People Explain Which Things Everybody Might Not Realize Are Actually A Privilege

People Explain Which Things Everybody Might Not Realize Are Actually A Privilege
Image by ElasticComputeFarm from Pixabay

Privilege is discussed quite a bit these days, and for good reason. So many people are able to live life longer, more peacefully, and freely than others thanks to factors they had no control over.

And yet, there is an element of popularity among the privileges discussed. People acknowledge their race, class, gender identity, sexual orientation, and citizenship status a lot.

That makes sense. Those are massively significant social realities that we need to grapple with constantly.

But there are some other privileges that we don't always think about. There are some things even more basic that not everybody gets to enjoy.

Observing them can make us all feel a bit more grateful.

Redditor Mburns15 asked:

"What is something most people don't realize is a privilege?"

Many called attention to the fact that the physical ability to interact with a majority of public infrastructure isn't a sure thing.

Always Calling Ahead

"Spontaneity in your daily plans. If you're a wheelchair user that's virtually impossible."

"So few places have accessible restrooms, some public transport needs contact 24 hours in advance in order to accommodate you, the list goes on."

"I envy people who can just go with the flow."

-- TheIrishninjas

Take Care

"Being able-bodied. So many people are one accident away from being unemployed and don't realize that. Your job will ruin your body - be aware and fight it."

-- InternationalGas2021

A Silent Struggle

"Not having chronic pain" -- Aggravating_Okra_00

"Having energy to do what you want with your life. Trying to explain to people how exhausting and draining chronic pain can be. Having to explain the concept of energy budgets to people - sure I could come out and do $funthing with you, but then I wouldn't have the energy to cook and clean the house and would be useless at work tomorrow." -- Fraerie

Others chose to point out the very basic necessities that are far from ensured across the world.

To Be Comfortable

"Feeling safe in your own home. Not worrying about rats, mice, roaches, bed bugs, bricks being thrown through windows, violence outside, break ins."

-- yesohoygh

Peace

"Privacy. I don't mean digital privacy, I mean a room with solid walls and a door that closes. Lots of people don't have that."

-- Much-Reality3817

Exercising Gratitude

"Having access to water and a sewage system. Also the abundance of food in western super markets is quite frankly insane. Every day I try and spend a moment to reflect on how lucky I am."

-- DrSealMan

Game Changer

"Sanitary products for women! It's different in different parts of the world + economic backgrounds"

-- jesuschristsleftfoot

And finally, a few people from countries around the world discussed the unique, intense struggles of living in a place that isn't embedded in the affluence of the Western world.

Just Imagine

"Going about your daily life without seriously worrying about your physical safety. Sleeping at night without worrying about whether a bomb is going to come through your roof."

-- yourlittlebirdie

Not a Given

"Having the ability to express an opinion. Free speech is very censored in a lot of the world." -- BananaLCG

"Criticizing your own government." -- ipf000

The Ability to Think About Other Things

"Living in a good country, not having to spend your youth worrying about how to immigrate to good countries."

-- MiniSugaSwag

But before you think of this list as a big long guilt trip, imagine a more positive spin on this. There are so many things to feel grateful for, even when it seems like everything is working against you.

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