Having Privileges is God's Grace?

Talking about privileges,

Starting the topic by telling my old story happened last year is my first notion which emerges in my mind. This event occurred a few years when I watched a well-known cartoon movie produced by Walt Disney Pictures. As usual, a small chit chat between us appeared during the film show.

“This movie is remade from Disney's traditionally animated old film. Take a look, counting down, in three seconds the main actor will call his counterpart” he told me vigorously and his eyes sparkling with satisfaction.

“Sounds good”

“Have you ever watched this original movie before?”

“Not yet”

“Really, what movie did you watch in your childhood?”

I said nothing with a shrug and just smiled at him.

*****

“Hey buddy, let me tell you something” I opened a casual conversation when we walked to leave the cinema

“What’s that?”

“You know where I come from, right?”

“Of course, why?”

“Yaps, I was born in a small town where the bus is the only available public transportation if you want to reach it, no train, no airplane, no air balloon (smiling)……. Do you know that after all this time, in this year my mayor inaugurates the first cinema in my hometown, you have to know that my first visiting time to the movie theater is when I dwelt in Surabaya (*the second-largest city in Indonesia)”

“Well, I remember your story about when your first time to get acquainted with Bobo”

“Sure, I am an indigenous rural native. Moving into the city since Junior High School for attaining better education is a must in my family, then I know what Bobo’s magazine is”

He clammed up while I continued my words.

“We have the different privileges, and you have better than mine obviously, at least you have Harry Potter and Encyclopedia book at five years old and amazingly spending your childhood in France”.

He merely put a grimacing smile on his face and I totally understood that he felt awkward with this topic.

“Let’s get some food, I’m gonna pig out tonight” I attempted to refresh the situation

“Well, let’s go, I am feeling peckish!” he said

*****

Have you found out the purpose of my preamble story?

Can you conclude what is the meaning of privilege?

Well, let me tell you!

Being born in a capital city is a privilege

Being born into a rich family is a privilege

Being born as a man is a privilege

Having a social majority is a privilege

Having lots of business network is a privilege

Having a good looking face is a huge privilege

Seriously, life is somehow easier when you’re good looking.

If you ever read the story of The Warren Harding Error in Malcolm Gladwell's Blink book. In the case of Harding, American voters assumed that Harding would be a great president because he looked like a great charismatic talented leader by judging his appearances. They unconsciously believed that good-looking people make competent leaders. In fact, Harding was elected for president and became one of the worst presidents in American history. Perhaps you can check the life story of Al Capone or maybe a fried banana seller who is awarded a handsome face in your cluster area. Good-looking people are judged to be more outgoing, socially competent, powerful, intelligent, and healthy.

That’s just a fact.

In some cases, people are uncomfortable with the term “having privileges”. Why? Because not everyone likes to be privileged, sometimes they get an unpleasant stigma in society, presumed easier to get achievements cause of utilizing their privileges.

Never deny privileges Just acknowledge privileges Because not everyone was born with privileges It is God's grace

Having privileges doesn’t mean guarantee a perfect life, it just means that you have more initial supports than others, so utilize it.

How if I don't have privileges? Just create it (if possible). Apart from God's destiny, privilege is also a fruit of hard work and sacrifice.