By Tonia Gooding. President of Communities Alive.
27 December 2024
As the New Year approaches, I think it is only right to look at the previous year and learn from it. This year, I was introduced to the very damaging, divisive narrative called privilege. “Pretty privilege, rich privilege, white privilege”, etc, are words I heard, especially from the younger generation. While I understood the perspective that the concept came from, I refused to buy into or to use the narrative.
Privilege is defined as a special right, advantage or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group. While this concept has always existed, previous generations chose not to define people by the different circumstances to which they may have been born into (not through personal choice) but rather choose narratives that focus on the dignity and potential that each of us innately has. There is a reason for that.
I remember being told (I believe by my mother) there will always be persons prettier, smarter and stronger (physical attributes) than yourself—as well as those less so: do not let that prevent you from seeing the value and gifts that you have been bestowed with. Each person has a unique combination of gifts and talents, and it’s up to everyone to discover their potential and live it out. That’s our privilege!
I have also learnt through life lessons and personal associations that financial circumstances do not determine a person’s value, and the equation of wealth=happiness does not exist.
Unhealthy comparisons just lead to jealousy and envy, two vices that do much more harm to self than the other. The existing privilege narrative is both divisive and detrimental to building up a person’s sense of significance and security. We should recognise it as such.
The same person whose “privilege” seemed to open doors that were closed to us may have challenges that we may never have to encounter. That is life. Each person has both strengths and weaknesses. We are called to discover our strengths and use them for the benefit of others, while being grateful for them. At the same time, we need to work on our weaknesses for our own benefit and appreciate the ability to grow from challenges we encounter in our own lives.
As saying goes, “To whom much is given much is expected”; this is the concept that perhaps we should have about the concept of privilege. Those who have favourable circumstances and talents in certain aspects should feel the need to use them for the benefit of those who are not as fortunate in these areas.
If we all understand that each of us has been given different gifts, talents and circumstances that can be viewed as privileges (both tangible and intangible), then perhaps the next time this word is used to create animosity, we can pause and reflect: “what is my ‘privilege’ and how am I using it to benefit others?” You may be surprised at your response.