Since I was little, I constantly compared myself to the people around me, whether they were my brother, classmates, friends or even people I simply knew of. Even though I am fortunate enough to be a part of a middle class Asian family, I was jealous of some of the privileges others had. Constantly comparing myself to my peers has made me less aware of all the privileges that I do have, and hence ungrateful.
I turn 18 this Friday. Recently, I have spent a lot of time reflecting on the little things that I have taken for granted over the years. I may not have everything in the world, but:
1. I have a home.
I woke up this morning with a roof over my head.
2. I am a woman.
And I feel comfortable in the gender I am born in.
3. I identify as heterosexual.
My sexual orientation is naturalized from birth. I never had to worry about what other people thought of me because of my sexual orientation.
4. I have a family who loves and cares for me.
Even though we live on three different continents.
5. I have friends.
Some of my friends happen to be the best support system I could ever ask for.
6. I am educated.
I had the opportunity to attend private schools and study abroad.
7. I am able to attend college without student loans.
I am lucky enough to have parents who are able to pay for my college tuition.
8. I have travelled internationally.
I have been to five of the seven continents.
9. My racial identity does not negatively impact my daily life.
Even though I occasionally get made fun of for falling into Asian stereotypes, I never had to worry about my own or my family's physical safety because of my race.
10. My race is generally positively portrayed in the media.
For example, Asians are often well represented, if sometimes overrepresented, in STEM fields and Nobel Prize recipients.
11. I have never been ostracized for my religion.
I can openly say that I am a Christian, without it being a defining aspect of my identity.
12. I live in a first world country.
Hong Kong has its problems, but it also has a strong financial sector, free press and low taxes.
13. My family is financially stable.
I never had to worry about my family's money situation or get a job to help put food on the table.
14. I have more than I need.
I can afford to go out for dinner or buy new clothes when I want.
15. I do not have any physical disabilities.
I can easily navigate my way around my not-so-disability friendly college campus (*cough* the Rabb steps).
16. I have never tried to distance myself from any of my identities.
I am pretty happy with who I am.
17. I have never questioned any of my identities.
I feel comfortable in my own skin.
18. I have the power to use my privilege to make the world a better place.
Because of my privilege, I can stand up for myself and for those who do not have a voice.
Privilege itself is a complex phenomenon. It is hard to define. The Cambridge Dictionary defines privilege as “a special advantage or authority possessed by a particular person or group.” Having privilege does not mean that your life is easy, but rather, it is easier compared to other people's lives.
Being privileged is not a crime. Instead of feeling guilty for being privileged, you can use your voice to speak up for those who cannot do so for themselves.
As I start my eighteenth year of living, I hope to help the world reach a state of equality.
