Recently I had a most unfortunate experience in which someone refused to recognize their privilege and straight up got angry with me about it. There is so much wrong with this.

So I thought I would share with the class a little lesson in recognizing privilege...

Every time you think to yourself "I have to do... xyz," think instead, "Why is it that I get to do xyz and others will never have that opportunity?" Do this, even if the thing you are doing sucks.


It works with everything, big and small. I will share a couple examples:

"I have to do the dishes, I hate doing the dishes." Becomes... Well, I am grateful for being in a space in my life that allows me to have a sink, in an apartment, and food to eat, which dirties up my dishes. I am privileged to live in this space and have these dirty dishes. I think I'll just do them and be thankful, even though it sucks.

"My job doesn't pay me enough." Becomes... Thank goodness I have a job, when so many others do not. I am privileged to have this job, even though sometimes it sucks.


Recognizing privilege isn't a bad thing, it's a necessary thing. It keeps you in check and allows you to be a kind, more compassionate person who doesn't take things for granted and is willing and able to see that others may not have access to the same things that you do. Do that. It's good for you. You're welcome.