SELF-AWARENESS
Are Privileges Unfair? The Pros and Cons of Having Special Treatment
Ethical Implications to consider.
“What separates privilege from entitlement is gratitude.” — Brené Brown
There are a lot of talks these days about privilege. What is it? Why do some people have it and others don’t? Is it fair?
Having privileges has pros and cons and can affect people’s lives positively and negatively.
There is no question that privileges exist in our society. Whether being born into a wealthy family or receiving preferential treatment because of your skin color, privilege impacts people’s lives.
Some argue that this is unfair and unjustified.
In contrast, others claim that privilege is part of the natural order of things.
Let’s explore the pros and cons of having privileges.
What are privileges, and why do some people think they’re unfair?
Privileges are advantages or benefits that are given to specific groups of people.
They can be based on race, gender, social class, or religion, amongst other things.
You get privileges because someone gives them to you, like an inheritance, or you earn them thru certain conditions, like citizenship.
Some people believe that privileges are unfair because they give some people an advantage over others.
For example, if you’re a white male from a wealthy family, you’re more likely to get into a good college and have high-paying job prospects than someone who isn’t.
This can lead to more significant opportunities and success in life, while those without privilege may struggle to get by.
How do privileges affect people’s lives?
Privileges can have both positive and negative effects on people’s lives.
On the positive side, privileges can give people access to resources and opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have.
For example, a wealthy family may be able to send their children to private schools or pay for tutors, which can give them a leg up in life.
Privileges can also help people feel like they belong to a particular group or community.
For example, being part of an ethnic minority may give you a sense of pride and identity.
On the negative side, privileges can create divides between groups of people.
For example, suppose one group has access to better education and jobs. In that case, they may start to see themselves as superior to others. This can lead to tension and conflict between groups.
Additionally, some people may feel guilty or ashamed of their privileges, especially if they know how much harder others have.
Some people believe that we need to level the playing field. Hence, everyone has an equal chance at success, regardless of their background or privilege.
Others argue that this is impossible or undesirable, as it would need taking away opportunities from those who have earned them.
Should privilege end?
Some people believe that it is possible to end privilege altogether. In contrast, others believe that it is an essential part of society.
Some people believe it is possible to accept privilege as a natural occurrence. In comparison, others believe that it is always unfair and unjustified.
“When we identify where our privilege intersects with somebody else’s oppression, we’ll find our opportunities to make real change.” — Ijeoma Oluo
Ethical implications of giving someone special treatment
When we give someone special treatment, we recognize that they are different from others in some way. This can be based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or other factors.
The question is whether this is ethically acceptable.
Some people believe that it is morally wrong to give someone special treatment because it creates an unequal society.
Others argue that addressing past inequalities and giving everyone a fair chance at success is necessary.
Some ethical implications to consider :
- Are some people more deserving of special treatment than others?
- Do we have a responsibility to help those who are less fortunate?
- What are the consequences of giving someone special treatment?
- How does this affect our relationships with others?
These are some ethical implications when considering whether giving someone special treatment is fair.
Do you think giving someone special treatment is always unethical? Why or why not?
We must each decide for ourselves what and how we want to address the privilege issue in our lives.
What do you think? Are privileges fair or unfair?
Let me know in the comments below.
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© Alejandro Betancourt, 2022. All Rights Reserved.
