Seeing Past Your Privilege

/ Absolutely Olivia

As I’m starting this post, I have no idea how long or how short it will be, but sometimes that’s the point of a blog; to write off the top of your head about matters that are important to you.

I’ve been wanting to write a post about the political climate of America for a long time now, but I always end up overthinking it or feeling like I’m saying the wrong thing. That’s why today I am just going to write whatever comes to mind. I know my blog is not for rants, especially political ones. I get it if you want to click out, that’s fine.

Today, I am going to be talking about privilege. Some of you may have a lot, some of you may have very little. I, myself, am privileged in just about everything except for the fact that I am a girl. I am white, middle class, Christian, straight and cisgender. Yes, sometimes I am blinded by my privilege, but I am trying to change that every single day. Instead of going through life, not caring about what happens to others as long as my life is fantastic, I am striving to help others who aren’t as fortunate.

Here’s something to think about: Just because something doesn’t affect you, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t fight for it.

Just because you’re white, doesn’t mean you can’t support the Black Lives Matter movement. Just because you’re Christian, doesn’t mean you can’t accept other religions, just because you’re straight and cisgender, doesn’t mean you can’t support the LGBTQ+ community.

Honestly, it means quite the opposite.

Use your privilege and platform, to lift up the oppressed, to shed light on struggles minorities face. Find a way to give them a louder voice, boost their visibility, and spread their messages. This is so important. We should all support and gain knowledge from one another.

What just happened in Charlottesville, what happened to the 49 in Pulse last year, what happens almost daily to black men when confronted by police is not acceptable. Period.

Realize there are changes to be made and people to be confronted. If you’re in a place of privilege, that doesn’t mean you get to sit back and relax. If you don’t agree with the awful events that are happening, don’t just shake your head and frown. Think of what you can do to help and work towards stopping hate crimes and terrorism. Understand that you’re not the only person in the world and stand up for those who aren’t treated as equal to you.

Just because something doesn’t affect you, doesn’t make it irrelevant or meaningless.

Take off your privilege blinders and become aware of the world around you.

We can do this.

ORGANIZATIONS TO CHECK OUT

The ACLU

Trevor Project

Black Lives Matter

Women’s March

Human Rights Watch

Planned Parenthood

Thanks for reading this post.  I hope you got something out of it and plan to check out one or more of the organizations above.  This was very different from my usual content and on Wednesday my normal lifestyle post will be up.

💜Love, Olivia

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46 thoughts on “Seeing Past Your Privilege”

  2. Thank you for sharing this. As a young black women this has touched me. Even beyond that, because I do try to inspire people to be open minded and love everyone equally but I feel like I could do so much more. We all could. Even if we don’t agree with a certain lifestyle it doesn’t mean that the person should be discriminated against. And we need to take the time to get to know people first before we judge, listen like you said. Instead of basing things off of rumors or stereotypes.
    Great post!✨

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    • This is a wonderful post, great insight. In Western civilization we are conditioned to see only our differences, dividing us further into subgroups of class, gender, sexuality, religion, age and ethnicity. By only focusing on our differences we lose touch with the essence of mankind, the things that unite us; through intuitive thought and empathy we connect more meaningfully with ourselves and others.
      I am a British young black man living in post-colonial Britian, some of social problems we face here in London are systematic due to a dominant conservative ideology to hold onto values and norms that benefited some and not others.
      For instance Women’s rights to live free from sexual abuse or workplace discrimination; is just as important as the immigration situation; which is just as relevant as religious hate crime, the rise of islamaphobic incidents which has taken the form of acid attacks.
      As you quite rightly noted ignorance is not bliss, I believe the ego is the greatest blindfold, once we shed it we understand as you have that an njustice against any man (or woman) is an injustice against mankind.
      Thanks for sharing this Olivia!

      Like

      Reply

    • Yes yes yes!!! I agree with everything you said, especially about not agreeing with a certain lifestyle, doesn’t mean you should discriminate against it. Thank you for stopping by and I’m glad you liked this post!

      Like

      Reply

  3. This is a wonderful post, great insight. In Western civilization we are conditioned to see only our differences, dividing us further into subgroups of class, gender, sexuality, religion, age and ethnicity. By only focusing on our differences we lose touch with the essence of mankind, the things that unite us; through intuitive thought and empathy we connect more meaningfully with ourselves and others.

    I am a British young black man living in post-colonial Britian, some of social problems we face here in London are systematic due to a dominant conservative ideology to hold onto values and norms that benefited some and not others.

    For instance Women’s rights to live free from sexual abuse or workplace discrimination; is just as important as the immigration situation; which is just as relevant as religious hate crime, the rise of islamaphobic incidents which has taken the form of acid attacks.

    As you quite rightly noted ignorance is not bliss, I believe the ego is the greatest blindfold, once we shed it we understand as you have noted, that an injustice against any man (or woman) is an injustice against mankind.

    Thanks for sharing this Olivia!

    (My earlier comment had some grammar errors you can delete that one)

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    • Thank you so much for commenting this!

      Everyone in the world needs to understand that what’s important isn’t our differences that divide us, but rather our similarities and needs that unite us. It’s crazy how so many people don’t agree with basic human rights.

      I read somewhere earlier that for the privileged, equality is easily seen as discrimination against them. That’s the problem right there.

      The way you said everything was great! Thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  6. I love this post! This is such an important matter to discuss, especially for teens. Being both Jewish and a girl, I face a lot of hate, especially what with is going on in the world right now. Thank you thank you thank you for writing such an inspiring post! xx

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  8. Well said Olivia! It’s important to be aware of what’s going on around you, and to use your own privilege to help others and make their voices heard. “Clear Eyes, Full Heart, Can’t Lose” I have no idea where that phrase is from though but I do like it 🙂

    Like

    Reply

  10. Your list of 3 Ways to Make the World a Better Place is beautiful Olivia. I do not watch the news because I try to stay away from all of the violence and terror going on as of now. Your list is perfect for me. Really really, inspiring.
    -Artsyteen

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  12. Omg, I’m so glad you wrote this post! I agree so much with you! Those who have a voice should use it. It breaks my heart to see the news and to see what terrible things happens to the minorities in this world. We need and we can do things about it, even if we’re young. Thank you for this post, it’s so important to adress those issues!
    much love, elena

    https://outnaboutweb.wordpress.com

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

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