Let me remember, I have the ability to run. There are many qualities about myself that enable this privilege, most of which I’ve been inherently gifted by the universe: my geographic location of birth, skin color, physical ability, etc. If I were to lose one of these defining factors, I would accurately be a new person with slightly fewer privileges than myself. Say, for instance I was born in poverty stricken Uganda, I could not afford to waste my energies on a frivioulous run when they were required back home in the fields. Consequently, if added one more beneficial circumstance you would find someone far more privileged than myself.
As I jog the bumpy hills of Uganda, I find myself reflecting on the many social battles taking place back in my home country. The protesters fighting for a more “leveled playing field” and the legislation attempting to balance the civil scales with little success. In the midst of all of this, as you fight for your right to be heard and treated equally, remember that there will always be someone more, and likewise someone less, privileged than yourself.
This is not a war cry for the oppressed to put down their arms, and this is not an excuse for the privileged to become complacent. Instead, I simply implore you to acknowledge the position that you’re in. You must recognize that there are people oppressed more so by society than yourself, and it’s okay to find people more privileged.
From this point, after evaluating others, we may be of a mind to fight for our own privileges. While we are busy battling for our own rights, can we not also lend our voice to the person just below us on the privilege totem pole? As in, those more oppressed than ourself.
I do want to end this post with an encouraging word. As we travel down the privilege food chain, examining the starving and the enslaved, we will find ourselves disheartened. But I say take solace in this fact, even the man who finds himself at the bottom of the chain of privilege, is himself envied by Satan for his privilege to be loved by such a mighty God.
“We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.” – Ronald Reagan