Eric Zorn
Privileged? Some see it as fighting word
Chicago Tribune
Published October 2, 2005

* Being privileged is spring break in Appalachia working with the poor....Lauren McLaughlin
* Being privileged is spending hundreds of dollars per year on a green lawn.....Cara Conway
* Being privileged is knowing your child will have gym, art, and music during the course of the school day....Barbara Dillon

Reader response was strong, helpful and, in some cases, angry to last Sunday's column in which I offered a short list of the minor attributes of a privileged life--those little opportunities and perks many of us take for granted but serve as a reminder of how good we have it compared to some.

I asked for contributions to my list and received hundreds.

* Being privileged is telling your friends "I've got it" when the waitress brings the check...Gladys Cortez
* Being privileged is never worrying about how much money there is in your wallet, because you have three credit cards in there, too....John Glaenzer
* Being privileged is feeding the leftovers to the dog....James E. Gierach

Some readers didn't like my list, which was inspired by author John Scalzi's evocative "Being poor," published recently in the Tribune and many other newspapers.

They charged that both lists were attempts by liberals to guilt-trip those who have worked hard, been careful with their money and can now afford a few nice things.

"Being privileged is pretending to express solidarity with the poor by disparaging other people's consumption choices in a way that makes you seem morally superior," wrote "Lenin" in a posting to a comment area of my Tribune Web log.

"Hardworkingcitizen" added, "Being privileged is being blamed by Eric Zorn and compatriots for choices people make like having children before getting married or getting a job."

Some felt that the word "privilege" demeaned hardworking people by implying that they hadn't earned or didn't deserve all the advantages in life they enjoy--an implication that's true or partially true in many cases (including my own), but beside the point.

If "privileged" as the flip side of "underprivileged" doesn't work for you, try "fortunate" or "blessed" or "secure."

* Being privileged is buying clothes from the thrift store. For a Halloween costume. Because it's funny....Kevin Q.
* Being privileged is not wondering how you'll afford Christmas....Karen Smith If contemplating the comforts in your life sends you into a defensive rage, I don't want to be invited to your place for Thanksgiving.

Give thanks? For what? I've earned everything I have! I deserve it!

* Being privileged is designer diet food for your overweight cat....Mary Ann
* Being privileged is having the ability to help an elderly relative from going into the system....Jeanne
* Being privileged is knowing you could quit your job if you wanted to....Chris
* Being privileged is going out to dinner and a movie, and the baby-sitter isn't related to you....Sarah Young
* Being privileged is not having to join the military to pay for college....Marilyn Scruggs

The roots of privilege are as complex as the roots of poverty. Most often, choices and luck, good and bad, are involved. The point here is not to inspire guilt, but to inspire a little more charity in thought and deed toward those who haven't been as lucky. That's all.

* Being privileged is never bouncing a check....Gareth Fenley
* Being privileged is getting a college scholarship solely due to who your parents are....P.J.
* Being privileged means if your husband abuses you, you can leave.... C.D.
* Being privileged is reading this list and thinking, "That's not a luxury--it's a normal part of life."....Kathy Roberts

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