Stop Defending Your Privilege, Nobody Wants To Hear It | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Stop Defending Your Privilege, Nobody Wants To Hear It

NOBODY wants to hear you defend your privilege. Thanks.

253
Stop Defending Your Privilege, Nobody Wants To Hear It
Wikimedia Commons

I’m writing this in response to the several instances I have seen where people try to justify the fact that their parents invest heavily in them as college students or adults. I don’t even know how or why something like this should be defended in the first place. However, as a person who was definitely not given a silver spoon in life, I think I need to respond because privilege isn’t something anyone has the right to justify.

Disclaimer here: I grew up in with parents that gave comfortable shelter and put food on the table. I didn’t grow up in poverty, not even close, and my life growing up was comfortable. I never had to pay my parents' bills, and never did I have to go without the basic necessities.

However, my family didn’t have money to just throw around. My parents didn’t buy me cars, they didn’t pay my college tuition, my family didn’t go on lavish vacations, and we didn't live in an expensive neighborhood (our neighborhood and the school I went to was pretty low income). If I wanted something, I had to earn it. My parents taught me that I didn’t need much. I didn’t grow up wanting a car from them, fancy clothes, or expensive makeup. I was okay with working and finding ways to pay off my tuition as opposed to having my parents pay it for me.

What I needed from my parents was structure and stability. Their job was to give me food, shelter, and clothes that kept me warm. Nothing more, nothing less. Their job was also to give me the tools I needed to be a successful human being when I became an adult. Just because my parents chose to give me the basics and just the basics doesn’t mean they love me any less than the parents that chose to give you everything.

Your parents giving you everything doesn’t mean they’re ensuring your success either. If anything, it’s a detriment to yourself. You don’t know how to work for what you have because you simply never had to. You’re privileged, to put it bluntly. And nobody wants to hear your “justification” for your privilege once you’re called out for it.

I don’t want to hear your justification for why your parents chose to give you the finer things because the more you try to justify the privilege you have been given in life, the more it becomes a slap in the face to those with parents nowhere near capable giving the things you have been given. Instead of trying to justify your privilege, acknowledge it, accept it, and move on because you have no right to justify your privilege to people that have little.

I believe that there is something to be said for growing and working towards something and building yourself up from rock bottom. It means you know how to grind and work to get what you need and want. It keeps you headstrong and gives you a drive you won’t have if you're given luxuries you don’t need. I have the right to think less of you for not having the drive and knowledge to get what you need or want in life yourself. So, I don’t want to hear you justify your privilege anymore.

Thanks.

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

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

1419
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

16272
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3404
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments