The Problem with Privilege

I am probably going to get hate mail for this, and its most likely going to be rambly.

I had to stop reading social justice blogs about checking one's privilege. I am exceedingly aware, that as a white woman living in the United States under the age of 30 I have a lot of privilege.

No one questions my motives when I go somewhere. I do not make less money because I am a minority. I grew up in an upper middle class family as was able to go to college. I didn't know what hunger was and really still don't. I have always had enough to eat, a family that encourages me to follow my passions, and access to education. I am fortunate. This doesn't mean I don't care about those who struggle and need help.

I was not denied the right to marry the man I fell in love with. But this doesn't mean I don't feel strongly about EVERYONE having the right to marry whomever they please. I am someone that believes in equality.

This doesn't mean I don't make mistakes.

Here's where it gets tricky.

Reading social justice blogs made me hate everything.

Have a favorite author? Here. Read a diatribe on how this mistake they made makes them a terrible role model. Doesn't matter if they apologized. They should check their privilege before speaking.

Enjoy a TV show or book series? Here. Have a list of reasons why your favorite show is degrading to X population. Still think overall its pretty good even though there are some places where it can be improved? Check your privilege, not everyone can look past those things because they live them every day.

Do you have what society considers the "ideal" body type? Check your privilege! Fat people can't buy clothes as easily or as cheaply as you can.

Every single post I read made me hate the things I love just a little more.

Because there is no happy medium. Yes, things are problematic. We live in a society that isn't equal. There is rape culture. There is still racism. There is still hatred. There are still inequalities among people.

But refusing to accept people's apologies when they are sincere, and continuing to bash them and their works of art because of an unintentional mistake? Enough is enough.

You've got to let light in some where or dry up.

So I stopped reading.

But I wont stop fighting.