Thinking about Privileges
As I walked a morning, my daily morning stroll, I saw very many cycle rickshaws pullers hurrying. They wanted to reach the girls hostels that are located very near to University of Delhi, just a km away. Several private student hostels have sprung up lately. The students, are lazy, they do not want to walk even a km to reach their college; prefer to take a rickshaw ride. They belong to a new privileged section of society. But I think so is the rickshaw puller!!
I think everyone is privileged in one sense or the other. Some are born privileged in a rich family of a higher caste, beautiful looks, social connections, educated. Others earn them, by virtue of their selection or election to a powerful position. While, some are privileged because of higher their higher caste, others are getting some privileges because of their lower caste or their location of dwelling, livelihood.
Everyone is jealous of the privileges others are enjoying, whether through high income due to corrupt practices, or easier admission to privileged institutions or jobs in government.
Indeed that is a global trend, whether the caste system or not. People would always grudge the privileges enjoyed by others. They would like an equitable treatment, regardless of socio economic realities or historical facts.
I too am privileged, I was born in a rather well to do middle class family, had access to reasonably good education in some very privileged educational institutions. Having developed an attitude and reached a stage, when I have much fewer aspirations; when I really do not have to worry for a job. But, I am not jealous of anyone.
I think, I am comfortable, I can indeed quote this segment of a poem by Anishinaabekwe entitled "The Poverty of Privilege"
The poverty of privilege,
Excessive living,
Those in privilege are poor,
Suffering,
I can't smile at you,
You have nothing to offer me,
Because the poverty of privilege,
Takes,
And never gives...
Rakesh Mohan Hallen