Irreverin
If I had to pick a word-of-the-year, it would be “privilege.” You either know why or you don’t. And if you don’t, I couldn’t sum it up in a couple of quippy bloggy paragraphs. Truth is, the real defining story of 2014 is the emerging divide between those who talk about/are aware of privilege, and those who say “what are you talking about? We all live in the same world.”
Privilege is not just about race. Sometimes it is about geography, gender, ability, sexual orientation, state of mental health, and family history. A complex web of realities–mostly beyond our control–determine a significant measure of our health, safety and opportunities for the rest of our lives. As I prepare to leave for El Salvador tomorrow–a country that has been ravaged by poverty, war, drug and gang-related violence and environmental complications–I’m even more mindful of all the ways my life adds up to what many would call ‘blessed,’ but I will just call inordinately lucky. (Because ‘blessed’ sort of implies that God manufactured all my comforts, and I don’t buy that).
This is not to say that people in developed/affluent countries do not ever face real hardship or suffering. Our own corners of the world have been filled with violence, addiction, illness and family heartbreak this year, and I don’t mean to diminish that. But, instead of a year-end recap full of all that painful truth, let’s take a look at the mind-melting evidence of ‘privilege’ that appeared in our headlines and newsfeeds this year. I pray it will make us laugh (and cry a little); and also, head into 2015 full of gratitude, and a renewed commitment level the field, wherever possible.
1. Nicki Manaj and something called “Anaconda” was the most played video on the internets this year. And other truths that destroy your faith in humanity… I call on this as a two-tiered case-in-point. Thing 1) that people in our part of the world have not only the technology, but the free time to devote to such mindless drivel; and 2) that I have the technology, the freedom of speech, and the time and energy, to sit here writing about the inanity of it. #privilege
2. The word “Selfie” has been added to the dictionary. Not just the urban dictionary. The real one. I feel that this requires no further commentary.
3. Kim Kardashian’s butt got its own magazine cover. Forget torture, terrorism, the Syrian refugee crisis and the systematic incarceration and execution of young men of color. We’ve got KK’s ass to talk about. You know, maybe the real first world issue here is that ‘I can’t see the rest of my magazine because this greased-up rear end is in my way.”
4. Ebola. No, I’m not diminishing the REAL ebola tragedy, by any measure. However–American media coverage of, and the developed world’s reaction to a very real global health crisis, was decidedly ‘privileged’ in its self-absorbed, Henny-Penny brand of alarmism. What happens if a few of those sick people come HERE?? (Nevermind all those very real, very sick people ‘over there.’)
5. SHS. The struggle is real, folks: the mental and emotional strain on the very wealthy, who feel that the demands on their life and time diminish their enjoyment of life. It’s called “Stress of Higher Status,” and this is a thing now. Like, an actual psychological condition. Towards which, of course, resources are being directed for prevention and treatment. Obviously.
6. The new iPhone does not fit the old iPhone case. So you’re telling me, in addition to paying $$$ for a new phone, ima have to spend an extra $20 for a new case?? ($25 if I want it bedazzled). It’s not enough that the dang phone got all bend-y when I put it in the pocket of my skinny jeans… Somebody call that Foxconn place in Taiwan and complain to the workers on their lunch break… Oh wait, they don’t get breaks. Or living wages. Or windows.
7. Our law makers are petulant children who can’t use their words, so we are always on the brink of government shut down. But thankfully, when this happens, there is no anarchy, no civil war, not even civil unrest. We all just have to wait a few days to go to the post office for stamps. Oh, the humanity.
8. The word “twerk” has also been added to the dictionary. Not the urban. The real. Lord, in your mercy…
9. The First Daughters are actual teen-agers. Who roll their eyes and wear teenager clothes. And it broke the internet.When the poor internet had just barely recovered from KK’s caboose. #whatthetudorsarewearing #signsyouareaprivilegednation
10. Something MAY OR MAY NOT have happened at Sony, that MAY OR MAY NOT have had something to do with North Korea. Which caused a bunch of rich people to delay making bigger piles of money on a (pretty racist) movie about a real-world dictatorship. Which caused a bunch of pretty comfortably affluent people to be outraged that they might have to wait to see said controversial film, and then there was this public out-cry about “Free Speech!” and “freedom” because “America!” And maybe it is more complicated than that, sure. But at a glance, that’s what the world sees. And it’s at least partly (mostly) true.
There’s more. I know there’s so much more. But I’m going to leave it at that because, like I said, I’m leaving the country tomorrow.
Here’s what I know about going to ‘elsewhere’ kinds of places. At some level, you process every experience through a lens of comfort and safety. Knowing that you have a home to go back to, a credit card for emergencies and people who would come for you if you were sick or in trouble. Moving through other people’s every day lives with that awareness is complicated. I’m grateful for it. And I struggle with it. And even the struggle is a privilege.
Now, you’ll have to excuse me because I have to go sift through enormous piles of stuff before I start packing. Because then I’ll have to go buy MORE stuff, because clearly, my stuff is not the right stuff. And I have to have the right stuff to ensure a complete life experience.
Peace and happy new year, y’all. Watch for some great guest-posts while I’m gone.
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