What are your thoughts on "Privilege"?

[Kak]

I’m still waiting on my white privilege card to be delivered.

 

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[The-J]

Here's my thoughts (which border on the 'politically incorrect'):

Progressive thinkers, in their desire to out 'privilege' as the problem with society, are falling into the same deterministic trap that far-right politicians use to support bigoted policy. The only difference is that the privileged 'class' becomes the boogeyman rather than the disadvantaged minority.

Progressive thinkers tend to believe that the unequal distribution of outcomes is what causes unrest in society. It's not. Blaming others for the problems in society is.

When people think that the problems stem from something out of their control, they learn to be helpless. They lash out at people who even try to break the mold, and then when they meet a minor setback, they're the first ones to say 'I told you so'.

On one hand, that explains the problems with communities that once faced legal discrimination. On the other hand, it also provides a solution. For an individual, though, there's no good excuse. Either be happy with your lot in life (and don't be a dick to those who want to grow), or put in the work to change it.

 

[Kak]

Progressive thinkers, in their desire to out 'privilege' as the problem with society, are falling into the same deterministic trap that far-right politicians use to support bigoted policy

I can’t think of a policy more “bigoted” than affirmative action.

 

[The-J]

I can’t think of a policy more “bigoted” than affirmative action.

It also doesn't work.

 

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[minivanman]

People can't find a J O B.... I always crack up when I hear that. And, I always explain to those that say it why I am cracking up. Usually they don't talk to me anymore. LMAO Some are family so it makes holidays awkward.

 

[MJ DeMarco]

The only privilege that exists in the world is the privilege of being born in a semi-free society. That's every American.

As long as there are libraries, internet access, and learning opportunities at zero access cost, every American is privileged.

Of course, some will have bigger advantages based on our parents, available education, and genetics.

So we all (Americans) do have some degree of "privilege" but it is mostly defined within the confines of circumstances and geography.

Had I been born in Sudan, I highly doubt I'd be living the life I have now.

Unfortunately "privilege" today is now within the province of grievance hustlers wearing the latest line of oversized problem glasses.

They make their living convincing able bodied individuals into believing their victimhood for the purpose of profit and political capital. Lifelong victims make lifelong customers, either in the form of votes, clicks, or audience.

People can't find a J O B

Funny, they complain about not finding jobs, but are first to whip out the bullhorn to call businesses evil while taxing them into insolvency.

It's the logical equivalent of crucifying mothers, but then complaining there are no babies.

This won't end well.

Nice to see that it has been relatively tame. The fact is, the people here aren't victims and aren't buying the BS the grievance hustlers are selling.

 

[The-J]

Unfortunately "privilege" today is now within the province of grievance hustlers wearning the latest line of oversized problem glasses. They make their living convincing able bodied individuals into believing their victimhood for the purpose of profit and political capital. Lifelong victims make lifelong customers, either in the form of votes, clicks, or audience.

I heard a phrase the other day that pissed me off.

"The right to be a victim", or "The right to be victimized"

I think people like that see the world as 'victims' and 'perpetrators'. No shades of grey, just black and white.

I can't think of more damaging thinking than that.

 

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[Kak]

If we want to talk about policy privilege, the so called minorities own it. I wasn’t offered wellfare when I lost money hand over fist for a year trying to build my first company... Nope I had to eat it. Not that I would have wanted it, but it would be nice if the liberals didn’t constantly try to get rid of loss carry forwards. I have yet to be offered a Historically Underutilized Business status and get the business associated with that requirement. I also am barred from ever conducting business where a Woman Owned Business is a requirement. I definitely can’t set up a casino on an Indian reservation... Why because I am a white male. My only privilege is that I didn’t get coddled by the government. The rampant coddling is actually an egregious disservice to the “minority” communities.

I was at a charity auction the other night talking to a friend of mine... He owns several burger joints in poorer areas of rural Texas. I asked him how business is going at the new restaraunts. (He had just opened 3 new ones the last time I saw him) He said he literally can’t find enough employees in the area. Why? Because of government programs out bidding him. These folks literally get paid more to voluntarily stay a SLAVE to the government than to start working their way out by making some money and learning how a business works. When there are bigger incentives to not work than to work, that is a huge problem. Who says there isn’t modern slavery? It is alive and well, democrat politicians are the plantation owners (just like they were before the civil war) and they are farming for lifelong entrapment and a lifelong voter base.

The true conservatives out there are fighting for capitalism and equal rights (not the SJW version of equal, just equal). Abolishment of these coddling policies would end the actual injustice.

 

[Steppenwolf]

Take 2 steps forward if you`re on the fastlane forum

 

[biophase]

I don't believe in the word privileged, but I do believe that we all don't start at the same place.

There are always differences.

In high school I lived 6 miles from my school, so it took 45 minutes to get home by bus. My friend lived 4 blocks from the school. He was able to start his after school job at 3pm, while I started at 4pm. He got an extra 3 hours of pay per week. So he made an extra $10 per week. This is a very thin example, but it shows how minute differences can tip results in favor for someone. But this is a short term difference. If we were comparing how much we had at the end of a month, he would win. However, if we were comparing how much we had at the end of 4 years, who knows?

In the video example, imagine if the race was for 10 miles. Then none of the kids in front had any real advantage because a 50 foot head start doesn't matter in a 10 mile race.

So while we may all start in different spots at age 12, it doesn't really translate to where we end up at age 50.

 

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[G-Man]

So while we may all start in different spots at age 12, it doesn't really translate to where we end up at age 50.

“What sense would it make to classify a man as handicapped because he is in a wheelchair today, if he is expected to be walking again in a month, and competing in track meets before the year is out? Yet Americans are generally given 'class' labels on the basis of their transient location in the income stream. If most Americans do not stay in the same broad income bracket for even a decade, their repeatedly changing 'class' makes class itself a nebulous concept. Yet the intelligentsia are habituated, if not addicted, to seeing the world in class terms.”
― Thomas Sowell, The Vision of the Anointed: Self-Congratulation as a Basis for Social Policy

 

[100k]

.... lul.

 

[BeFound Faithful]

That video —what was it called, Indoctrination To Scripted Thinking?— is wrong on so many levels.

 

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[MidwestLandlord]

He owns several burger joints in poorer areas of rural Texas. I asked him how business is going at the new restaraunts. (He had just opened 3 new ones the last time I saw him) He said he literally can’t find enough employees in the area. Why? Because of government programs out bidding him. These folks literally get paid more to voluntarily stay a SLAVE to the government than to start working their way out by making some money and learning how a business works.

Same.

I had to cut hours from lack of help. Spent big money on automation in order to stay in business.

Automating worked so well I cut hours even further than needed and let 30% of my crew go. Machines are cheaper than competing with the government for employees.

(I had multiple hourly part time cashiers demand a severance check. Are you kidding me?? Go sit on unemployment "insurance" that I'm paying 6% on top of the payroll for! There's your severance!)

As an employer I suppose I get the "privilege" of paying for multiple forms of slavery.

 

[minivanman]

Not being able to find people to work is why I got out of the residential cleaning business. It was still a HUGE money maker but it became such a hassle to find anyone to work. Then if someone new would show up, they would suck so they might as well have not even showed up.

I had so much profit built in to my price I could have paid $30 an hour and still been on the plus side but there comes a time when I draw the line.... and I woke up one day and that was the day I drew the line.

I think the real privilege in America is on the side of those collecting paychecks from the government.

 

[TreyAllDay]

I think the real privilege in America is on the side of those collecting paychecks from the government.

Yep In Canada, we have Employment Insurance for layoffs - not sure if this is the same thing in US. Anyway, I have a ton of friends who are on EI and just sit around doing nothing. It's insane, the things I'd be able to get done with all expenses paid and 14 free hours per day.

 

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[WJK]

Yep In Canada, we have Employment Insurance for layoffs - not sure if this is the same thing in US. Anyway, I have a ton of friends who are on EI and just sit around doing nothing. It's insane, the things I'd be able to get done with all expenses paid and 14 free hours per day.

I have a lot of tenants who are on disability or public assistance. You would think, with all that time, they'd get a lot done. It's not true. Like your friends on EI, typically they too sit around watching TV, playing on-line games and wasting the moment. I have learned that the lack of structure in the lives many times makes them unable to function in the real world. Count your blessings. You can get more done in a fraction of those hours -- and be able to hold your head up high. Self reliance can never be overrated. Welfare here in the US controls a lot of people's lives. It is not a living -- it's barely an existence, and it has made a lot more slaves out of recipients than were ever in our pre-Civil War South. It's a mental slavery where people feel that they can't live without that tiny little stream of money, and go make it on their own. Where's the dignity in that? You sure don't wanna join those ranks of people who have no real direction and are demeaned by their palpable lack of drive.

(Also, I'll tell you a secret... when a person receives something that they feel, or know, that they have not earned and/or deserve, they hate the person or institution that gave it to them. In time, they also hate themselves, which makes them childishly and irrationally angry at everyone around them.)

 

[MJ DeMarco]

"The right to be a victim", or "The right to be victimized"

The problem isn't being a victim, the problem is we've turned into a nation of liars who lie to themselves.

Whenever I've been victimized, ultimately, I'm usually the one to blame; a poor decision, a poor action, something. No one takes responsibility for their actions (or lack of action) and their default inclination is to blame someone, something, or some institution.

when a person receives something that they feel, or know, that they have not earned and/or deserve, they hate the person or institution that gave it to them

Well I will disagree with you here. I'm guessing too many people on welfare feel they deserve it. They're special for no reason other than they breathe. In fact, the feel they're not getting enough. It's called entitlement.

We've had some folks here on welfare who absolutely hated being on it. I'm feeling they're the minority.

 

[jon.a]

The problem isn't being a victim, the problem is we've turned into a nation of liars who lie to themselves.

Whenever I've been victimized, ultimately, I'm usually the one to blame; a poor decision, a poor action, something. No one takes responsibility for their actions (or lack of action) and their default inclination is to blame someone, something, or some institution.




Well I will disagree with you here. I'm guessing too many people on welfare feel they deserve it. They're special for no reason other than they breathe. In fact, the feel they're not getting enough. It's called entitlement.

We've had some folks here on welfare who absolutely hated being on it. I'm feeling they're the minority.

When I reenlisted, after the birth of our second child we qualified for food stamps and WIC. That pissed me off. I'm trying to do the military career thing and I qualify for food stamps? Just F*cking WOW! After my next promotion, we no longer qualified. We were no better off financially but it sure felt better.

 

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[Fox]

Didn't watch. I avoid this type of content like second hand smoke or asbestos.

Some great points in these comments though. People should be posting them under the original video too.

 

[Ecom man]

The main problem I have with the entire "privilege" argument is that people use it as an excuse why they can't. I can't get ahead because they had better parents. I can't get ahead because they got a scholarship and I didn't. I can't get ahead because of....

If you are over 18 where you are in this thing called life is your choice. Still living in Chicago? Your choice. Still living on welfare? Your choice. Been working at Mcdonalds for 5 years? Your choice.

Someone I know works part time at a job making $12 an hour. I asked him when he was going to get full time and he said probably never. He whines and complains about never having any money and how life isn't fair but in reality it is his choices that have put him where he is at and it is him choosing not to make a change that causes his future to suck as well.

We live in one of the best countries in the world that allows you to get ahead no matter your background. How do some people from poor backgrounds become millionaires while some people from rich backgrounds OD in their 20s? They make choices that put them there.

 

[C-Jay]

I mean, yeah, it definitely exists. But it works both ways.

I grew up comfortably upper-middle class to responsible parents living well in the slowlane. Did they tell me to work hard? Yes. Did I get an allowance simply for being a child? No.

My up-bringing wasn't exactly difficult. I never really experienced true fundamental hardship. Food was always on the table. I was motivated, but it wasn't out of fear of "not making it". Eventually joined the army, experienced some hardship, and my perspective on life has developed over time.

So you could say I got the happy medium. I've seen both extremes. I know people who grew up getting the shit kicked out of them by their drug addict parents. Or having their parents pawn their xbox because the next cheque didn't come until Monday. Some of those kids are first-rate disasters now, products of their environment. I truly believe that the complete absence of privilege set these people up for failure. How do you blame a kid for not succeeding when his entire life he was surrounded by negativity, abuse, neglect? How can he be expected to know any better? On the other hand, you get the ones who find a way to channel their hardship into drive, determination, and purpose. There's a ton of them in this thread alone. Why can some do that and other's can't? Not a clue.

Then you have the ultra-privileged. The ones who drove a brand new car at 16 years old (honourable mention to my 1994 Chevrolet, RIP). The ones who had the newest toy, the nicest clothes, and no intention of getting a high school job as a grocery store clerk. I know plenty of these kids too. Some have hit absolute home runs. They're smart, self-sufficient professionals or business owners and, often, decent and empathetic people. I also know a few who squandered it, have went to jail, or still live with their parents in their mid-late 20's with zero future prospects.

So yes, privilege is a thing. It can influence one way or another and is most definitely a contributing factor to the development of some people, depending on the scale of the privilege or lack thereof. But it's not exclusive. Succeeding heavily in life is about being the exception, not the norm.

 

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[TreyAllDay]

How do you blame a kid for not succeeding when his entire life he was surrounded by negativity, abuse, neglect? How can he be expected to know any better?

This is an interesting question I often think about. I think the ultimate goal is you have to believe free will exists, and you can do anything to get out of your situation. Otherwise, what else can you do? That being said, I have a close friend, his brother died when he was 10 (gang violence), his mom went crazy, she was a prostitute. His dad was a loser, etc - just a complete MESS of an upbringing. He's done okay, but I don't think the idea that he is capable of anything is in his head. Coming from that sort of environment, it's not likely you'll think that way.

On another note, know a guy who grew up in a reservation, sexually abused starting at 3 years old, kicked out of home, joined a gang, beaten to the edge of his life when he left it, etc. Got in touch with his roots and turned his life around, owns a business and speaks to at risk kids.

 

[C-Jay]

This is an interesting question I often think about. I think the ultimate goal is you have to believe free will exists, and you can do anything to get out of your situation. Otherwise, what else can you do? That being said, I have a close friend, his brother died when he was 10 (gang violence), his mom went crazy, she was a prostitute. His dad was a loser, etc - just a complete MESS of an upbringing. He's done okay, but I don't think the idea that he is capable of anything is in his head. How can he, coming from that environment?

Completely agree. It's so much more than just a bad up-bringing. People who had it this bad are also likely to lack the development (of intelligence, creativity, focus, etc) they require from the nurturing process. Without role models to teach you and set an example, it can be near-impossible to break out of that, or even to acknowledge the possibility or the desire to do so.

Some definitely do, and I admire them, but it's such an ambiguous circumstance that I don't wish on anyone.

 

[TreyAllDay]

People who had it this bad are also likely to lack the development (of intelligence, creativity, focus, etc) they require from the nurturing process
Some definitely do, and I admire them, but it's such an ambiguous circumstance that I don't wish on anyone.

Yes. And I'm sure some may not agree, but I think us as entrepreneurs have a responsibility to reach out and help people who aren't as lucky, I think it's the meaning of life. That's why I admire MJ - he helped open the door for many other people who may not have come to the realisation themselves. My ultimate goal is to have enough money to fund inner city programs for children.

 

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[MJ DeMarco]

My ultimate goal is to have enough money to fund inner city programs for children.

Very admirable, great meaning and purpose.

 

[WJK]

The problem isn't being a victim, the problem is we've turned into a nation of liars who lie to themselves.

Whenever I've been victimized, ultimately, I'm usually the one to blame; a poor decision, a poor action, something. No one takes responsibility for their actions (or lack of action) and their default inclination is to blame someone, something, or some institution.
Well I will disagree with you here. I'm guessing too many people on welfare feel they deserve it. They're special for no reason other than they breathe. In fact, the feel they're not getting enough. It's called entitlement.

When you drill down through that entitlement offensive tirade -- which is usually their big defenses coming to the front -- you'll generally finding a helpless childish person behind that facade who has no pride, passion or drive. They are mad at everyone and they have an excuse for everything. They say everyone else is to blame, but I've noticed that they abuse themselves as well with drinking, drugs, binging on food and anything self-destructive they can find. The bottom line is that there is almost always a big dose of self-loathing that triggers these life threatening behaviors. They feel out of control of their lives, and they are.

They are usually self-defeating as well. That's when the person get things going their way, and ruins that success before it can be realized. They shoot themselves in the foot in a self-defeating pattern over and over again, situation after situation, in a downward spiral. It makes for a real mess.

 

[WJK]

Very admirable, great meaning and purpose.

Yes. And I'm sure some may not agree, but I think us as entrepreneurs have a responsibility to reach out and help people who aren't as lucky, I think it's the meaning of life. That's why I admire MJ - he helped open the door for many other people who may not have come to the realisation themselves. My ultimate goal is to have enough money to fund inner city programs for children.

Been there. Done that. Have that ticket stub and it was all very meaningful. (I helped start a women's shelter in Los Angeles and I was Chairman of the Board for 5 years.) So is my work today in Alaska -- with my group of low and moderate income tenants.

I have learned that you don't have to wait until you "have enough money". Start today. Do something small. Even the smallest jester can mean so much in another person's life. And there are many thing you can do to really help, that can be done without costing a dime. I try to pay forward as much as I can. But, there's a key to it. I always let them keep their dignity. I ask them for a small favor at that time, or one to be named in the future. I ask for something very small, that I know they can do, in exchange for my help. And I have built an army of people who go out of their way to help me whenever they can. They stop by my office to see if I need anything. And, I have a whole bunch of kids belonging to my tenants, who following me around as though I was a mother duck.

But, I won't help people who won't help themselves, in most circumstances. And I have very strict rules -- I don't just hand out help anytime that I am asked. I don't hand out money. They have to ask nice for help, and make a good case for themselves. Most times they have to present me with their plan to fix the problem, with my help. And then a plan for checking their progress. It makes my time and attention precious to them as well as to me. I'm big on teaching people to fish, rather than giving them a fish!

 

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[ruzara5]

"Privilege". Rolling with this topic is good. Perspective. 'Equal rights for everyone privileges for none'. Not entirely, and no one is entitled not even the first breath of the day. No matter where you go. Something can be interpreted as privilege. I went on a mission trip for a local church just about 10 miles over the border. Woman alone in a cinder block hut. Offered her water to us because she knew we were thirsty. She did not see us as privileged. She saw us a guests. We were thankful for her offer. The current 'trendiness' of the word privilege is a bust out for people living the victim mentality. Everyone starts off life naked. And it ends naked. What you make of it with the freedom you have from developing out of your circumstances and how you change your life and others is not something that hinders or stops because of 'priviledge.' Do not keep that weak part for comparison. It takes 'will' and that will can overcome tons of failure. More success is better.

 

[MJ DeMarco]

I have learned that you don't have to wait until you "have enough money". Start today. Do something small. Even the smallest jester can mean so much in another person's life. And there are many thing you can do to really help, that can be done without costing a dime. I try to pay forward as much as I can. But, there's a key to it. I always let them keep their dignity. I ask them for a small favor at that time, or one to be named in the future. I ask for something very small, that I know they can do, in exchange for my help. And I have built an army of people who go out of their way to help me whenever they can. They stop by my office to see if I need anything. And, I have a whole bunch of kids belonging to my tenants, who following me around as though I was a mother duck.

So nice to hear this. You are appreciated here as well.