20 personal privileges

20 personal privileges By Jessica Turner
1. I am privileged to (without asking) have the door held open for me by the opposite sex. It is almost expected. As a young woman, I am expected to be treated as one, therefore common courtesies such as the aforementioned one above occurs occasionally. This also includes opening the car door, or having your purse held at the mall for you by your significant other while shopping. This is a privilege because it is act of kindness that is automatically given due to my gender.

2. I am privileged to go on a date without the burdening worry or hassle of paying. I can yet again, (especially if this is the first date) expect to be treated with respect. This means, the male steps in by taking his opportunity to do so by purchasing the meal. This is a privilege because it isn’t required, but expected and appreciated. I received such rewards simply by being born a woman.

3. I am privileged to have the opportunity to attend the college/university of my choice in contrast to my ancestors. My ancestors (if blessed financially) had to attend Historically Black Universities, which although was culturally great, limited them to other options out there. I am proud to be a student at an integrated college full of students with diverse ethnicities, beliefs and cultures. This is the “dream” that Martin Luther King wanted to see, am I’m glad to be living it.

4. I am privilege to seek after any career that interest me. There was a time that as an African-American I was restricted to being a house maid whose main priorities was satisfying the family. Now, in 2009, my priority is receiving a degree in Health & Exercise Science and applying to the Physical Therapy program. Moreover have a bright, endless opportunity.

5. I am privileged to be the first set of twins with in our family. I was told that I was a miracle because twins didn’t exist in my family until my sister and I came along, which is usually uncommon. Who knows, I may be able to break that chain one day. Another uncommon thing is for me to survive at such a small weight (3 pounds). In a sense, I’m also privilege d to be here, because not all pre-mature babies make it.



6. I am privileged to walk in a party and automatically receive acceptance due to my race. Usually, parties are filled with African-Americans. Not portraying that African-Americans only party in the least bit. The motto “work hard, play harder “may be relevant. On the other hand, African-Americans have always been a race that sticks together, in various aspects of life, including social events because usually, we are the minority. By sticking together, we can relate to our surroundings.

7. I am privileged to be a U.S. citizen. By living in the “land of the free”, I am granted opportunities that other cultures or countries strive for. It is a controversial situation, how can you be happy for yourself, when others around the world aren’t granted the same opportunities?

8. I am privileged to be mentally, physically, & spiritually stable. Unfortunately, a lot of people are struggling with issues that create problems in one, or all of these categories. Some are hereditary; some are the end result of a crisis. All are severe and should be treated with extreme care.

9. I am privileged to be literate. The personal testimony from Mrs. Williams really touched me. I cannot imagine living in this world, a world that does not favor minorities, and not be able to read, or write. Being a woman of color unfortunately added to the struggle. So if I lived in a different time , I would have two things working against me. There are people who are still struggling with this factor, some who may unfortunately never get to learn. That’s a primary reason why to not take education for granted.

10. I am privileged to have my mother in my life. Various things could be the reasons for a mothers absence in other people’s lives; some controllable, others uncontrollable. This indeed doesn’t apply only to African-Americans, because despite your race, we all need our mothers. But it is sadly rare for African-American parent/parents to be actively involved with in their children’s lives. Although this negative portrayal is becoming a statistic, my mother is, and always will be in my life. It definitely makes an affect on you personally.

11. I’m privileged to have the option to wed a husband of my choice, rather than unlawfully, be forced to participate in a pre-arranged wedding due to cultural beliefs. A wedding is a special and memorable day; therefore, it should be what you as the bride (and groom for that matter) want. (Usually these marriages aren’t significant because they don’t know each other).

12. I’m privileged to have the opportunity to use my passport to see the world. There is so much out there to see, and with access to my passport, it’s even more attainable.
13. I’m privileged to have access to clean, filtered water. Water is a necessity to survive; therefore having an abundant amount that’s both safe and tasty to drink is a plus.
14. I am privileged to have walked in a restaurant and with the right of getting adequately served in contrast to my ancestors. There was a time when my people would in fact get ignored or ridiculed for thinking they deserve service. This should definitely not be taken for granted.
15. I am privileged to have cable. Living in a technologically advanced world is rewarding because you are never behind. It’s easier and quicker to stay updated with the latest news, fashions and more.
16. I am privileged to have received vocational training from a technology center in Tulsa Oklahoma. The teachers at these intuitions have a primary goal: to ensure a “real-world” learning experience for the students. As a student there, you can network, while growing professionally and tune in to a preview of a career of your choice. With the completion and application process increasing, it was an honor.
17. I’m privileged to have good health; including but not limited to respiratory, circulatory, and cardio-vascular system. I also am privileged to have the use of all of my extremities. Unfortunately, not all people are blessed with good health, or ability to move/ and or use their arms and legs for medical reasons. Therefore, I need not to take it for granted.
18. I’m privilege to have the option of wearing pants to my church. There are still some churches who firmly believe that women should only wear skirts in the sanctuary. Thankfully, my church is not as consumed in the image, but the reason for gathering.
19. I’m privileged to have access to technology. For example, cell phones, lab tops, and ipods. Some of these my parents, and grandparents didn’t get to experience in their childhood.
20. I’m privileged to have the option/right to express myself through clothing, hair styles, piercings, and tattoos. This privilege is not open to everyone. I am especially privileged to attend a university with a lot of lee-way regarding clothing. For example, no uniforms. There was a time that women had to wear long skirts every day, and ties for the men. Thankfully, a dress code is irrelevant.