Having privilege is not an innately bad thing; We cannot control what family and circumstances we are born into. Failure to acknowledge privilege and failure to take advantage of it for the good of humanity however, is condemnable.
I believe those of privilege have a responsibility bound to the benefits they reap from a system that leans in their favor. They cannot be blamed for creating the system, but they must be held accountable when they facilitate it.
The way we address our privilege defines who we are and reflects our vision of the world. It divides us into two distinct categories: those of us that are okay with the circumstances people are born into dictating their futures, and those of us that are not. The truth is, one cannot believe in meritocracy while simultaneously enabling a system that robs millions of the opportunity to dream, develop their skills, and explore their passions. If you believe in the value of hard work, you should demand a nation that rewards it for everyone.
Enabling inequality does not always take hatred, prejudice, or conscious disenfranchisement. Most of the time, it manifests itself in indifference which can be just as destructive. This indifference means choosing to be ignorant because it’s comfortable. It means turning a blind eye to those in need and blaming people who were never given a chance for their struggles. Indifference means staying silent on the things that matter; It means hiding behind a white picket fence to avoid facing the complexity and extent of the world’s problems.
What I am suggesting is not that you reject all of the advantages that you have been afforded through your privilege; What I am proposing is quite the opposite. Take advantage of the respect and credibility your identity grants you. Take advantage of the quality education available to you. Take advantage of your opportunities and influence. Take advantage of your privilege in order to create change.
Use your credibility and status to advocate for others and provide a platform for the voiceless. Use your voice to mobilize as many people as possible. Educate yourself so you can better understand the world’s problems and how to fix them. Use your wealth and resources to help others. Use your ablilities to aid those who lack them.
Take advantage of your privilege to be of service to your fellow man; It’s your duty. It takes courage to challenge yourself and confront a system that accommodates you, but it must be done.
