It’s Time To Acknowledge Modern Human Privilege Regardless Of Skin Tone

Summary

The article emphasizes the importance of recognizing the broader concept of modern human privilege, beyond racial distinctions, by highlighting the dire living conditions in Lebanon and contrasting them with the freedoms and opportunities available to those engaging in discussions about racism and privilege.

Abstract

The author of the article reflects on the stark contrast between the struggles of a starving family in Lebanon and the ongoing discourse on racism and privilege in more affluent societies. The piece argues that the ability to engage in debates about issues like "White Privilege" is itself indicative of privilege, given that many around the world, such as the citizens of Lebanon, are denied basic human rights and face life-threatening conditions. The author points out that the mere act of protesting in Lebanon can lead to execution, underscoring the absence of justice and the extreme oppression faced by its people. The article calls for a broader acknowledgment of the privileges enjoyed by those who have access to food, safety, and the freedom to express themselves, suggesting that this recognition should transcend racial lines and unite people in addressing global humanitarian crises.

Opinions

The author feels that the debate over "White Privilege" overlooks the broader context of global privilege, where even the ability to debate such issues is a sign of relative prosperity and freedom.
There is a sense of frustration that while people in privileged societies focus on racial controversies, an entire nation like Lebanon is facing starvation and a lack of basic human rights without significant attention or action.
The author believes that the privileges of expressing opinions, demanding change, and even the act of engaging in controversies are often taken for granted by those in more stable societies.
The article suggests that readers should accept apologies related to racial issues and focus on the collective privilege they share as members of a society where change is possible, rather than dwelling on past grievances.
It is implied that the situation in Lebanon is emblematic of a human crisis that requires immediate attention and that the privileged should recognize their ability to help and advocate for those less fortunate.
The author emphasizes that the discussion around privilege should expand to include all humans, advocating for a more inclusive and global perspective on human rights and societal privileges.

A starving family in Lebanon woke me up. The fact that you have an opinion on the topic of racism is proof that you are among the privileged.

I felt sick recently when a dear friend told me of his living conditions inside the borders of Lebanon. His own government has created such oppressive circumstances that his family is only allotted two hours daily to use electricity, and they are not allowed to use a currency other than the local currency that has lost value almost completely.

The food is rationed out to less than one meal a day when distributed and there is no way to increase their economic success. They are truly and terribly oppressed as a society. An entire nation of people — slowly starving in those borders and we cannot break them free.

I wanted to mail him some supplies like batteries, flashlights, dry foods, and cleaning kits for those without much water. When I asked him how he receives mail there in Lebanon his reply made me feel helpless. He indicated that he wasn’t sure if mail ever comes because they don’t get mail anymore, and there has been no correspondence from the outside world other than his brief talks with friends online. If I want to mail a friend a letter in Lebanon, it likely won't get there.

I thought, perhaps a fundraiser for plane tickets might be a way to get his whole family of six out of there. Our group online had many of us volunteering our couches as a temporary refuge from his nightmare. He was gracious in response, thanking us all for the kind thoughts. But the thoughts were crushed by the truth. The cost of a flight out of Lebanon is equivalent to one year’s rent for a low-income American. Multiply that by six. Yeah. They aren’t going anywhere. Sadly. Even if a miraculous fundraiser could be conducted the process to leave the Lebanese borders involves a stringent set of criteria and people are turned away daily, without recourse on lost funds.

While feeling sick about his dire situation I scrolled the Medium front page as always. Then I saw yet another rant about “White Privilege” and it made me want to scream. You really must see that we are in a civilized time and the mere fact that we are allowed to have this ongoing controversy is proof that we are all amongst the privileged. My Lebanese friend could be executed for loudly protesting anything at all in his neighborhood. There is no justice for people in Lebanon right now.

That is a situation that needs attention. I agree that Black Lives Matter. Time to accept the millions of apologies, and accept that change can happen and it will. Let go of the pent up hatred and anger — and acknowledge each other as very privileged members of modern, constructive society.

If you are able to find something to eat and if you have a good chance at waking up tomorrow and having breakfast … you are more fortunate than the entire nation of Lebanon.

Most of the people who will read this are living where the government lets us eat and laugh and grow and communicate. They let us be as angry as we want to be about things that happen. We are allowed to ask for change — demand it even. That is a privilege too, don’t you see?

Demand change. Then ALLOW change. Let the change come or you are just perpetuating the problem.

You can allow change by accepting the apologies whether or not you feel they are heartfelt. They are an honest offering. I suggest that all people take a moment to focus on the situation in Lebanon. They matter. They would do anything for a sliver of the Modern Human Privilege that we all have in abundance. It is much bigger than black or white. It is human.

This is not about black and white.

It’s Time To Acknowledge Modern Human Privilege Regardless Of Skin Tone

A starving family in Lebanon woke me up. The fact that you have an opinion on the topic of racism is proof that you are among the privileged.