The Cost of Privilege
thoughts which unsettle
A couple of weeks ago, I was having a conversation about elitism and privilege with one of my teachers. A couple of days ago, while travelling in a car and listening to songs, I struck up a similar conversation with my mother. Perhaps, the comfort of lying in her lap and listening to music moved me to do so. I decided today to do the difficult task - put it to paper.
So, first of all, what is privilege ? Well, the very fact that I am sitting in a warm room with a fancy laptop on my lap and writing about privilege on a blog is a privilege. The very fact that you are reading this means you are privileged. But privilege is more than mere resources. The conversation I described above - the one with my teacher and my mother speaks volumes about the privilege I enjoy. The sense of security, the affection I receive, the boredom I can afford to feel - every single emotion I experience is intrinsically tied to the state of circumstances I inhabit. And what have I done to earn it ? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. It is all due to the lottery of birth, the vagary of Nature. My parents may have worked hard to reach where they are today (although one can argue that their reaching here is also a function of the circumstances and opportunities that were provided to them) but I, as an 18-year old have done nothing to earn this life.
Now, I am not writing this to suggest that one should shun the privilege one is born in or become an ascetic, nor do I adjure the reader to pity the underprivileged. I am writing this to understand the implications of being born in such a state of things and try to become a human being who if not earns, at least deserves this privilege.
The first step according to me is to be mindful and humbly conscious of the fact that one is privileged, while also being fully aware that there are fellow men and women who live an animal existence, devoid not only of the basic necessities of life but also of a sense of security and love. To be alive to the reality. To not live in a rosy heaven where everything is hunky-dory. To understand the difference between what you deserve and what you enjoy.
The second point flows from the first. Once you accept your place in society in the context of the stark reality, you must respect it and not take it for granted. Not to draw analogy to the infamous notion of the White Man’s Burden propagated by Rudyard Kipling (more of that some other time), but respecting one’s privilege, according to me, implies taking efforts to become worthy enough to deserve it. For example - not wasting the resources you have, valuing little things like drinking water and education, appreciating the relationships you have and thanking God (or luck if you are privileged enough to be an atheist) for the life you have. But more importantly, and this brings me to my third point, doing what you can to use your privilege for the common good.
Charity, help, social service etc. are concepts we hear about every day and at times, we say - “I want to do it” but rarely do we bring that into concrete action. I will confess - in my 18 years of life on Earth, I haven’t done anything worthy enough of being called “charity”. But, I do intend to do something whenever I get a chance. Even little things count. For instance, when I was younger and had more time at my disposal, I made it a point to teach our domestic help Hindi and English. I have grown up seeing my mother never be rude to any of the workers at home and treat them with utmost respect. Oftentimes, I have delved into the stories of their lives so deep that I came to regret it when the worker had to leave. Sometimes, I have given love but not received it back. In moments like those, I think, “Do they even deserve my love?” But then, I remind myself immediately that I cannot put myself in their place. Perhaps, the circumstances they have grown in have made them rough, impenetrable like a wall. Perhaps, they have undergone experiences that make them suspect even selfless actions. The long and short is - that in order to respect privilege, we need to share it by taking proactive action. We all need to do whatever we like, but do something. And lastly, I cannot end this without talking about the political.
It is pertinent for us, as full citizens of this nation, to understand the impact of our perceptions, ideas and actions on the perceptions, ideas and actions of the State. It falls on us to support politicians and leaders who take up issues of the underprivileged seriously. It is our obligation to bring into public discourse the problems and hurdles faced by the Adivasi, the child beggar, the poor farmer, the orphaned student, the outcast and every such human being who owing to circumstance, is unable to fulfill his or her true potential. It falls on us, the middle class, to not lay back in front of the TV and call activists and individuals who demand justice as “idle people making noise”.
I will end with a personal note. Last year, when I was in Delhi and used to commute, I passed the Connaught Place. At the red light, I had to face extremely unfortunate scenes of famished children rushing to perform tricks and tap on my window asking for money. The scenes became so painful and disturbing that I started pretending to be asleep - so that I didn’t have to confront the vulgarity of my privilege. I felt helpless and I still do. I just wish that I continue to suffer the pain of my privilege until it prompts me to take action. For we all, who are able to, must pay the cost of privilege.
Please let me know what you think …
I love how beautifully you express your thoughts. This is powerful
It has moved me to the core!