Life Isn't Fair, But We Are All Still Privledged | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

Life Isn't Fair, But We Are All Still Privledged

My unpopular opinion on society's failed realism.

14
Life Isn't Fair, But We Are All Still Privledged
I Am Real

"Life is not fair. Get used to it." —Bill Gates

Do you ever remember a time in your life in which you felt completely content with what you had, where you were, and with whom you were with? It's a question that many Americans struggle to answer. It's human nature to desire more; more friends, more money, more equality, more job advancements, etc..

It's also human nature to compare what we have with others, only left to formulate some sort of opinion on what others seem to have vs. what we currently have. We never feel completely content, and when we are tossing and turning, uncomfortable with our privileges, we start to look at what we don't have and desire more.

What we don't realize is that we are ALL privileged here in America.

Sure, I might not be as privileged as the white man standing next to me, but that doesn't mean I am not privileged. Rather, he may be unemployed, desperately seeking new income. Or, perhaps that black man across the street has a higher paying job, and is further educated than me. Who is to say I am more privileged because I am white? Society? The Media?

Assigning privilege to someone based on gender and race is a form of racism and sexism in itself. Sure, statistics show that I have a better chance of snagging that high paying position than the black woman who is equality qualified, however, that statistic may not fit my experiences in life. We need to stop generalizing privilege.

We all have the privilege to vote, we have the privilege of free K-12 education, we have the privilege of government assistance, we have the privilege to borrow money, we have the privilege of police protection. And yes, there will be inequalities and corruption within these systems. Is is morally right? Absolutely not. But we cannot define the hateful actions of some on all.

In the last eight years, we have done nothing but divide each other. We've classified all police officers as being corrupt, all white people privileged and racist, and all black people criminal. Why? Because those are the only stories the media is covering.

It's human nature to see what others have. I mean, heck, I would love to not have to work, I'd love to not have to look over my shoulder every time I walk at night, I'd love to have a smoothie machine at my apartment, in which all of my delicious smoothie ingredients are free (because have you seen the price of fruit lately?).

Some people have all of that. But I am not hateful towards them, nor do I look at myself as a victim. I don't create a Twitter hashtag against them, and I don't group myself with others like me. Why? Because I realize that people will always have more than I do. There will always be someone with a better job, a better education, a nicer apartment, wealthier, or in a better socio-economic class than I.

But with those people who have it better, come those who have it much, much worse. I'm talking genocide, nation-wide starvation, AIDS ridden streets, and members of the Drug Cartel digging mass graves for thousands of innocent lives.

I think we all know America isn't perfect, nor will it ever be. Heck! It isn't even close. But you cannot deny your privilege of being an American. In every country, there will always be corrupt police officers, there will always be racist people of all skin shades, there will always be those who are committing crimes, that happen to be of a minority status. But that does not define that "group" of American.

How would you like to be defined by a radical, hateful person (in whom you've never met) that caused extreme pain on others? Were those your actions? Were those your beliefs? No. We need to stop labeling other people's radicalism and hate on people of that race, religion or gender.

There will always be evil in the world. There will be those in whom we are shameful of. But rather than grouping individuals together, chose to see evil based on the individual person. And never stop seeing the privileges we have day in and day out.

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

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

1808
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

1106
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

200319
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

20956
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments