Not sure why I care
I try not to worry about what others think. I'm generally mediocre- middle aged, white man with a decent university job. I struggled through my degrees, and while I didn't do everything right and take advantage of every opportunity, I did the best I knew how to do.
Now, the societal conversation has shifted and I hear that everything I've done is only on account of my privilege. When I succeed, at best, it's playing game on the easy setting, and nothing noteworthy. At worst, it's on the backs of slaves and on stolen land. If I fail, well, I failed on the easy setting, which is to REALLY suck. I have always prided myself in my hard work, working two full time jobs at times, full time while in school, and so on. No matter what I do, I'll always have "had it easy".
Realizing I will always be viewed and evaluated based on my perceived privilege and not my accomplishments makes me not want to accomplish anything. I haven't done anything great, and at this point, I have no desire to. I'll do the bare minimum I can get away with until I can find a way to walk away from it all.
Compared to every one else who has posted, my problems are nothing, but I guess that's the whole problem. I guess the whole thing is that, by my nature, I'm weaker, and unable to deal with stress, such that everything feels like hard work, when it's just the ramblings of a whiny, mediocre white man.
@supalark
I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling this way. It's completely understandable to have moments of doubt and frustration, especially when it feels like your accomplishments are being overshadowed by discussions of privilege.
While it can be disheartening to feel like your efforts are being undermined, it's important to focus on your own growth and personal fulfillment. Don't let external opinions define your worth. You have overcome challenges, worked hard, and achieved things that are meaningful to you. Your accomplishments are valid and deserving of recognition.
Remember, you are not weak or lesser because of these thoughts. We all have moments of self-doubt, but it's how we respond and grow from them that truly matters. Take the time to reflect on your own values, passions, and goals, and pursue them with renewed determination. You are capable of great things, and I believe in you.
@supalark
I do not think anyone likes to be stereotyped and blamed for items they had no control over. IT is NOT all due to one thing... if it was every person of same group would be at the very least semi successful and look around we know that is NOT true...
YOU can enjoy your success and accomplishments ...............regardless......... when you see they hypocrisy and flaws in logic.... just ignore it if you can ...
i frankly do not get how this flawed theory........ solves any issue......... by being reverse stereotyping or blaming whole groups by skin color or sex..... seems really like a one way street. The truth is some do not want equal treatment and this blame game is a way to keep peopel *** off as MANY have found ways to PROFIT off of ***.
University settings can be hard on that narrative, but it is a particularly incomplete one. Everyone starts at a different point and where you are is in a position of pain. It makes no different your gender or race at that moment. It doesn't help to compare yourself to anyone else. You aren't just whining. Your brain isn't working in helpful ways and is sending out really rough chemicals to have to manage. That can ultimately be a disability.
If you think about it, we are all on a spectrum of privilege that we haven't earned. We all have things that we have been granted that others don't have. But we weren't part of the fact that we got that privilege.
What matters is what you do with our privilege. I know of my own heavy privilege, but I just see it in terms of listening to other people and being kinder with those stories. It isn't some kind of blame game. It is working together to try to make things better for everyone.
I know that your brain probably isn't taking you there right now. That is okay. You can find your way there eventually if you start talking to others about your pain. @supalark