A Conversation about Privilege
There’s a lot of synchronicity in play right NOW!
YOU: “C, you’ve been privileged your entire life?”
ME: “Privileged? In what way have I been privileged?”YOU: “Have you ever had a day where you felt as though no one believed in you?”
ME: (pause)YOU: “I’ve seen you accomplish the things we dreamed of and then so much more.””
ME: “How does that equate to privileged?””YOU: “Christiano, you’ve run your life, your way, for as long as I can remember. No one ever got in your way. Only you got in your way. How many people do you know that have never doubted they could accomplish something?”
ME: (shrugs) “Not many adults.”YOU: “Christiano, stop. Answer this. When was the last time you truly doubted that you could accomplish something you believed you could do?”
ME: (pause) Nothing comes to mind.
YOU: “Exactly! It’s the reason I LISTEN to your music and story-telling. I grew up and you didn’t. You got bigger, smarter, fatter, skinny and hairy… but you never grew up and I won’t ever let you make that mistake. My children know everything about you… everything and they love you for it. I love you for all your fuck-ups and fix-ups. You’ve made more mistakes than all of us combined… and you’ve out-lived, out-loved and continue to outpace us. I’m not afraid to admit that I have fear of so many things.”ME: “Where does this equate to privileged?”
YOU: “You have self-worth and have done things others wouldn’t dare…. and so… I have conquered several of my fears because of you. All of us, from that time, talk about you and what you have inspired us to do, try or become.”ME: “If you have an inkling of your self worth, you’re more prone to take chances.”
YOU: “It’s only, or most often, through a position of privilege that we are empowered to believe in ourselves.”ME: (pause)
YOU: “The ones that give you the hardest time believe you can do what they cannot… and it, unknowingly, makes them uncomfortable. Don’t stop! I love you! We love you. Keep going, C! Don’t take 7 years to call me back next time!”
For those that know… I’m going to do “it.”
#FinalDecision
