Delivering the Noun “Privilege” from That One Adjective
Nouns are not safe from adjectives these days. Privilege is one of those needing protection. Did you hear?:
Privilege was jogging on a trail, when “white” jumped on its back and took its dignity.
And there’s a second like it:
Blessing was a gift from God…until “white,” ONCE AGAIN, did its damage.
Let me deal with the second one first.
The Blessing of Blessings
Blessings are a gift from God. “White blessings” are NOT. Just because you have been able to maintain dominance over another group of people does not mean you have been blessed by God to do so. Blessings did not need help from any adjective to be a “blessing” to someone. The term should have been preserved for a spiritual context, and was borrowed in a faulty analogy.
I digress from that, onto the first noun.
Enough Privilege To Go Around
Instead of demonizing the term privilege, let us recognize the truth: you want privilege, don’t you? You don’t have to be jealous and want it, but you want it. An educated woman may want entry into the United States for the privilege of being a U.S. citizen. An economically disadvantaged son may want an inheritance like his <insert descriptor of economically privileged individuals> friends. It is fine to want privilege.
If you haven’t already, let me stop you from thinking that I don’t see the terrible aspects of America’s past as a hindrance to flourishing in America today: I do think they exist.
The privilege of being “White” in America seems to include the ability to receive good treatment that is not given to those of other groups designated by skin color. My ancestors were direct objects of the terror that came with it, and I indirectly have been impacted as a result. Still, I find it advantageous to think of (not “White”) privilege as something to look forward to.
In fact, so many of my ancestors would not have the same encouragement I have today. I believe I can obtain some of the not afforded to them. In fact, I tend to live like I’m living for them, for the privilege to not only be alive, but carry on the legacy they have laid before me.
One of the first times I seriously noticed that privilege was for me was when I mused over the words of Proverbs 21:5: “The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty.” With this in mind, I seek an advantage for my family and community. It pushes me toward goals rather than merely flee from some haunting past or circumstance. I see it as a charge to lead as a guide as well, as to be more useful unto God and my community. That’s where characteristics like resilience come in.
You know you want privilege. Go get it.
And, be safe, nouns.
Errer!