In a recent diary, the founder of this website argued that supporters of Bernie Sanders are privileged, claiming that they didn’t value the African-American vote because of their attempts to appeal to superdelegates. Although I would argue such claims are BS, his post did get me thinking about privilege, in particular the privilege displayed by Clinton voters of all races and sexes.
This is not a privilege of race or gender, but rather the privilege of being an American. No matter who you are, living in the United States confers all sorts of privilege, some of which are directly related to their chosen candidate’s policies.
Clinton supporters in the United States do not have to worry about their country being invaded on President Clinton’s orders as part of a “humanitarian intervention.”
They don’t have to worry about they or their families being struck by American bombs.
They needn’t fear their country’s government being destabilized as a result of said intervention and fanatics imposing their own horrific form of government.
They don’t have to worry about how to get out of their now ruined country and flee to another country that in all likelihood will not welcome them.
They are at no risk of American allies like Saudi Arabia invading their country and destroying their cities with American weapons and tacit American approval.
They don’t have to worry about a coup overthrowing their country’s democratically elected government and the new leadership being recognized by the United States.
Clinton’s supporters may not be actively in favor of these things, but their privilege as Americans allows them to ignore them as they vote.