Solving the Privilege Problem
More Thoughts On Purpose (09)
HI FRIENDS
I was thinking recently, that our society has a problem with privilege.
We are hyper aware of inequality, injustice and we take pains to ensure we are aware of our privilege. So much so that it’s common for people to feel an unspoken kind of guilt about things that they have no control over - where they were born, their skin colour, family upbringing etc.
But the one thing we don’t do is talk about how to actually solve this problem.
I think we all know that just feeling guilty is no use, and just being aware doesn’t actually solve the problem. It is sometimes suggested that we should simply give away our privilege, but I think we subconsciously know that this doesn’t work either. It’s too simplistic. If we give away our power, it is just as likely to be unused, misused or abused by someone else. And won’t that simply turn the tables?
So what is the solution?
Well, since I’ve been thinking about vocation I noticed something that no one really says out loud. It’s that all fulfilling work is found through some kind of service.
Sure, you can enjoy momentary selfish pleasures, but they won’t satisfy in the long run.
It seems to me that when we use what we have, no matter how niche or obscure or esoteric, and find some way to use it for service, we are bound to find it meaningful and fulfilling. And, interestingly, this seems to me to be the best response to our privilege.
Those who solve this problem of privilege are often those who come to recognise all that they have been blessed with, and upon seeing their privilege they feel a sense of responsibility to use it well. They use their unique position to channel all of their gifts, skills and blessings into some form of offering to humanity. Whether it be a gift for engineering that could fly us to mars, or a gift for gentleness that can heal and empower others. Sometimes it does mean giving up your position, but more often it looks like pursuing your vocation.
A great example of this transformation is Scott Harrison of charity:Water who after “declaring spiritual, moral, and emotional bankruptcy” turned his skills for nightclub promotion toward solving the global water crisis instead - finding an outlet of service for his skills and privilege.
So if you’re already feeling guilty about your privilege ask yourself, what gifts or skills do I have (no matter how humble) that I can offer the world?
What have I been given that I am letting go to waste?
Godspeed,
T Mo
NEWS & LINKS
Scott Harrison of charity:Water tells his story
This interview is great if you want to hear more about Scott’s journey described above.
Progress by Mutemath
Like an instrument for a song
Like the sun for tomorrow's dawn
Every moment of time's just an answer to find
What you're here for, what you breathe for
What you wake for, what you bleed for