Quote:
Originally Posted by Adder
But there isn't really. The "cost" is maybe having a small chance of not getting the benefit of a long history of privilege. Can you really say you "deserved" what you're giving up?
Which is more or less what you say in your next paragraph.
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I got into a pretty long discussion with my sister a few weeks ago about the concept of "dessert"* and how I don't really believe in it. It's somewhat linked to privilege and entitlement, but it's more than that. People have this idea that they deserve all sorts of things: Love, happiness, a place in school, a raise, etc. But mostly based on luck and circumstance and other, usually self-interested people's opinions and decisions with some effort thrown in. And its entirely relative.
This isn't to say I don't understand why people think that they deserve things. I just don't think that, all things being equal, most people would be where they are now if dessert were applied justly and equitably. I'm pretty Rawlsian when it comes down to it.
I'm white, but I'm also Hispanic. I don't really think of myself as white most of the time, though I certainly can slip into the role if I want to. I enjoy an immense amount of privilege, and I try to check it as often as I can.
*I do believe in after meal sweets.
