Can One Be Privileged Without Being Rich?

When one gazes upon a bell curve, one always encounters outliers. In the realm of societal dynamics, these outliers present a complex narrative. The interplay between wealth, inheritance, and privilege is often misunderstood and simplified into traditional binaries: rich and privileged versus poor and not privileged. However, there lies a broader spectrum—one that is often overlooked.

Privilege Redefined

Barack Obama's stepfather had a net worth of 500 million, while his mother held a PhD. Conversely, a white individual living below the poverty line falls into the latter category. Additionally, many Americans are neither rich nor poor but fall into the category of privileged and not rich. This includes countless individuals who earn a living wage and live above the poverty line but are not yet in the millionaire class.

The Allegedly Unprivileged Rich

It is also worth noting the allegedly unprivileged who are rich. There are an estimated 1.7 million Black, 1.7 million Asian, and 1.6 million Hispanic millionaires in the USA. This reality challenges the notion that wealth is a direct indicator of privilege. The concept of privilege often plays into left-wing narrative tropes, which can be misleading and overly simplistic.

Physical Privilege

A fundamental concept in discussions of privilege is physicality. If one looks at the average number of limbs on a human, it is less than two. Most humans typically have two limbs. However, this is not the case for everyone. With this in mind, those who are not missing any body parts have a form of physical privilege. It is important, however, to recognize that the focus should be on the equality of opportunity and basic living rather than privileged attributes.

Rethinking the Narrative

In an attempt to stop perpetuating a asinine narrative, one must reconsider the notion that immutable physical characteristics or financial wealth confer an advantage. The idea that a depressed person cannot have desires is absurd. Instead, the focus should be on the desires themselves and the fulfillment of basic needs. This brings us to the concept of wealth.

Money, while often seen as a means to acquire wealth, is not synonymous with it. True wealth may be found in the reduction of desires. It is not about the quantity of possessions or funds but about contentment and fulfillment. Those who are content with their basic needs met and do not desire more are the ones who approach a state of genuine wealth and happiness. Conversely, those who spend their entire income on consumer goods that bring temporary satisfaction may lack the true wealth that comes from contentment.

Flow State and Contentment

A moment of flow is often the epitome of contentment. Whether it is engrossed in a piece of music, a drawing, or even a jigsaw puzzle, the individual experiences a state where all their needs are met and they are oblivious to the outside world. This state of being is a form of wealth because it fosters happiness, contentment, and a sense of purpose.

It is essential to recognize that wealth is not just about what one has but also about what one does not desire. Contentment and satisfaction are key components. Living a life where one’s basic needs are met while having few desires is a form of wealth that transcends monetary value.

Conclusion

The debate around privilege and wealth is complex and requires a nuanced understanding. Physical and economic privilege do exist, but the true wealth lies in contentment and fulfillment of basic needs. To foster a society that values these qualities, it is important to rethink and reframe our narratives about privilege. Understanding the inherent privilege of basic human functions and the true meaning of wealth can lead to a society that is more content and fulfilled.