Privileged? Or Not?

Every now and then I hear the word “privileged” thrown around as an accusation; in various context; where it does not belong.

Being used so carelessly, that it no longer means what it was originally coined for in the dictionary.

Makes me wonder what does being privileged mean to these conversationalists?

Is it being financially secure?

Or being surrounded with a loving family?

Or being unaffected by the political or societal adversities?

Or being able to earn a livelihood?

Or (the most popular these days) belonging to a particular race, colour, gender, religion, caste, class, nationality etc..etc..?

Or even for simply being able to breathe?

Because these are exactly the subjects where people vividly paint the picture of the privileged.

Just look around you.

Billions of people, billions of dreams, billions of opportunities, billions of survivalists.

Either every one of them is privileged or no one is.

You have to understand, privilege is not the same as (can’t find the right word, let’s say..) having a comfortable life. One earns their status, where as privilege is granted by someone else.

By your standards, if you call me privileged for being able to earn a livelihood during these tough times; then I consider my privilege as an accomplishment, as my right and am not ashamed of it.

And so do millions of honest hardworking people in this world who struggle, no matter what class they belong to. Because no one handed it to us. We earned it.

If one can breathe, think and move; if one is alive enough to live, then they are also what you call, privileged. No matter what the circumstances dictate.

So No, men are not privileged, white people are not privileged, rich are not privileged, west is not privileged, not having an opinion on world issues is not a privilege, education is not a privilege etc.. etc..

One has to earn their place in this world.

If you ask this woman, she will say, she is grateful for being able to survive another day in this world. So what, will you call her privileged as compared to people dying in conflicted regions of the world?

Nevertheless, don’t use the word “privileged” to insult the hard earned achievements of fellow beings for not taking part in your crusades. They deserve better.

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