Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack

Unearned Privileges

Having been born into a wealthy family:

1. I was never looked down upon by others
2.   I was never set in the “majority” poverty stature of my race
3.    It was never assumed that I knew Spanish, so no one ever approached me speaking it
4.  I always had the medical attention I needed
5. I never had old clothes or shoes
6.  I was always invited and included with the ‘white’ kids
7.    I attended highly recognized schools and never had to worry about expenses, even when attending college
8.     I was never bullied or targeted by others
9.    I was never starred at by others
10.  I was never followed or watched by store workers as I shopped
11. I was able to get all the things I ever needed and wanted growing up
12. I was always insured
13.  I was given a lot of the things most people of my race usually would have to work for
14. I never have to work while in school
15.  I never have to worry about money because I know my parents will take care of me 

I feel we all have a responsibility to give up unearned privileges that benefit us to have a more equal society here in America. Even though it may not be our fault that we come into this world with these privileges. For example, being born white, or wealthy or even male these are things out of our control that none of us can predict. I feel we, Americans, are so used to these privileges it would be hard to give these everyday things up. I never noticed how privileged I was compared to other people just because of my families social class. Like Peggy McIntosh stated, “[we] are carefully taught not to recognize [these] privileges” so they have become somewhat of a norm for each of us and when the norms of a person are stripped from them it becomes hard for those persons to deal with or handle their day to day lives. Now I’m not saying that we shouldn’t give these privileges up, in fact I’m stating the opposite. I believe everyone no matter what gender, race, affiliation or religion we are or come from, it is best that we all start with the same privileges and in order for this to happen we all have to give a little; Even if it hurts us.