As we were approaching Thanksgiving, I began to notice how those around me were speaking about the things for which they were thankful. As they named those things- home, health, food, safety – they would link them to the word blessing. The more I listened to them the more troubled I became.
Maybe I just over think it, but I believe words matter.
And, how we use words matter.
In subtle, but powerful ways the words we use both shape and reflect our perceptions. And that is true of both of these words – blessing and privilege.
The word blessing connote favor.
Something bestowed on us because of who we are.
But, I wonder if it is the correct word to use when we say things like:
“The blessings of life…”
As I asked those to whom I was speaking when I was asked to speak about Thanksgiving, does that mean that those who don’t have what we name as blessings are less blessed than we are or are less grateful. That doesn’t site well with me and I don’t think that is true. Some of the most grateful people I have ever met have far less than what I have.
As, I have continued to think about it I wonder if the word we should be using is privilege.
Because of the color of my skin…
Because of where I was born…
Because I am male…
Because of more factors than I can really name or know…
I have led a privileged life.
It has enabled me to become educated.
It has opened doors, which were and are sometimes closed to others.
It has enabled me to walk down a street and not be questioned.
And those things I enjoy for which I am grateful – health, safety, more than enough food, a home larger than most in this world – are more a result of privilege than blessing. (Yes, I realize that my own hard work and effort have played a part, but others who also work hard often have much less.)
But, we don’t like or want to use that word privilege, do we?
Because then we have to grapple with the implications of what that means.
And, what our obligation and responsibilities might then be.
But, until we do, we will just be fooling ourselves.
And, holding others, safely, at arms length.
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