Entitlement and Privilege

[Mesozoic Mister Nigel]

One of the things being aware of privileges can help to alleviate is that whole "bootstrap" mentality... the idea that "if I could make it, anyone can, if they just try hard enough".

If we are able to recognize the factors that contributed to our own success, we are less likely to blame others, in general, for not thriving, and more likely to be able to recognize (and maybe even do something about) the factors that prevent others from thriving.

Having a fall is good for that. Anyone who's ever had it sweet then had the rug pulled out then managed to rebuild should be able to appreciate how "easy" it is. Of course, it's not a given. It's talking apes, after all.

Unfortunately, that experience often helps reinforce the "self-made man" identity. "I lost everything, but I picked myself back up and..." yadda yadda.

[P3nT4gR4m]

Yup - been there, shit all over that teeshirt. "Well I managed to kick mental illness in the teeth while I was homeless, and you've only got a little sniffle of depression and a strong support network..."