Your Privilege Is Showing
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Your Privilege Is Showing

Just because you're a privileged individual doesn't give you the right to act like a jerk

226
Your Privilege Is Showing
Robyn Sylvia

Let me guess, your biggest complaint every morning is that the lady at Dunkin Donuts made your coffee too light or too dark, right? Or maybe it's that Cassandra from Accounting stole your parking space today. And I mean God FORBID you don't have newest Iphone as soon as it comes out, am I right? I mean Iphone 6? How embarrassing. And HOW DARE someone say "Happy Holidays" to you instead of "Merry Christmas", I mean who do they even think they are?! Well allow me to let you in on a little secret, your privilege is showing.

I know, I know. It's a little embarrassing but trust me this is completely fixable and I can even set you up with a few helpful tips to ensure you never get caught with your privilege hanging out again. But first, for those of you who are still confused, allow me to further explain.

Now I'm not saying there's anything wrong with living a good life. And I'm not at all saying that sometimes people don't get worked up over the little things in life, I get it. Shit happens. My problem is people who don't acknowledge that there's a world that exists beyond their own white picket fence.

For example, don't you just hate when you're baking cookies for your kid's annual classroom "Christmas" party only to find out that little Jimmy celebrates Hanukkah so the teacher has decided to call it a "Holiday" party instead. Like how dare someone else practice a different faith than your own. You'd think that this country was founded on religious freedom or something. Well listen up, your privilege is showing again.

Just because you practice a Christian holiday doesn't mean everybody does. And I mean if you REALLY study Christianity didn't Jesus actually say "Love your neighbor as yourself; there is no commandment greater than this." I mean calling your child's second grade teacher to complain about how detrimental to your child's life it will be that for ONE YEAR he WON'T get to have his annual Christmas Party doesn't really abide by Jesus's whole "loving your neighbor" thing, now does it?

Here's a helpful tip! How about next time this happens, remember that Christmas isn't the only holiday in the world and that your child might actually benefit from learning about different religions so that way in the future your child isn't a culturally insensitive swine.

Here's another example of where you might be showing off your privilege a little too much. Don't you just hate when important social issues occurring in your country flood your social media outlet?! None of those issues even vaguely affect you, do they?! I mean who cares if your president-elect openly mocked a disable news reporter? This is America right? Freedom of Speech, right?!

Well no. See just because we live in a country that values "freedom of speech" doesn't allow making fun of a disabled person to be okay. If you genuinely do not see a problem with this, then there might not actually be any hope for you. People with disabilities do not choose to be that way. They didn't just wake up one morning and decide that that would be a "cool" lifestyle. If you cannot sympathize with those who live their life being outsiders, if you even dare use the "r"-word like it's cool or something, you're only proving how privileged you are to live a life where you genuinely don't have to encounter that struggle.

Here's a helpful tip! How about you just be a decent human being and not make fun of someone for a lifestyle they didn't choose. That would not only save you from being caught with your privilege showing but it would also save you the trouble of looking like an asshole.

Wow. Some pretty pressing topics we got into right?! And don't forget we only skimmed the surface there. There's a whole bunch of places you're unknowingly flaunting how privileged you are!! I hope that if you take anything away from this article, it's that it takes very little to just be a good person and acknowledge the world beyond your super cute Ray-ban sunglasses. And in all seriousness, I hope that you've learned that educating yourself just a littlebit more about the world you live in can save you from looking like a complete ass.

So in recap, remember that the whole world isn't here to please you and by maybe just acknowledging that a little bit more, you'll save yourself from ever being caught with your privilege out again.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

112628
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments