been taught lessons?

Albert Einstein wrote, “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”

From my personal perspective white privilege is a real thing, but so is all types of privilege. My white privilege comes from being raised in the south bay in a working class income household. That would improve as my dad continued to work harder. I am aware that I was born with more than others had. I see how that has influenced my views on the world.

BUT!

My views constantly change because I’m constantly looking for change. I’m constantly looking to improve and master myself. Being hung up on magic words will do me no good. So my focus is on how I can alter my perspective to best view the whole landscape. 

Holding yourself to a higher standard is good, but thinking anyone who doesn’t see it your way is less than is a disservice to everyone. 

Take the path of understanding and let your ego that believes you are better to take a back seat to learning a new perspective.