Agreed. And that isn’t something that needs to be apologized for or embarrassed of, but I do think people should just be aware and honest about the privilege that gives them.
Why should we broadcast privilege as if it is something one needs to apologise for? Life was never meant to be fair. You have privilege to own a computer and have the time to post messages on Substack. More than an unfortunate victim of war in Sudan, say. Do you feel you have to be honest about that. The word privilege is overused
I meant that people should be aware and honest with themselves about the benefits their privilege awards to them — not that they need to broadcast it to the world every time they speak. To answer your question about me, yes I feel *extremely* grateful that I was randomly born into the life circumstances I was given, and I’m aware that many of the good things I have wouldn’t have been possible without winning that random lottery. Simply acknowledging that doesn’t discredit the work I’ve put in to build the life I want, but it would be foolish for me not to also acknowledge that other people work just as hard but don’t have access to the same opportunities (or in the case of the Sudan war victims, they could work 100x as hard and they’d still be capped). I wonder if privilege has just become a sensitive word, because I don’t think it’s controversial to say that your “initial life circumstances” (which feels like a more politically neutral way to discuss privilege) plays a role in your life outcomes. Why is that so controversial to accept?
not controversial, I am just sensitive about the 'privilege' word which has been at times weaponised and politicised. I think it is better to use the term gratitude. The practice of gratitude just means being honest to ourselves about whatsoever life has given us, which is much more than some people and much less than others.
I hear you and completely agree that, despite the difference in our language/phrasing, it ultimately comes down to having gratitude/appreciation for your lot in life. It’s almost like a form of humility, which I think is very healthy and productive (whereas I can admit that at times, a lot of the discussion around privilege veers into feelings of guilt — which I don’t think is healthy because, again, you have no control over the situation you were born into). I’m grateful we had this discussion! 🙏
we are all privileged, health, living in a country where there is no war. Health? Having food in the fridge? Water from a tap? Having a pc to write about privilege - as if it is just about houses.
I see that there seems to be a persistent myth that somehow “boomers” had it easy. Perhaps some did, especially those whose parents were financially successful. But in general, they had it no easier than you. Picture this: you are 19 years old, minding your own business and one day you receive a notice that you are required to report for induction into the Army to fight a war in a jungle on the other side of the planet. Happened to me. Upon return to civilization you find gas prices have skyrocketed if you can get it at all. (There are long lines at gas stations.). Inflation is raging. For years. Want to buy a home? Mortgage rates are 14%. Need a car? Good luck. The term “sticker shock” was invented in the 70’s. My parents were blue collar workers and not in any position to help me much. And yet, I had it easier than they did. They were raised during the depression and my dad and all my uncles fought in WWII. Some in Europe and some in the Pacific. Even though they couldn’t directly help me financially I benefited from the lives they lived. In short, you are blessed beyond all measure. Economically, you are in the top 1% in the world. You are benefitting from all those people who built America for the last 250 years. Be thankful! Nobody is independent of those that came before. I hope you are able to help your children in their adulthood. It’s a good thing. But you are already helping them with the love and care you give. You are doing great! Keep it up!
You are delusional Allison. You think the Boomers had it easy? That’s just so not true. Reread what Doug Miller wrote, let that really sink in until you understand it. Actually, until you feel it. You may be educated but you have a narrow view of a big picture. Every generation has to struggle and work hard to get ahead in life. I’d say YOU are the LUCKY one!! I don’t know anyone who lives rent free and has free childcare. Unless you’re on welfare. You have first world problems. If you want to be an adult, act like one. Two dogs and a stroller, poor you. Doug was much kinder. I think you need a wake-up call.
Boomers did have it easier. There’s no way around it. I don’t want to make you cry but the insanity that faces you for housing costs is impossible for a student to meet.
In the days of the boomers it was cheap and students could figure out deals to live off campus. Wages were also cheap but so were groceries and gas.
You didn’t need to put your future in hock to attend college. So, if you get shit from people about college debt today ( and they happen to be boomers) let them have it.!!
Are you alright Cathy? There’s this thing called INFLATION. The minimum wage in the 70’s was around $1.70. Of course everything was cheaper. When I went out with my friends, if one of us had $5.00, we thought we were rich. You blame all your perceived woes on the Boomers when in actuality your problems are of your own making. Nobody owes you anything. Go work for it.
I don't like the cursing and sexual content in today's music, I'm old school from the 70s, I love the slow ballads of the old days when they had actual meaning, this rap or hip hop is like semi porn, sorry if you don't agree with me, but I have my opinion
I agree “Happy” might be evil. The simple mention of it instantly gets it stuckbin my head. This is one reason I prefer either classical or minimalist techno. The fewer words the better.
May I invite you to join my Substack series, “They Moved the Needle”? In this series, I invite founders who have landed their first paying customers to share their journey and lessons with readers. I think your story would resonate with a lot of aspiring founders, and I’d be honored to feature you.
All of us start life on the shoulders of those who have gone before us, and some shoulders are higher. Good public education can be a (very partial) equaliser, which is I believe, why social mobility is higher in the EU (very variable however) than in the US.
Regarding the "Hallmarks of Adulthood" piece. Living partially off one's parents doesn't mean you're not an adult. It means you're a privileged one.
Agreed. And that isn’t something that needs to be apologized for or embarrassed of, but I do think people should just be aware and honest about the privilege that gives them.
Why should we broadcast privilege as if it is something one needs to apologise for? Life was never meant to be fair. You have privilege to own a computer and have the time to post messages on Substack. More than an unfortunate victim of war in Sudan, say. Do you feel you have to be honest about that. The word privilege is overused
I meant that people should be aware and honest with themselves about the benefits their privilege awards to them — not that they need to broadcast it to the world every time they speak. To answer your question about me, yes I feel *extremely* grateful that I was randomly born into the life circumstances I was given, and I’m aware that many of the good things I have wouldn’t have been possible without winning that random lottery. Simply acknowledging that doesn’t discredit the work I’ve put in to build the life I want, but it would be foolish for me not to also acknowledge that other people work just as hard but don’t have access to the same opportunities (or in the case of the Sudan war victims, they could work 100x as hard and they’d still be capped). I wonder if privilege has just become a sensitive word, because I don’t think it’s controversial to say that your “initial life circumstances” (which feels like a more politically neutral way to discuss privilege) plays a role in your life outcomes. Why is that so controversial to accept?
not controversial, I am just sensitive about the 'privilege' word which has been at times weaponised and politicised. I think it is better to use the term gratitude. The practice of gratitude just means being honest to ourselves about whatsoever life has given us, which is much more than some people and much less than others.
I hear you and completely agree that, despite the difference in our language/phrasing, it ultimately comes down to having gratitude/appreciation for your lot in life. It’s almost like a form of humility, which I think is very healthy and productive (whereas I can admit that at times, a lot of the discussion around privilege veers into feelings of guilt — which I don’t think is healthy because, again, you have no control over the situation you were born into). I’m grateful we had this discussion! 🙏
Thank you MDL, I was trying to figure out how to say, must be nice.
we are all privileged, health, living in a country where there is no war. Health? Having food in the fridge? Water from a tap? Having a pc to write about privilege - as if it is just about houses.
I see that there seems to be a persistent myth that somehow “boomers” had it easy. Perhaps some did, especially those whose parents were financially successful. But in general, they had it no easier than you. Picture this: you are 19 years old, minding your own business and one day you receive a notice that you are required to report for induction into the Army to fight a war in a jungle on the other side of the planet. Happened to me. Upon return to civilization you find gas prices have skyrocketed if you can get it at all. (There are long lines at gas stations.). Inflation is raging. For years. Want to buy a home? Mortgage rates are 14%. Need a car? Good luck. The term “sticker shock” was invented in the 70’s. My parents were blue collar workers and not in any position to help me much. And yet, I had it easier than they did. They were raised during the depression and my dad and all my uncles fought in WWII. Some in Europe and some in the Pacific. Even though they couldn’t directly help me financially I benefited from the lives they lived. In short, you are blessed beyond all measure. Economically, you are in the top 1% in the world. You are benefitting from all those people who built America for the last 250 years. Be thankful! Nobody is independent of those that came before. I hope you are able to help your children in their adulthood. It’s a good thing. But you are already helping them with the love and care you give. You are doing great! Keep it up!
You are delusional Allison. You think the Boomers had it easy? That’s just so not true. Reread what Doug Miller wrote, let that really sink in until you understand it. Actually, until you feel it. You may be educated but you have a narrow view of a big picture. Every generation has to struggle and work hard to get ahead in life. I’d say YOU are the LUCKY one!! I don’t know anyone who lives rent free and has free childcare. Unless you’re on welfare. You have first world problems. If you want to be an adult, act like one. Two dogs and a stroller, poor you. Doug was much kinder. I think you need a wake-up call.
Boomers did have it easier. There’s no way around it. I don’t want to make you cry but the insanity that faces you for housing costs is impossible for a student to meet.
In the days of the boomers it was cheap and students could figure out deals to live off campus. Wages were also cheap but so were groceries and gas.
You didn’t need to put your future in hock to attend college. So, if you get shit from people about college debt today ( and they happen to be boomers) let them have it.!!
Are you alright Cathy? There’s this thing called INFLATION. The minimum wage in the 70’s was around $1.70. Of course everything was cheaper. When I went out with my friends, if one of us had $5.00, we thought we were rich. You blame all your perceived woes on the Boomers when in actuality your problems are of your own making. Nobody owes you anything. Go work for it.
Thanks for sharing my art! 🤓
Thank you for sharing my post on Paris and preserves!
👏👏👏
I don't like the cursing and sexual content in today's music, I'm old school from the 70s, I love the slow ballads of the old days when they had actual meaning, this rap or hip hop is like semi porn, sorry if you don't agree with me, but I have my opinion
I agree…today’s music is crap, especially rap!
Bob Dylan admitted making a deal with the devil for fame, like all the rich & famous do.
No
I agree “Happy” might be evil. The simple mention of it instantly gets it stuckbin my head. This is one reason I prefer either classical or minimalist techno. The fewer words the better.
Hi
Please check as a recommendation by an avid reader the witty smart funny and observing posts by one Lulu Levy @lululevy
Dear Mrs. Amy,
May I invite you to join my Substack series, “They Moved the Needle”? In this series, I invite founders who have landed their first paying customers to share their journey and lessons with readers. I think your story would resonate with a lot of aspiring founders, and I’d be honored to feature you.
I don't like the AI Voice
U must gay Xocc cc
All of us start life on the shoulders of those who have gone before us, and some shoulders are higher. Good public education can be a (very partial) equaliser, which is I believe, why social mobility is higher in the EU (very variable however) than in the US.
Harry says Taylor’s ‘Style’ is evil.
I am NOT apologizing for having a home.
My take on "Happy" – it's cynical, not evil.